Areas of Practice
REMOVAL (deportation) DEFENSE
We represent individuals facing deportation and removal. Our full-scope representation includes being prepared to challenge the government’s evidence, carefully analyzing all possible defenses against deportation, and presenting all applications for relief for which individuals qualify.
MOTIONS TO REOPEN
We have extensive experience assisting individuals in reopening old deportation orders. We conduct detailed review of records of prior proceedings to identify errors that may provide a basis to reopen an old removal order. We can also help identify whether there has been a change in law that may render an individual newly eligible for relief from deportation.
TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS and NACARA
We help individuals who are eligible to obtain Temporary Protected Status (TPS) because their home country has been designated as not safe. In addition, we help individuals from El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, who may qualify for a green card through NACARA because they came to the U.S. during a certain time period. We also assist in evaluating whether individuals with TPS are eligible for more permanent immigration status.
Investigations and advice
We conduct detailed investigations in order to give clients complete and accurate advice so they can evaluate their legal options. We seek, and carefully review, immigration records in detail, and conduct legal research individualized to each case. We are often asked to provide second opinions in complex immigration matters.
ASYLUM/Convention Against Torture
We represent individuals before the immigration agency and the immigration courts who fear returning to their home country. We have experience assisting clients defend against terrorism and security-related bars to admission. We also assist individuals seeking withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture.
Appeals and FEDERAL LITIGATION
We have a proven track record of litigating cases in federal court. When the immigration agencies make errors, the only remedy may be to file suit in federal court. We have won numerous cases in both district court and the federal court of appeals. In addition, we engage in class-action litigation that aims to protect the rights of large groups of immigrants.
VICTIMS OF CRIME/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
We work compassionately with individuals who have been the victims of crime and who have experienced domestic violence in the United States. We can assist with U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa), legal status through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and permanent residence applications.
Waivers of Inadmissibility/DEPORTABILITY
We have extensive experience assisting individuals who need to request a waiver of inadmissibility because of a criminal conviction, prior deportation, unlawful presence, or an allegation of a prior misrepresentation. We assist individuals applying for stateside (I-601A and I-212) waivers in connection with consular processing.
FAMILY BASED IMMIGRATION
We help individuals sponsor family members, or otherwise apply for permanent residence in the United States through adjustment of status or consular processing. We have special expertise in assisting individuals where the petitioner has died, or on complex issues under INA section 245(i).
IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES OF CRIMES
We consult with criminal defense attorneys to ensure positive outcomes that eliminate or reduce the immigration consequences of criminal convictions for clients, either for pending charges or in pursuit of post conviction relief. We also have expertise arguing before the immigration agencies and courts that convictions should not trigger deportation or bar immigration relief.
DETENTION and bond
We represent individuals who are being detained by ICE, including those seeking release on bond from an Immigration Judge. We are passionate about helping clients fight against unjust and unnecessary immigration detention. We have particular expertise in the complex legal regime governing immigration detention, and help individuals seek release from jail through filing habeas corpus petitions in the federal district courts.
CITIZENSHIP AND NATURALIZATION
We help individuals apply for their citizenship and we are particularly adept at assisting with applications that involve a complicating factor, such as a criminal conviction or a prior issue with immigration. In addition, we apply the complicated derivation and acquisition of citizenship rules to help determine whether individuals may already be U.S. citizens.