Opinion

Six months ago, we were telling clients that their work cards should be adjudicated within 3-4 months. Today, I’m telling clients it could be closer to 5-6 months. Last year, people could file for Naturalization and expect an interview within 5-6 months. Today, it’s closer to 12 months. I-90s to replace green cards take nearly 9 months. I-751s […]

As a lawyer, I know how much words matter. In an asylum case saying once that you were hit with a fist and then later saying you were slapped can be the difference in approval or denial. How you choose to label or call something sheds light on how you view it. For example, calling someone a

Regardless of your faith, or lack thereof, there is no disputing the global and enduring impact of Jesus’s birth. Christmas Day is a perfect time to think about Jesus as a refugee. According to the Bible (Matthew 2:1-15), King Harrod was intimidated by news of the birth of the “King of the Jews.” Since no

This is a tough post to write, because I generally like the Atlanta USCIS Field Office. The officers and staff are usually professional, kind, and helpful. But for the past several months, changes have been made that chill the relationship between them and their customers (clients/attorneys). Yes, there are always things that I’ll complain about – like

Oh, that pesky travel ban – The Administration keeps trying to push it through, but they keep failing. Last week, two judges (in Hawaii and Maryland) issued restraining orders against the newest travel ban from going fully into effect. What Did Travel Ban 3.0 Look Like? For the most part, the travel ban limited anyone

Every day, I receive at least one inquiry (if not five or six) from people asking when their pending cases will be decided by USCIS. I explain how people can track their cases online and also how the online data about processing times are misleading. I know people are anxious to have their cases resolved (especially

The Atlanta USCIS has been suffering since January. They lost their Field Office Director and a Branch Chief to promotions and a second Branch Chief was out for medical reasons. The folks left behind did their best to continue on, but it’s been difficult. It’s rough in any organization when you lose leaders and key