FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQ
Answers for Families * Answers for Immigrants * Answers for Your Future
Your Most Important Immigration Questions — Answered Clearly and Powerfully
Immigration law is complex confusing and constantly changing. Whether you live in New York Connecticut or Massachusetts you deserve clear accurate answers that help you make informed decisions about your future.
This comprehensive FAQ covers the most common and most important questions immigrants ask about: family-based immigration green cards work permits deportation defense immigration court appeals waivers USCIS processing detention ICE travel and reentry.
Family-Based Immigration FAQs
How long does it take to get a marriage-based green card?
Processing times vary by location but in NY CT and MA most cases take 10 to 24 months depending on whether the spouse is inside or outside the U.S. USCIS field office workload background checks and interview scheduling.
Can I get a green card if I entered the U.S. without a visa?
Yes but you may need an I-601A waiver consular processing or special exceptions depending on your case. We evaluate eligibility during your consultation.
Can a green card holder file for a spouse or child?
Yes. Green card holders can petition for spouses unmarried children under 21 and unmarried sons and daughters 21 and older. These cases fall under the F2A and F2B categories.
What evidence do I need for a marriage-based green card?
Strong evidence includes joint lease or mortgage joint bank accounts photos together travel records affidavits from friends and family insurance policies communication records and more. We prepare a complete officer-friendly evidence package.
What if my spouse and I are separated?
You may still qualify for I-751 waiver VAWA self-petition or humanitarian options. We review your options confidentially.
Green Card and Work Permit FAQs
How long does it take to get a work permit?
Most work permits take 3 to 7 months depending on USCIS workload.
Can I work while my green card is pending?
Yes if you apply for and receive a work permit Form I-765.
Can I travel while my case is pending?
Only if you receive Advance Parole. Traveling without it can cancel your case.
What if my green card expired?
You can renew it but if you have criminal issues or long absences consult an attorney first.
Removal Defense and Deportation FAQs
What should I do if I receive a Notice to Appear NTA?
Contact our office for an immigration attorney immediately. Do not ignore it — missing court can result in an automatic deportation order.
Can I be deported if I have a green card?
Yes. Green card holders can be placed in removal proceedings for criminal convictions fraud misrepresentation long absences and certain immigration violations. We defend LPRs aggressively.
Can I get a work permit while in removal proceedings?
Yes depending on your defense strategy such as asylum cancellation or other relief.
What if I missed my immigration court hearing?
You may qualify for a Motion to Reopen Motion to Rescind or an emergency stay of removal. We act quickly to protect your rights.
Can ICE arrest me if my case is pending?
Yes but we can request bond parole prosecutorial discretion or release based on humanitarian factors.
Appeals and Motions FAQs
What if my case was denied by USCIS?
You may qualify for appeal motion to reopen motion to reconsider or refiling with stronger evidence. We analyze the denial and build a strategy.
How long do I have to file a BIA appeal?
30 days from the date of the decision.
Can I stay in the U.S. while my appeal is pending?
Often yes depending on the type of appeal.
What if my previous lawyer made mistakes?
You may qualify for reopening based on ineffective assistance of counsel procedural errors or missed deadlines. We file Lozada motions when appropriate.
Waivers and Inadmissibility FAQs
What is an I-601A waiver?
It is a waiver for unlawful presence allowing certain immigrants to avoid long bars from reentry.
What is an I-601 waiver?
It covers fraud misrepresentation criminal issues and health-related grounds. We prepare strong hardship arguments.
What is extreme hardship?
Hardship may include medical issues financial hardship emotional hardship educational disruption and family dependency. We build powerful evidence packages.
ICE Detention and Bond FAQs
Can I get a bond if I’m detained by ICE?
Yes unless you fall under mandatory detention. We fight for bond hearings reasonable bond amounts and parole requests.
How long can ICE detain someone?
It depends on criminal history immigration history court scheduling and ICE discretion. We push for release as quickly as possible.
Can ICE come to my home?
Yes, but you have rights. You do not have to open the door you can ask for a warrant you can remain silent and you can request an attorney.
Travel and Reentry FAQs
Can I travel outside the U.S. with a pending case?
Only with Advance Parole. Traveling without it can cancel your case.
Can a green card holder lose their status by traveling ?
Yes if they stay outside the U.S. too long commit certain crimes or abandon residency. We advise before any international travel.
Serving Immigrants Across New York Connecticut and Massachusetts
We proudly serve:
New York NYC Bronx Brooklyn Queens Staten Island Long Island Albany Buffalo Syracuse
Connecticut Hartford New Haven Bridgeport Stamford Waterbury Danbury
Massachusetts Boston Worcester Springfield Lowell Cambridge
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help. Immigration is complicated but you don’t have to face it alone.
Give us a call NY 718-874-599 CT 860-393-0043. Serving NY CT MA