Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Long is ICE Detention?
Being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is very overwhelming. Whether you fear being placed in detention, or a loved one is already detained, you are likely worried about the time limit for ICE detention. ICE detention can take between 48 hours to 90 days. In some instances, a person may be detained… Read More »
How Can an Atlanta Deportation Defense Lawyer Help?
Deportation proceedings, formally known as removal proceedings, are initiated when the Department of Homeland Security files a Notice to Appear (NTA) with the immigration court. An NTA outlines the immigration violations you are being accused of and notifies you of the date of your first hearing. An immigration judge will then determine whether you… Read More »
Understanding Evidence Categories for EB-1A Visa Applications
In the complicated immigration system in the United States, the EB-1A visa is an option that can offer applicants a fast track to permanent residency in the United States. Applicants must show that they have an extraordinary ability in their field. When proving this extraordinary ability, you must also present strong evidence that supports… Read More »
What are Expert Advisory Letters and How Can You Get One?
Expert advisory letters, also known as expert opinion letters, are formal documents written by a recognized authority in support of an immigration petition. Expert advisory letters are used to prove an applicant’s expertise, authority, or achievements to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These letters carry a great deal of weight as they… Read More »
FAQs About Immigration Bonds
When people are arrested for a crime in the United States, they can often post bond, commonly known as bail, and be released from custody until their trial or other court appearances. The same is sometimes true when immigrants are arrested and placed in custody. These individuals may also be eligible for bond, but… Read More »
Timelines and Fees for Premium Processing
When a foreign national is applying for employment-based immigration, it is sometimes necessary to expedite the process so they can enter the United States faster. In these instances, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers premium processing to help with these situations. Premium processing can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to… Read More »
What are the Arguments For and Against 287(g) Agreements?
A 287(g) agreement is a program that allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to authorize sheriffs, local police officers, and other law enforcement officers to perform certain duties under federal immigration law. The program is intended to promote public safety by removing criminal offenders with no official immigrant status from communities. However,… Read More »
Can ICE Detain U.S. Citizens?
Although American citizens cannot be deported, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials sometimes accidentally detain citizens. For example, ICE may detain American citizens based on outdated records, misidentification, or confusion regarding a person’s immigration status. If you are a United States citizen and are stopped by ICE, it is critical to know what to… Read More »
Understanding Your Rights if You Encounter ICE
Every person in the United States has rights, regardless of their immigration status. Unfortunately, this does not mean that those rights are always upheld by law enforcement officials or immigration authorities. The rights of immigrants today seem to be under increasing threat, particularly if you have been approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement… Read More »
Avoiding RFEs: Common Pitfalls
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if there is not sufficient evidence to approve your immigration application but they also do not believe there is no clear reason to deny your application. An RFE can result in delays, additional stress, and even a potential denial of… Read More »