Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Three Important Things to Know About K-3 Spousal Visas
There are many different types of visas that can help family members in foreign countries reunite with their loved ones in the United States. A family preference visa can help immediate relatives of lawful permanent residents to enter the country. Citizens and lawful permanent residents in the U.S. who are engaged to someone in… Read More »
Are Permanent Residents Allowed to Travel?
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs), commonly referred to as green card holders, are often worried about their rights with changing immigration laws and presidential administrations. Regardless of who is in office, though, one thing always remains true. People who are not American citizens can be denied into the United States, including visa and green card… Read More »
Increase in Number of Individuals in Hamilton County, TN Arrested and Transferred to ICE
Since the start of 2025, Hamilton County, TN, has seen a significant increase in the number of undocumented individuals who have been arrested by local authorities and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The majority of the individuals who were arrested are from Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. The rise in arrests… Read More »
What Is An ICE Hold?
Breaking the law comes with consequences for anyone, which can include time spent in detention. For example, if you are arrested for allegedly assaulting another person, you may be processed and taken to the local jail, which the sheriff’s department usually manages. The above is certainly true for individuals with legal status in the… Read More »
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem Cancels Afghanistan TPS
According to Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, after consulting with interagency partners, the conditions in Afghanistan consist of a stable economy and improved security. As a result, Afghanistan no longer meets the requirements necessary to have Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The TPS designation for Afghanistan has been officially terminated. This means that Afghan… Read More »
U.S. Naturalization Statistics for 2024
The United States accepts the most immigrants than any other country. Immigrants that travel to and intend to stay in the United States come from all parts of the world. In the last decade alone, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has welcomed nearly 8 million naturalized citizens into the country. Leaving one’s home… Read More »
What is the 287(g) Program and How Does it Affect the State of Georgia?
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 added Section 287(g) to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), providing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the right to partner with state and local law enforcement and deputize them so they can essentially act in a capacity similar to ICE. Through a… Read More »
Deportation Vs. Voluntary Departure: What is the Difference?
Noncitizens within the United States who are apprehended by immigration enforcement and who do not have a valid defense for removal procedures will not be able to stay in the country. In this scenario, such an individual would be faced with leaving the U.S. either through an order of removal with deportation or a… Read More »
6 Reasons Why It Is Taking So Long to Process Your Immigration Case
Taking the steps to start the process of immigrating to the United States may feel exhilarating. You can’t wait for everything to begin and to eventually have your unique immigration goals met. However, you know that the process can be challenging and even lengthy. Although, if you feel like your situation is taking longer… Read More »
What Happens If You Are In Removal Proceedings and Self-Deport Before Your Court Date?
There is a difference between deportation and voluntary departure from the United States. Non-citizens who have committed offenses that are deportable or who do not have the right to be in the country could find themselves in a dire situation if they are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While voluntary departure and… Read More »