Bretz & Coven, Immigration Lawyers

Immigration Courts Cancel Most Hearings! Only Detained and Individual Hearings Will be HeardImmigration Courts Cancel Most Hearings! Only Detained and Individual Hearings Will be Heard

A student set to study at #Northeastern #University was #deported back to his home country of #Iran despite a #CourtOrder staying his removal. The #student was attempting to enter the country on a #StudentVisa but was stopped and #arrested by #UnitedStates #Customs and #BorderProtection (#CBP). Learn more: http://ow.ly/tHz250y6ZTX

The United States #SupremeCourt is set to hear a case in which an #AsylumSeeker, set to be #deported as part of the expedited removal process, argues that #ExpeditedRemoval violates the #SuspensionClause of the #USConstitution. The case, which is being argued by the #American #CivilLiberties Union (#ACLU), could have significant implications for #asylum seekers throughout the United States. And, if the argument is successful, it could eliminate the practice of expedited removal entirely. Learn More: http://ow.ly/Oa3T50y1bDF

United States #Citizenship and #Immigration Services (#USCIS), the #government agency that oversees the #naturalization process, has been reviewing the #NaturalizationTest that will result in changes to the test starting in December 2020 or early 2021. The review is intended to update and redesign the test to be closer in line with goals set out by the current Presidential administration. Some fear that the review will make it harder for #immigrants to become #naturalized, but the full set of changes have not yet been set in stone. #ImmigrationLaw Learn More: https://www.bretzlaw.com//changes-to-naturalization-test-/

#Undocumented #migrants working in #agricultural jobs may have a path to #citizenship in the future, thanks to a vote by the United States House of Representatives. The bill, which now goes to the Senate, would allow potentially thousands of undocumented #FarmWorkers to seek legal status, and eventually, citizenship, were it to become law. #immigration #MigrantWorker Click on the link to learn more: http://ow.ly/G9zR50xO3Iq

United States #Customs and #Immigration Services (#USCIS) has announced it is implementing two changes to the good moral character requirement for #naturalization. The two new changes could have a major impact on the ability of some #immigrants’ ability to seek American #citizenship, or perhaps even impact their ability to stay in the country legally. Immigrants seeking to become American citizens should be aware of these changes and the impact they could have on their applications. Click on the link to learn more: https://www.bretzlaw.com//uscis-implements-two-changes-to/

The last remaining #legal challenge to New York’s #GreenLight #law has been #dismissed, clearing way for it to come into effect. The law, which allows #UndocumentedImmigrants to obtain #DriversLicenses in #NewYork, has stirred up #controversy both in the state and across the country, and several legal challenges were raised against it. The suit was dismissed on #ProceduralGrounds, however, and never reached a #judgment on the #merits. Click on the link below to learn more: https://www.bretzlaw.com//final-challenge-to-new-york-gre/

From 1989 to 2003, a #CivilWar in #Liberia drove many #Liberians to flee their homeland, with thousands seeking #refuge in the #UnitedStates. While many were protected under Deferred Enforced Departure (#DED) status and, for a time, under Temporary #ProtectedStatus (#TPS), they were denied a pathway to #citizenship. With a new measure in the #NationalDefense Authorization Act (#NDAA), however, thousands of Liberians will be able to apply for #GreenCards and become legal #PermanentResidents. #ImmigrationLaw Click on the link to learn more: https://www.bretzlaw.com//4000-liberians-now-able-to-appl/

Wishing You a Healthy & Happy Holiday Season!

United States #Customs and #ImmigrationServices (#USCIS) has commenced a review of fees related to #ImmigrationApplications, with some fees set to increase by as much as 61%. The review is currently in its comment period, which is set to end on December 19th. If the new fees are accepted, it could severely impact the ability of less wealthy #immigrants to achieve a legal #immigration status. Click on the link below to learn more: https://www.bretzlaw.com//cost-of-immigration-application/

Since 2016, the number of #AsylumApplications #denied by the #NewYork #immigration court has skyrocketed from 15% to 44%, according to The Daily Beast. As the largest #ImmigrationCourt in the #UnitedStates, the New York immigration court, located in #Manhattan, hears more #asylum applications than anywhere else in the country. And, due to a variety of #PolicyChanges instituted by the #TrumpAdministration, it has sharply cut down on the number of asylum applications it has approved. Click on the link below to learn more: https://www.bretzlaw.com//asylum-denials-skyrocket-in-ny-/

Judge Shelley Josephs, a #Massachusetts #DistrictCourt #judge, is being #prosecuted by the #UnitedStates government for #ObstructionOfJustice and aiding and abetting a #fugitive. The charges stem from an incident in April 2018, when she allegedly assisted an #UndocumentedImmigrant in escaping from #Immigration and Customs Enforcement (#ICE) officers who were waiting to take the immigrant into #custody. Judge Josephs is already on suspended pay as a result of the incident, pending the outcome of the criminal case. Click on the link below to learn more: https://www.bretzlaw.com//feds-seek-to-prosecute-judge-wh/

Wishing You and Your Loved Ones a Happy #Thanksgiving!