Photo: Paige Cody / UnsplashBasics and pathways
- Courts and claims
Visa vs. Green Card vs. Citizenship: What Is the Difference?
A plain-English overview of temporary visas, lawful permanent residence and U.S. citizenship and the rights each gives.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Green Card Through Marriage: Basics of Spousal Immigration
How a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a spouse, the general steps, evidence of a genuine marriage and common pitfalls.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Sponsoring a Family Member for Immigration: Petitions, Categories and the Affidavit of Support
How family-based immigration works, who can sponsor whom, immediate relatives versus preference categories, wait times, the affidavit of support and common mistakes.
4 min read - Courts and claims
U.S. Work Visas Overview: H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN and More
A general guide to common employment-based nonimmigrant visas, who they are for and why employer sponsorship and legal advice matter.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Traveling Abroad With a Green Card: Rules and Risks
General guidance for permanent residents who travel, including reentry documents, long absences and carrying proper identification.
2 min read - Courts and claims
DACA Basics: What It Is and Where to Find Current Information
A general explanation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, why its legal status has been in flux and where to check current official information.
2 min read
Citizenship
- Courts and claims
Naturalization Basics: How a Green Card Holder Becomes a U.S. Citizen
The general requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship, the application process and the civics and English tests.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Naturalization Test and Interview: What to Expect on Your Path to U.S. Citizenship
What happens at a naturalization interview, the English and civics tests, common reasons for delays or denial, how to prepare and what to bring.
4 min read
Court, status problems and enforcement
- Courts and claims
Notice to Appear in Immigration Court: What It Means and What to Do Next
What a Notice to Appear (NTA) is, how removal proceedings work, how to check your hearing date, why missing court is dangerous and how to find legal help.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Immigration Court Basics: What Happens at a Hearing
A general overview of how immigration court works, notices to appear, hearing types and how to find legitimate legal help.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Immigration Detention and Bond Hearings: General Overview
How immigration detention and bond hearings work in general, who may be eligible and how families can find legal help.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Asylum Basics: Who Can Apply and What to Know About Deadlines
A general overview of U.S. asylum law, who may qualify, the one-year filing deadline and the importance of qualified legal help.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Visa Overstay: Consequences, Bars and Options for Staying or Fixing Your Status
What happens when you overstay a visa, how unlawful presence and the 3-year and 10-year bars work, exceptions for family members of U.S. citizens and next steps.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Immigration Consequences of a Criminal Charge: Why Non-Citizens Need Special Advice
How arrests, pleas and convictions can affect green cards, visas and citizenship, including aggravated felonies, moral turpitude and why to talk to an immigration lawyer before pleading.
4 min read
Finding help and avoiding scams
- Courts and claims
Free and Low-Cost Immigration Legal Help: Attorneys, Accredited Representatives and Scams to Avoid
How to find trustworthy free or low-cost immigration legal help, what accredited representatives can do, and how to avoid notarios and fraud.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Immigration Lawyer Cost: What You Might Pay, Free Options and How to Choose
Typical fee structures for immigration lawyers, government filing fees, free and low-cost alternatives, red flags and questions to ask before hiring.
4 min read - Courts and claims
How to Avoid Immigration Fraud and "Notario" Scams
How to find legitimate immigration legal help, what notarios and visa consultants cannot do and where to report fraud.
2 min read - Work, business and lawyers
How to Find Free or Low-Cost Legal Help in the US
Where to look for legal aid, law school clinics, bar association referral programs and court self-help centers.
2 min read
Frequently asked questions
Who can give immigration legal advice?
Licensed attorneys and accredited representatives working for recognized nonprofit organizations. Notarios and immigration consultants who are not lawyers cannot.
What is a Notice to Appear?
A document that starts removal proceedings in immigration court. It is the beginning of a case, not a deportation order.
Can I fix an overstay by marrying a U.S. citizen?
Possibly, if you entered with inspection and meet other requirements, but get individualized legal advice first.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost?
Fees vary by case type and location. Ask for a written fee agreement and a separate list of government fees.
Where can I find free immigration help?
Recognized nonprofits, accredited representatives, law school clinics and pro bono programs.