USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and Immigration Court (EOIR) are two separate systems. If the government is actively trying to deport you, your case is in Immigration Court. If not, you're likely dealing with USCIS. Some applications can only be decided by USCIS, some only by the court, and some by either — many factors influence where your case falls.

Processing times vary depending on whether a case is before the immigration court or USCIS. For court cases, detained matters move quickly, while non-detained cases can take one year or more to resolve. In many situations, cases may remain pending for several years due to court backlogs.

It depends. Some people are eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) based on a pending application or their current immigration status — but not everyone qualifies. It's important to understand that you should not apply for an immigration benefit solely for the purpose of obtaining work authorization.

Driver's licenses are issued by each state, not by immigration authorities. Eligibility depends on your state's laws and what immigration process you may have pending. Some states allow individuals with certain pending applications to obtain a license, while others do not. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for their specific requirements.

Yes. How you entered the U.S. does affect your legal options, but it does not mean you have no options. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for asylum, cancellation of removal, VAWA, a U visa, or other forms of relief.

You have rights. You do not have to open the door unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. You have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions about your immigration status. Do not sign any documents without speaking to an attorney. If possible, record the encounter or have a witness present. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Do not travel outside or within the United States without consulting with an attorney first. Travel while a case is pending can be risky and may affect the outcome.

Many parents choose to prepare a power of attorney, guardianship designation, or dependency petition so a trusted person can care for their children if they are ever detained or deported. This is not an immigration matter — it's handled by state courts. I do not handle these cases, but I can refer you to attorneys who do.

The firm uses secure email and phone communication. You'll receive updates as your case progresses and can contact the office during normal business hours.

You will always be notified once your case has been filed. I review all applications, petitions, and supporting evidence with you before filing so you are aware of everything being submitted and can confirm its accuracy.

For privacy reasons, I can only share case information with the client or individuals authorized in writing. If you'd like someone else to receive updates or speak on your behalf, please discuss that directly with me.

You must notify me immediately and file an address change with USCIS or EOIR. Failing to update your address may cause you to miss important notices or hearings.

If you miss a court hearing, the judge may issue an order of removal in your absence. It's extremely important to attend every scheduled hearing. If you ever miss one because of an emergency or mistake, contact an attorney immediately.

You may still have legal options, such as a motion to reopen, appeal, or certain humanitarian forms of relief. It's important to act quickly and schedule a consultation as soon as possible to review your specific situation.