Pastor & Associates P.C.

What evidence can help prove hardship in a removal defense?

2026-07-02T12:43:29Z

When your family depends on you, deportation, also called removal, can affect more than your immigration status. It may change your children’s care, your spouse’s income, your parents’ medical care and the stability you have built in New York. If you are a nonlawful permanent resident asking the immigration court for cancellation of removal, proving exceptional and extremely unusual hardship is critical. This hardship must affect a qualifying family member, such as a U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse, parent or child. Because this is a higher standard than ordinary hardship, your records should show specific problems rather than general stress or inconvenience. This evidence may help show how removal would affect that qualifying relative:

1. Medical and caregiving proof

Gather doctor notes, medical files, prescription lists, therapy records and proof of ongoing treatment for a qualifying relative. These documents show health needs, caregiving responsibilities and how that person may depend on your presence.

2. School and child development documents

Keep report cards, attendance reports, school evaluations, therapy notes and Individualized Education Programs. If your child receives special support, these documents may help explain what removal would disrupt.

3. Financial and household proof

Save tax returns, pay stubs, rent payment history, bank statements, bills and proof of regular household expenses. These documents can show how your income, childcare, transportation or daily support helps keep your household stable.

4. Country conditions and New York support

Reports about conditions in the country where you could be sent may help explain whether medical care, education, safety or other services would be limited. You can also gather proof of your family’s New York support network, including local doctors, schools, relatives, community groups or services.

Organize records around what your family could lose

Before a hearing, group records by the person affected, the date and the issue each item explains. A document is stronger when it shows a specific responsibility, such as paying rent, attending therapy appointments, managing school support or caring for a sick relative. The goal is to help the judge understand not only what papers you have, but what your family may lose if those responsibilities are interrupted.

What’s the fastest way to bring your spouse to the US?

2026-06-15T10:41:48Z

When your spouse lives outside the United States, waiting can feel painful and uncertain. A missing form does not just slow a case; it can mean another holiday apart, another school year with one parent overseas or another month of not knowing when your family can live in the same home. The fastest path is usually not a special shortcut. It is the correct process for your status, your spouse’s location and your immigration history.

Start with your own immigration status

Your status controls the first major question. A U.S. citizen may petition for a spouse as an immediate relative. A lawful permanent resident may also petition for a spouse, but that case usually falls under a family preference category. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses filing Form I-130 to confirm that a qualifying family relationship exists. In a spouse case, that petition usually starts the immigration process, but approval alone does not issue a visa or green card.

Know which overseas process applies

If your spouse lives outside the United States, the case usually moves through consular processing after the petition stage. That means the petition starts with USCIS, then later moves through the National Visa Center and a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. The spouse’s country of residence, prior visa history, past immigration problems or prior removal history can affect the timeline. Before choosing a strategy, families should review the full family immigration case and understand whether any issue could delay the case.

Know when a visa wait may apply

Spouses of U.S. citizens do not wait for a family preference visa number in the same way that many other relatives do. Spouses of lawful permanent residents, however, fall under the F2A category. The State Department’s visa bulletin shows when family-sponsored categories may move forward. This does not mean every case moves at the same speed. Background checks, missing documents, interviews, prior denials and security review can still affect timing.

Avoid mistakes that cost months

Many delays start with small paperwork problems. Names, dates, translations, marriage proof, divorce decrees, tax records and financial sponsorship forms all need careful attention. A family-based case can also become harder if one spouse has past unlawful presence, criminal history, misrepresentation or a prior order of removal. These issues do not always end the case, but they can change the strategy.

Choose the path that protects your family

The fastest spouse immigration path is the one that fits your facts and avoids preventable errors. Gather marriage records, prior immigration documents, passports, tax records and any notices from immigration agencies. Then review whether you should pursue consular processing, adjustment of status or another option tied to your family’s history. A clear plan can help you move forward with fewer surprises and a better understanding of what must happen next.

Can the government revoke U.S. citizenship once granted?

2026-05-20T15:27:26Z

Citizenship is one of the most significant legal statuses a person can hold in the United States. For the millions of naturalized citizens living in New York and across the country, a common question is whether that status is truly permanent or if the government can take it away.

Constitutional shields for citizenship

The 14th Amendment establishes that all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., and subject to its jurisdiction, are citizens of both the country and the state where they reside. If you were born on U.S. soil, the authorities cannot strip your citizenship against your will. For naturalized citizens, the protections are more nuanced. The Supreme Court has long established that naturalized citizens hold the same rights as those born here, but Congress retains the power to set conditions on how individuals obtain citizenship and, in limited cases, how the government can revoke it.

Legal grounds behind revocation

The federal government can pursue revocation on two primary grounds. The first is illegal procurement, which means you did not meet the legal requirements for naturalization at the time the authorities granted it. This applies regardless of whether intentional fraud was involved. The second one is concealment or misrepresentation, which involves a deliberate failure to disclose key information during the naturalization process. For this, the government must show the misrepresentation was material and played a role in obtaining your citizenship.

Federal mechanisms of denaturalization

Denaturalization proceedings take place in federal district court, not through an administrative process. In civil cases, the authorities must prove its claims by clear, convincing and unequivocal evidence, a higher bar than most require. In New York, the U.S. Attorney's Office files the complaint in the court where you live. The case follows standard civil procedures, though a ruling against you can seriously affect your immigration status and your right to remain in the country.

Legal options for your defense

If you learn that your citizenship is under review, consulting an immigration attorney can help. These cases move through the federal courts rather than immigration courts, a distinction that calls for a different legal approach and knowledge of civil procedure. You have the right to contest the government's claims and present evidence in your defense. Possible arguments include challenging whether an alleged omission was truly material or showing that any error was unintentional. You may also be able to demonstrate that you met all legal requirements at the time you received citizenship.

Immigration Detainees Face Steep Challenges

2026-04-17T05:57:04Z

Our Founding attorney Caridad Pastor was recently quoted in an article regarding Immigration Detainees facing a hard battle in Immigration court. Many of the detainees are having a difficult time getting their bond hearing approved. See this link to read the article.

Immigration fraud – Denied US citizenshhip. Will Immigration take away my green card?

2025-01-02T16:21:58Z

This short guide discusses what happens when USCIS finds that you have committed fraud in a prior application, denies your citizenship application and places you in immigration court proceedings.

Introduction

These days many people who apply for citizenship are being denied because the government says they committed fraud when they applied for permanent residency. The alleged fraud could be as simple as failing to disclose something on any prior immigration form to outright omission of prior crimes or deportations. Instead of getting their citizenship, people are then placed in immigration court proceedings. Most often, the alleged fraud was committed decades ago.

How can USCIS use alleged prior fraud to deny US citizenship?

The government uses the prior alleged fraud to state that because you were never a lawful permanent resident and therefore you do not qualify for citizenship. Citizenship applicants do not qualify if they were not lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the law because permanent residency status was obtained by fraud, willful misrepresentation, or if the admission was otherwise not in compliance with the law. USCIS issued a new policy alert on November 18, 2020 which states that people are ineligible for naturalization in cases where they did not obtain LPR status lawfully “including cases where the U.S. government was unaware of disqualifying material facts and had therefore previously granted adjustment of status to that of an LPR or admitted the applicant as an LPR”. This means the government will scrutinize cases even more. The government may say you lied on a previous application (such as a tourist visa application or a green card application) and therefore you are guilty of fraud and/or misrepresentation. If you fail to put the truth down on the citizenship application, then USCIS will say you have misrepresented during the citizenship process and you lack good moral character. Good moral character is necessary in order to become a U.S. citizen. Generally, you must show that you are a person of good moral character for the 5 years immediately preceding the filing of the naturalization application.

Examples of USCIS erroneous fraud findings

For example, the government can base the fraud finding on a document they believe is fake when in fact the document is perfectly legitimate. The government may state that a name or fingerprint matches those on another case when in fact they do not. The government may say you were deported before when in fact, it is a case of mistaken identity. The most important thing to remember is to submit proof that USCIS is mistaken. If you are in immigration court, the government must submit proof. That will be the subject of a different guide. Additional resources provided by the author https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-updates-policy-guidance-on-naturalization-applicants-who-did-not-properly-obtain-lawful

Losing US Citizenship – Denaturalization

2025-06-24T09:27:50Z

This guide will discuss the reasons for denaturalization

What is Denaturalization

Denaturalization is when a person loses U.S. citizenshiip. The person must have naturalized in the U.S. meaning that at some point they applied for U.S. citizenship and the application was granted. Only a federal judge can denaturalize a person.

How does the denaturalization process start?

The U.S. Attorney for the federal district in which the person resides, and also usually an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, start a court case by filing a complaint with the federal court in a person's district. The complaint will state what the reasons are that the government thinks a person should lose U.S. citizenship and will request that the federal judge denaturalize the person. The person then must file an answer to the complaint within the time specified. Failing to file an answer means the government can get a default judgment and the person will be denaturalized.

What are the reasons for U.S. citizenship to be taken away by denaturalization?

A few reasons you can be denaturalized:

You were not eligible to become a U.S. citizen when you applied because you obtained permanent residency illegally therefore you were not a permanent resident which is necessary requirement for becoming a U.S. citizen;
You were not eligible to become a U.S. citizen because you engaged in acts which would disqualify you from becoming a U.S. citizen. These could be because you were convicted of murder or an aggravated felony . You could also be ineligible for U.S. citizenship if you lack good moral character. You could be found to lack good moral character if for example, you fail to pay child support.
You willfully misrepresented a material fact. Willfully means you deliberately lied or omitted a material fact. Materail means that if the USCIS officer conducting the naturalization interview would have known the truth, he/she would have changed their mind about granting you citizenship.

Do you need a lawyer if the government tries to take away your U.S. citizenship?

Yes. Denaturalization is a complex procedure involving civil litigation in the federal courts. The risk of losing citizenship not only affects the person losing the citizenship but also any family members he/she petitioned for whether for permanent residency or derivative citizenship. Additional resources provided by the author Recent denaturalization efforts by the government are known as Operation Janus. You can read more about this in: https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/what-is-operation-janus-which-has-taken-citizenship-of-first-naturalised-indian-american/1009821/ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/19/magazine/naturalized-citizenship-immigration-trump.html

El nuevo programa de parole para conyuges de cuidadanos Estado Unidense

2024-09-23T06:04:28Z

Qué es el Anuncio de Alivio Afirmativo del Presidente Biden

El 18 de junio de 2024, el presidente Biden anunció una serie de acciones de inmigración utilizando la autoridad que le otorgan las leyes migratorias existentes. Estas acciones ayudarán a ciertas personas indocumentadas en los Estados Unidos, incluyendo:

Cónyuges e hijos(as) de ciudadanos(as) estadounidenses que hayan estado viviendo en los Estados Unidos durante al menos 10 años.
- Usted puede ser elegible para solicitar su residencia permanente (también conocida como tarjeta verde o green card) sin salir de los Estados Unidos si cumple con estas condiciones a partir del 17 de junio de 2024:
  - Se encuentra en los Estados Unidos después de haber ingresado sin permiso;
  - Ha vivido en los Estados Unidos durante al menos 10 años y nunca ha salido del país;
  - Está legalmente casado con un(a) ciudadano(a) estadounidense o tiene una relación de hijastro con un ciudadano estadounidense; y
  - No tiene ciertos antecedentes criminales ni representa una amenaza para la seguridad nacional o la seguridad pública.

Si cumple con estos criterios, el gobierno PODRÍA otorgarle permiso de permanencia temporal (“parole- in-place”).
- El permiso de permanencia temporal se concedería por un período único de tres años.
- También podría ser elegible para un permiso de trabajo por hasta tres años.

Si se le concede el permiso de permanencia temporal (“parole-in-place”), puede solicitar su tarjeta verde dentro de los tres años siguientes a su aprobación.
La elegibilidad se determina según cada caso.

Beneficiarios de DACA con estudios universitarios y Soñadores (Dreamers) que reúnen los requisitos para obtener un estatus de no inmigrante, como una visa de ocupación especializada H-1B.
- Puede ser elegible para solicitar una visa temporal más fácilmente si:
  - Tiene un título de una institución de educación superior acreditada en los EE. UU.; y
  - Tiene una oferta de empleo de un empleador estadounidense en un campo relacionado con su carrera.

Tenga en cuenta que estos programas TODAVÍA NO han comenzado. Se espera que los detalles sobre cómo presentar la solicitud se publiquen a fines del verano mediante una notificación en el Registro Federal (Federal Register). Esto significa que:

Todavía NO PUEDE presentar una aplicación en este momento.
- Se RECHAZARÁ toda solicitud presentada con anticipación.

NO DEBE pagarle a nadie una tarifa asociada con la presentación de una solicitud en este momento.
TENGA PACIENCIA y tómese el tiempo para encontrar la ayuda adecuada. El asesoramiento incorrecto podría perjudicar sus posibilidades de permanecer en los Estados Unidos, obtener un estatus legal o convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense.
NO SE DEJE ENGAÑAR por notarios y otros consultores que prometen resultados inmediatos o soluciones especiales que sólo buscan robarle su dinero. ¡Muchas personas inescrupulosas le cobrarán más que los abogados licenciados! Si no está seguro de si alguien esté calificado para ayudarlo, solicite una prueba de sus credenciales y conserve una copia de esa evidencia. Aprende más en https://stopnotariofraud.org/

Este programa también podría ser impugnado legalmente, lo que podría afectar su implementación. Esto hace que sea aún más importante tener un abogado calificado y muy bien informado. Le recomendamos que se comunique con nuestra oficina PASTOR & ASSOCIATES, si tiene alguna pregunta llamando a este teléfono: (248) 619-00654 Esta hoja informativa solo es para brindar información general y no constituye asesoramiento legal. No debe actuar ni confiar en la información contenida en esta hoja informativa sin buscar el asesoramiento de un abogado de inmigración competente y con licencia.

New rule on parole for spouses of U.S. citizens

2024-09-23T05:04:06Z

What Is the Affirmative Relief Announcement?

On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced a series of immigration actions using the authority granted to him by our existing immigration laws. These actions will help certain undocumented individuals in the United States, including:

Spouses and children of U.S. citizens who have been living in the United States for at least 10 years.
- You may be eligible to apply for your green card without leaving the United States, if, as of June 17, 2024:
  - You are in the United States after entering without permission;
  - You have lived in the United States for at least 10 years and have never left;
  - You are legally married to a U.S. citizen or have a qualifying stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen; and
  - You do not have certain criminal history or pose a threat to national security or public safety.

If you meet these criteria, the government MAY grant you parole-in-place.
Parole would be granted for a one-time period of three years.
- You may also be eligible for employment authorization for up to three years.

If you are granted parole, you may apply for your green card within three years of approval.
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

College-educated DACA recipients and Dreamers who are qualified for nonimmigrant status, such as an H-1B specialty occupation visa.
- You may be eligible to apply for a temporary visa more easily, if:
  - You have a degree from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education; and
  - You have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to your degree.

Please note that these programs have NOT YET begun. Details on how to apply are expected to be released by the end of the summer through a Federal Register notice. This means:

You CANNOT submit an application at this time.
- An early-filed application WILL BE REJECTED.

You SHOULD NOT pay anyone a fee associated with filing an application at this time.
BE PATIENT and take the time to find the right help. The wrong advice could harm your chances of staying in the United States, getting lawful status, or becoming a U.S. citizen.
DON’T BE FOOLED by notarios and other consultants who promise immediate results or special solutions in order to steal your money. Many unscrupulous individuals will cost more than licensed attorneys! If you are unsure if someone is qualified to help, ask for proof of their credentials and retain a copy of that evidence.

This program could also be legally challenged, which could impact its implementation. This makes it even more important to have a qualified, knowledgeable attorney. We encourage you to contact our office, Pastor & Associates at (248) 619-0065 if you have any questions. This flyer is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this flyer without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney.

PIP FOR SPOUSES OF US CITIZENS

2024-08-08T10:50:05Z

Starting August 19,2024, persons who are undocumented can apply for parole. The person must be married to a U.S. citizen and have lived in the USA for ten years since June 17, 2024. They must not be a threat to the public safety or security of the USA. They also have to show why USCIS should grant them parole.

Once granted the person can apply for work authorization and the green card process through their U.S. citizen spouse without having to leave the USA.

Call us for more information.

Parole para personas sin papeles

2024-08-08T10:47:33Z

Empezando el 19 de agosto, 2024, las personas indocumentadas pueden aplicar para un Parole si tiene ciertos requisitos incluyendo estar casados con ciudadanos americanos yvivir en los estados unidos por 10 años incluyendo antes del 17 de junio 2024. No pueden tener antecedentes penales que perjudica a la seguridad de la nación. Y también tiene que demonstrar porque le deben otorgar el pip. El gobierno americano va anunciar en los próximos días el proceso que se usará para aplicar. Si lo aprueban, puede pedir permiso de trabajo y aplicar para residencia a travez de su cónyuge americano. Si ne edita más información llame a nuestros abogados.