Immigration & Naturalization Law

Client was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her boyfriend. She finally reported the violence and obtained a temporary order of protection against him. Despite the temporary order of protection, our client was so fearful that she left her home with her daughter and remained in hiding to escape her abuser. Although our client did not appear in court to get a permanent order of protection against her boyfriend, USCIS determined that she and her daughter were both eligible for the U Visa.

Client had been falsely recruited by an agency to come to the US from his home country to work on a ship but instead forced to work in the kitchen of a restaurant washing dishes for 12 hours a day and living under inhumane conditions. Client was told by the traffickers that he had an enforceable ten month contract, after which he was to buy his own airfare to go back to the Philippines. Client was able to escape after several months and come to Chicago. Our attorneys determined that he had been a victim of trafficking and involuntary servitude, assisting him in cooperating with the U.S. Department of Labor in the investigation of the trafficking criminal activity. In doing so, the client qualified for U Visa certification and our attorneys were able to successfully get approval of his visa.

Client was a victim of an armed robbery at his place of business, where he worked as a clerk. He immediately reported the crime to the police and cooperated with the authorities in hopes of capture of the assailant and bringing him to justice. Although the assailant was never caught, the USCIS determined that he was eligible for the U Visa. His wife, as his beneficiary, was also eligible for the U Visa.

Client was granted deferred action and employment authorization through Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals (DACA) program despite having been charged as a juvenile for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia as well as being placed on probation. Our attorneys successfully argued that although the client has a juvenile delinquency, he has not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more misdemeanors, and did not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Client from Iran feared persecution because of his political opinion and his perceived involvement in the Green Movement. Our attorneys’ detailed legal papers demonstrated that the client and his family could not have a safe and secure life in Iran under such circumstances. Client was granted asylum several weeks after his asylum interview. His spouse and child joined him shortly thereafter as asylee derivatives.

Client from Syria feared persecution for being a Christian. Our attorneys’ detailed legal papers outlined that the client’s life or freedom would be threatened in Syria by reason of his religion and his membership in a particular social group. Client was granted asylum about two weeks after his asylum interview.

Client from Iran was admitted to the U.S. as a tourist several years earlier and remained in the U.S. while being out of status. She feared returning to Iran due to her religious conversion 8 months earlier. At her asylum interview, the issue that she had not filed for asylum within one year of admission to the US was raised. Our attorneys’ legal brief argued that she was still eligible for asylum under an exception to the rule relating to, when our client had converted. Client was granted asylum within two weeks of the interview.

Client from Iran feared persecution for converting from Islam to Christianity, a crime punishable by death under Sharia law in Iran. Our attorneys carefully prepared the client’s application and thoroughly prepared her for her asylum interview. Client was interviewed by the Chicago Asylum Office within 30 days of filing and granted asylum within two weeks of being interviewed.