Case Studies

In addition to these exceptional cases, we are representing individuals in removal before the Immigration Court, applying for cancellation of removal and other remedies.  We are regularly applying for immigrant visas for family members, obtaining provisional waivers to overcome their unlawful status in the United States (in fact, we had years of experience obtaining waivers abroad before the provisional waiver process existed).  We are applying for both residency and citizenship for our clients in the United States, then we’re helping them obtain status for their family members.

• A single mother of a United States citizen child found herself in removal proceedings after her husband abandoned her and withdrew his petition on her behalf. Although the child had a medical history, the Immigration Judge did not cancel the mother’s removal. A few weeks later, we took advantage of a newly-decided precedent case to reopen her case. This time we were able to show that the child’s medical condition, the mother’s being the child’s sole economic support, and the loss of an extensive network of family and friends in the United States, would cause extreme and exceptionally unusual hardship to the child if his mother were removed. The mother received cancellation of removal, and is now a permanent resident of the United States.
• A couple with a young, U.S. Born, child could not leave the United States to return to their homeland.  The child has a serious medical condition which requires regular attention.  International travel was not recommended by his medical team.  Working with the family and the doctors, we were able to obtain deferred action from the Department of Homeland Security, permitting the couple to remain and work in the United States, and focus on their child’s medical needs.
• A Mexican woman was married to a United States resident, who had applied for her to obtain an immigrant visa.  While the application was pending, the husband took the couple’s son for a vacation in Mexico.  There they both were killed in a horrific automobile accident.  The woman was required to return to Mexico and identify the remains.  Once there, she had no way to return to the United States, where her two young daughters were staying with family members.   Working with the family, we were able to obtain humanitarian parole for her to return.  Taking advantage of a recent change in the law, we were able to continue the process of obtaining her residency.
• A non-profit community organization wanted to bring a group of musicians to the United States to perform in local schools, teaching the history and culture of their art form to schoolchildren. Working with a variety of civic, cultural, and municipal groups, we were able to obtain the necessary approvals.
• A promising young woman had been sent to the United States by members of her village to learn business skills. She intended to take what she had learned back to her village and help teach other women. Due to an administrative error, she lost her student status, and was placed in removal proceedings. Working with her college, we were able to obtain voluntary departure, and arrange for her to be issued a new visa to return and complete her education.