Recent Cases

Naturalization

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of S.W. (2024)
S.W., a native and citizen of Kenya, had obtained conditional lawful permanent residence in the United States. Accordingly, he timely filed a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (“Form I-751”) in order to remove the conditions on residence. Once he hit the three-year anniversary of when he was accorded permanent resident status, he consulted with Alex to see if he could file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) with the Form I-751 still pending. Alex explained that the Form N-400 is adjudicated on a faster track than the Form I-751, and, therefore, filing the former tends to speed up adjudication of the later. As anticipated, S.W. received his interview within six months of filing. Alex ensured S.W. was well-prepared to address both the Form I-751 and N-400. The immigration officer presiding at the interview approved both on the spot. S.W. is now a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of R.M.L (2024)
R.M.L., a native and citizen of Mexico, had obtained lawful permanent resident status in the United States through his marriage to a United States citizen. Having held such status for three years, he consulted with Alex to determine if he could apply for naturalization prior to the standard five-year period. Alex explained that, pursuant to section 319 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, he could apply after just three years of maintaining his lawful permanent residence so long as he was still living in marital union with his spouse. That being the case, Alex prepared the naturalization application to ensure R.M.L.’s evidentiary burden under section 319 was satisfied. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, and granted R.M.L.’s Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). R.M.L. has been sworn in as a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of S.A. (2024)
S.A., a citizen of Bulgaria, had held lawful permanent resident status in the United States for several years. She met with Alex for assistance in applying for naturalization. Alex helped dispel all concerns that S.A. had about the process, and in less than six months after filing the application, S.A. had her naturalization interview and was subsequently sworn in as a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of C.Z. (2024)
C.Z., a native and citizen of China, had obtained conditional lawful permanent residence in the United States. Accordingly, she timely filed a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (“Form I-751”) in order to remove the conditions on residence. More than three years had passed, however, after the filing of the Form I-751, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) still had not adjudicated the petition when she met with Alex. Now that she was eligible for naturalization given the passage of time, Alex encouraged her to apply for it. Alex noted how an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) is adjudicated on a faster track than the Form I-751, and thus filing the former tends to speed up adjudication of the later. This is precisely what happened. Within seven months of filing the Form N-400, C.Z. was scheduled for her naturalization interview. Alex ensured C.Z. was well-prepared to address both the Form I-751 and N-400. The immigration officer presiding at the interview approved both on the spot. C.Z. is now a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of G.C.E. (2024)
G.C.E. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had maintained lawful permanent resident status for over four decades. In that time, he had applied for naturalization with the help of another attorney but was unsuccessful. The issue came down to his having commited a misrepresentation to an immigration official long ago when he was caught trying to enter the United States surreptitiously (years before he became a lawful permanent resident). G.C.E. consulted with Alex to determine if it would ever be possible to naturalize in light of the previous denial and the basis upon which that denial was predicated. Having obtained G.C.E.’s complete A-file from the agency, Alex carefully went through it with G.C.E. and made sure G.C.E. was aware of the risks in continuing to pursue naturalization—a risk that even involved not just another denial of his naturalization application, but the initiation of removal proceedings. Confident in Alex’s abilities to navigate the minefield, G.C.E. retained him to represent him before the agency. Alex ensured G.C.E.’s application packet contained all the evidence necessary to establish statutory eligibility for naturalization under section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Come the time of the interview, he made sure G.C.E. was well-prepared to answer whatever types of questions could come up in light of his immigration history. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) was appreciative of G.C.E.’s candor in disclosing all relevant information—even that which was not favorable to him—and went on to approve the application. G.C.E. is now a United Stats citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of I.R. (2024)
I.R. is a native and citizen of Canada who had maintained lawful permanent resident status for well over the five years needed to apply for naturalization. She retained Alex’s services to help navigate her through the process because of some concerns she had respecting jurisdiction as well as her immigration history prior to obtaining permanent residence. Alex made sure I.R.'s application packet contained all the evidence necessary to establish statutory eligibility for naturalization under section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Come the time of the interview, he made sure I.R. was well-prepared to answer the types of questions that could come up respecting her areas of concern. Approximately six months after filing her Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”), I.R. was approved for citizenship. I.R. is now a United Stats citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of A.M.B. (2023)
A.M.B. is a native and citizen of Ukraine who had maintained lawful permanent resident status for more than three decades. He was afraid to apply for naturalization because of criminal history he had from over a decade ago. When he consulted with Alex, Alex carefully reviewed the relevant criminal records (and helped secure those that A.M.B. had not been able to provide) and determined that A.M.B. would still be able to establish good moral character in accordance with section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Less than three months after filing his Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”), A.M.B. was approved for citizenship. A.M.B. is now a United Stats citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of M.Q. (2023)
M.Q., a native and citizen of Mexico, had been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for over two decades. He had been reluctant to apply for citizenship because the records for his two previous convictions in Nevada had been lost many years ago, and the law firm he retained to seal his records failed to secure certified copies before completing the sealing process. The immigration attorneys he met with before Alex told M.Q. that unless he had proof that the cases were closed out, he would likely be denied even if the convictions were outside the relevant statutory period. Discouraged, M.Q.’s daughter nonetheless convinced him to speak with Alex, who explained that there was a mechanism whereby M.Q. could “unseal” his records for the limited purpose of obtaining the certified court and arrest records he needed to satisfy his evidentiary burden with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Alex helped M.Q. do just that. After successfully petitioning the Las Vegas Justice Court to temporarily unseal the records, Alex obtained the documents needed and then helped M.Q. in applying for citizenship. Less than four months after filing his Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”), M.Q. was approved for citizenship. M.Q. is now a United Stats citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of K.V. (2023)
K.V., a native and citizen of Iraq, maintained his lawful permanent residence status for decades and feared applying for citizenship because the immigration attorneys he spoke to prior to Alex told him that he would end up being deported because of his prior conviction for felony embezzlement in violation of section 205.300 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. However, after delving into K.V.’s complete history here in the United States, Alex explained that it was not as black and white. While his prior conviction did certainly make him deportable under section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Alex explained that U.S.  Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) still had the discretion to grant his naturalization application since the conviction (and corresponding conduct) occurred well outside the relevant five-year window.

Based on K.V.’s unique circumstances, Alex believed that USCIS would more likely than not exercise its discretion favorably despite the conviction and adjudicate his naturalization application instead of referring his case to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) for initiation of removal proceedings. While still aware of the risks, K.V. was inspired by Alex’s confidence, and so he retained Alex to help him seek naturalization. Alex prepared a packet that was not only sufficient to satisfy the criteria set out in section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act but also highlighted all the positive equities K.V. had in this country since his arrival. USCIS ultimately granted the application, and K.V. is now a United States citizen.  

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of E.A. (2022)
E.A., a native and citizen of Mexico, sought Alex’s assistance to apply for naturalization after having been a lawful permanent resident for several decades. Because she owed taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, E.A. was concerned whether she could even seek naturalization. Alex explained that so long as E.A. was on an installment plan to pay these overdue taxes, she could still satisfy the good-moral-character element for naturalization under section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex helped E.A. prepare her naturalization filing and guided her all the way through the interview. E.A. is now a United States citizen.  

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of N.I. (2022)
N.I., a native and citizen of Croatia, sought Alex’s assistance to apply for naturalization shortly after an immigration judge had granted his Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (“Form I-751”). Because of his complicated immigration history, N.I. had doubts that he would succeed in pursuing naturalization so soon after he was in removal proceedings. Alex assured him that, notwithstanding his immigration history, he did satisfy all of the elements for naturalization under section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, and N.I. is now a United States citizen.  

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of M.T. (2022)
M.T., a native and citizen of Vietnam, approached Alex as a lawful permanent resident seeking assistance with naturalization. She was concerned because of a charge for burglary in violation of California law for which she completed a diversion program at the Court’s order and ultimately had the criminal case dismissed for purposes of state law. Because what transpired would still likely be considered a “conviction” for purposes of immigration law pursuant to section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, she was concerned that applying for naturalization could have the adverse effect of getting her deported. Alex carefully reviewed her criminal record and determined that she was not subject to any of the grounds of deportability set out in section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. He also found that based on her circumstances, she was even still able to establish her eligibility for naturalization. Alex prepared and filed an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) and made sure M.T. was well prepared for her interview. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted M.T.’s Form N-400, and M.T. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of J.O. (2022)
J.O., a native and citizen of Colombia, had maintained lawful permanent resident status for well over the time needed to apply for citizenship. But because of a previous criminal conviction, he was concerned that he would be ineligible for citizenship. Alex carefully reviewed all the attendant circumstances and advised J.O. that he would be safe to apply for naturalization. Alex prepared and filed an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) and made sure J.O. was well prepared for his interview. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted J.O.’s Form N-400, and J.O. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP GRANTED Matter of D.H. (2022)
D.H., a native and citizen of Canada, had maintained lawful permanent resident status for over two decades before he approached Alex for assistance with naturalization. Even though he knew his case posed no hurdles, D.H. wanted the peace of mind of having an attorney handle his case from start to finish. And it is that peace of mind that Alex was able to deliver. Alex prepared and filed an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”)—making sure to include all required supporting documentation—and then made sure D.H. was well-prepared for his interview. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted D.H.’s Form N-400, and D.H. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of S.E. (2022)
S.E. is a native and citizen of Mexico who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States. He was concerned that a previous domestic violence arrest would result in the denial of his naturalization application. Alex reviewed the records provided by S.E. and assured him that, based on the facts of his case, he should not have any issues in naturalizing. Accordingly, Alex prepared a complete filing that was sufficient to satisfy U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) that S.E. was a person of good moral character and otherwise established all of the elements for naturalization set out in section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. S.E. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of L.C. (2022)
L.C. is a native and citizen of Vietnam who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States on the basis of her marriage to a United States citizen. Having divorced shortly after obtaining residence, L.C. was concerned the agency would make an issue out of this when she applied for naturalization. Alex examined the case and assured L.C. that she would have nothing to be concerned of. He subsequently prepared a complete filing that was sufficient to satisfy U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) that L.C. was eligible to naturalize. L.C. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of A.R. (2022)
A.R. is a native and citizen of Mexico who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States. She sought Alex’s assistance with the preparation and filing of an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex made sure to prepare the filing such that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) was satisfied that A.R. established all of the elements set out in section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. A.R. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of H.C. (2022)
H.C. is a native and citizen of Mexico who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States. He worried that a previous domestic violence conviction in Arizona would not only make him ineligible for naturalization but even lead to deportation. Alex reviewed the records provided by H.C. and assured him that, based on the facts of his case, he would not be deported under section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and that, in fact, he was eligible for naturalization under section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex prepared all the necessary paperwork and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") was convinced that H.C. was eligible for naturalization. H.C. is now a citizen of the United States.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of P.S. (2022)
P.S. is a native and citizen of Brazil who was admitted for lawful permanent residence in the United States. As a resident, she was convicted of conspiracy to commit forgery in violation of Nevada law. Concerned that this would preclude her from naturalizing, she consulted Alex. Alex helped P.S. prepare her naturalization application, taking special care to gather and include the evidence necessary to establish the element of “good moral character” as required by the relevant law. Satisfied that P.S. established all of the elements set out in section 316(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved P.S.’s naturalization application.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of B.P. (2021)
B.P., a native and citizen of Hungary who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, had a petition to remove residency conditions ("Form I-751") that had already been pending for two years when she first met with Alex. Alex explained that since it had been more than three years since she obtained her permanent resident status based on her marriage to a U.S. citizen, she could actually already naturalize under section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In addition, Alex explained that filing an Application for Naturalization ("Form N-400") while a Form I-751 is pending frequently has the effect of speeding up the process. One year after filing the Form N-400, B.P.'s Form I-751 was approved without even an interview and after an interview on the Form N-400, B.P. was approved for naturalization.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of A.F. (2021)
A.F., a native and citizen of the Philippines who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Because of certain complications surrounding the manner in which she obtained her permanent residence status, she did not feel comfortable applying on her own. Alex prepared a packet that helped establish A.F.’s eligibility for naturalization, including the element of “lawful admission for permanent residence.” Satisfied that A.F. had met her burden of establishing her eligibility for naturalization, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved A.F. for naturalization.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of S.T.C. (2021)
S.T.C., a native and citizen of Pakistan who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Because of his many trips outside of the United States and how close some of those trips were to lasting almost 180 days, he was concerned regarding his eligibility for United States citizenship. Alex carefully reviewed S.T.C.’s travel history, making sure to accurately note all trips, after which he was able to assure S.T.C. that he satisfied both the continuous residence and physical presence requirements. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed and approved S.T.C. for naturalization.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of H.C. (2021)
H.C., a native and citizen of Pakistan who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing and, when the time came, prepared H.C. for her interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The agency approved H.C. for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of K.C. (2021)
K.C., a native and citizen of Pakistan who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing and, when the time came, prepared K.C. for his interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The agency approved K.C. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of A.I.M. (2021)
A.I.M., a native and citizen of Mexico who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing and, when the time came, prepared A.I.M. for his interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The agency approved A.I.M. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of E.C. (2020)
E.C. is a native of El Salvador who was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Married to a U.S. citizen, she wanted to apply for naturalization pursuant to section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex helped E.C. ensure that the case was properly documented and that it included all the additional evidence (that is typically not needed otherwise) required by section 319(a) and the corresponding federal regulations. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved E.C.. for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of M.S. (2020)
M.S., a native and citizen of Japan who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, prepared M.S. for his interview, and attended the interview with D.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved him for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of V.A.V. (2020)
V.A.V., a native and citizen of the Mexico who had been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for more than three decades, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). He was concerned, however, because he had sustained multiple convictions for driving under the influence in various jurisdictions as well as a battery conviction in violation of Nevada law. Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, taking special efforts to explain in a memorandum of law why V.A.V.’s convictions did not preclude him from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved V.A.V. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

SUMMARY JUDGMENT GRANTED Song v. Kent et al., 2:18-cv-00919-GMN-VCF (D. Nev. 2020)
Ms. Song is a native and citizen of China who had entered the United States as a K-2 nonimmigrant. Ms. Song filed an adjustment application shortly after her parent (the K-1 nonimmigrant) married the petitioning U.S. citizen fiancé. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), however, denied the adjustment application because Ms. Song had turned twenty-one years of age before the agency could adjudicate the application. Notably, several years later, the Board of Immigration Appeals held that adjustment eligibility for an alien fiancé(e)’s derivative child is determined at the time of admission to the United States as a K-2 nonimmigrant. Matter of Le, 25 I&N Dec. 541 (BIA 2011). At the time of her admission as a K-2 nonimmigrant, Ms. Song was an unmarried twenty-year-old. Thus, the Board’s decision in Le essentially invalided the basis upon which USCIS had denied Ms. Song’s adjustment application years before. There was, however, no reason for Ms. Song to move to reopen this previously filed adjustment application since she had already obtained lawful permanent residence on the basis of a second adjustment application filed just a couple of years after the denial of the first adjustment application. This second adjustment application was premised on Ms. Song’s own marriage to a U.S. citizen.
 
Several years later, Ms. Song applied for naturalization. USCIS denied her application upon concluding that she had been granted permanent residence in error in contravention of section 245(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. After exhausting administrative remedies, Alex sought review in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada under section 310(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex candidly conceded that Ms. Song was inappropriately granted adjustment on the basis of her own marriage to a U.S. citizen but nonetheless argued that there was a remedy grounded in equity that could rectify the whole situation.
 
First, Alex argued that, in light of the framework laid out by the U.S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union v. NLRB, 466 F.2d 380, 390 (D.C. Cir. 1972) (known as the “Retail factors”), the Board’s decision in Le should be applied retroactively.  This would then mean that Ms. Song was still eligible to adjust her status pursuant to her first application for adjustment. To be sure, USCIS’s finding of ineligibility this first time had cut off the remaining lines of inquiry—namely, whether Ms. Song was otherwise admissible to the United States and whether she merited a favorable exercise of discretion. But, Alex argued, this is where the second adjustment application came into play.
 
The fact that Ms. Song’s second adjustment application was ultimately granted reflected that Ms. Song was otherwise admissible and merited a favorable exercise of discretion. Alex therefore reasoned that there was no reason why these findings could not be applied retroactively to Ms. Song’s first adjustment application. Application of the Board’s decision in Le coupled with retroactive application of USCIS’s findings that Ms. Song was otherwise statutorily eligible for adjustment and merited a favorable exercise of discretion would effectively accord Ms. Song lawful permanent resident status as of the date of adjudication of the first adjustment application. This, in turn, would remove the only basis upon which USCIS denied her application for naturalization. The U.S. District Court agreed and granted summary judgment in favor of Ms. Song.                                        

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of C.R. (2019)
C.R. is a native of Mexico who was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Married to a U.S. citizen, she wanted to apply for naturalization pursuant to section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex helped C.R. ensure that the case was properly documented and that it included all the additional evidence (that is typically not needed otherwise) required by section 319(a) and the corresponding federal regulations. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) ultimately approved C.R. for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of M.B.O. (2019)
M.B.O. is a native of Mexico who was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. He sought the help of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). He had previously been convicted of domestic violence in violation of Arizona law and was concerned that this conviction would result in the denial of his Form N-400. Alex explained how M.B.O.’s conviction did not preclude him from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved M.B.O. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of S.M.T. (2019)
S.M.T. is a native and citizen of Peru who was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. He sought the help of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). He had previously been convicted of driving under the influence in violation of Nevada law and was concerned of the impact this conviction might have on his Form N-400. Alex explained how  S.M.T.’s conviction did not preclude him from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved S.M.T. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of F.O. (2019)
F.O., is a native and citizen of El Salvador who after being a lawful permanent resident for more than 20 years sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). He had previously been convicted of driving under the influence in violation of Georgia law and was concerned of the impact this conviction might have on his Form N-400. He was also concerned about his ability to satisfy the English language requirement. Alex explained that he would be exempt from the English language requirement because he was over 50 years of age and had been a permanent resident for over 20 years. Alex further explained how  F.O’s conviction did not preclude him from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved F.O. for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of D.S. (2019)
D.S., a native and citizen of the Philippines who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, prepared D.S. for her interview, and attended the interview with D.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved her for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of E.C.A. (2019)
E.C.A., a native and citizen of the Philippines who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, prepared E.C.A. for his interview, and  attended the interview with E.C.A. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved him for naturalization, and he has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of E.M.D.M. (2019)
E.M.D.M., a native and citizen of Mexico who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). She had recently been convicted of driving under the influence in violation of Arizona law and was concerned that this conviction would result in the denial of her Form N-400. Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, taking special efforts to explain in a memorandum of law why E.M.D.M.’s conviction did not preclude her from establishing good moral character. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed, approved E.M.D.M. for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of Y.K. (2019)
Y.K., a native and citizen of Russia who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States several decades ago, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Y.K. had been concerned about filing the Form N-400 because during the relevant five-year period, she had taken a seven-month trip abroad to Russia to care for her ailing mother. Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, which included a detailed memorandum of law in which Alex argued that if the agency took into account all of the factors set out in 8 C.F.R. § 316.5(c)—the regulation that sets out a non-exhaustive list of factors for adjudicators to consider when assessing whether a lawful permanent resident’s absence in excess of six months constitutes a disruption in continuous residence—it should find that Y.K.’s absence in excess of six months did not disrupt her “continuous residence” in the United States. Upon review of the filing, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed with the arguments advanced and found that Y.K.’s trip of over seven months did not disrupt her “continuous residence.” It further found that Y.K had otherwise established her eligibility for naturalization and subsequently approved her for naturalization. Y.K. has been sworn in as a United States citizen.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of N.S. (2019)
N.S., a native and citizen of Turkey who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States a few years back, sought the aid of Alex to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”). Alex prepared the Form N-400 filing, prepared N.S. for her interview, and  attended the interview with N.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved her for naturalization, and she has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of J.C. (2019)
J.C. is a native and citizen of Germany who had been admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident of the United States back in 1985. More than 30 years later, she sought the advice of Alex regarding the steps that needed to be taken to acquire naturalization. After discussing all relevant facts surrounding J.C.’s situation, Alex and J.C. agreed to pursue an Application for Certificate of Citizenship (“Form N-600”). Alex prepared a detailed memorandum of law in which he presented to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") all of the relevant facts and why J.C., under the law as it existed prior to the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, would have automatically derived United States citizenship. The agency agreed and, after her oath ceremony, J.C. was given her Certificate of Citizenship.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of C.R. (2019)
C.R. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had been admitted as a lawful permanent resident of the United States several decades ago. He had been reluctant to file an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) because of certain criminal convictions that he had in the past. With the guidance of Alex, he ultimately decided to apply. Accepting that he was, in fact, a person of good moral character (and not judging him by mistakes made long ago), USCIS approved him for naturalization, and C.R. has been sworn in as a United States citizen. 

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of P.L. (2018)
P.L. is a native and citizen of Vietnam and wanted to obtain citizenship. He had previously submitted the application on his own, and it had been denied. With Alex's assistance, he applied for it again and was approved.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of A.G. (2018)
A.G. is a native and citizen of Mexico who wanted to apply for United States citizenship. Alex guided her through the process and with his help and assistance, her application for citizenship was approved.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of M.P. (2018)
Alex assisted M.P. during the naturalization process. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") approved the application, and M.P. is now a U.S. citizen.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of F.A. (2018)
Alex assisted the client during the naturalization process. F.A. was recommended for citizenship and recently took the oath necessary to receive citizenship.

CITIZENSHIP IS GRANTED Matter of J.Z. (2018)
Alex assisted J.Z. during the naturalization process, even attending the naturalization interview with her. J.Z. was recommended for citizenship at the end of the interview and recently took the necessary oath of citizenship.

Family-Based Immigration

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of S.B.L. (2024)
S.B.L. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had traveled to the United States several times as a visitor. During most of his trips, he overstayed well past the authorized period of stay. After his most recent entry in the early 2000s, he decided to make the United States home. Several years later, married to a U.S. citizen, he and his spouse consulted with Alex to see if it would be possible for S.B.L. to adjust his status to that of a lawful permanent resident notwithstanding S.B.L.’s immigration history. Alex explained that S.B.L. would be able to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) because he could satisfy all of the statute’s requirements. He was even “admissible” notwithstanding his previous lengthy overstays: section 212(a)(9)(C)’s “permanent bar” did not apply because he had always entered lawfully, and section 212(a)(9)(B)’s “ten-year bar” did not apply because well over ten years had elapsed since S.B.L. triggered this ground of inadmissibility.

Inspired by Alex’s confidence, S.B.L. and his spouse retained Alex for the adjustment of status process. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved the Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) in short order. The agency, however, found it necessary to conduct an interview on the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (“Form I-485”) in order to address the issue of admissibility. At first, the interviewing immigration officer seemed dubious that S.B.L. was not inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act because even though 10 years had passed since S.B.L.’s last departure from the United States, S.B.L. had not spent those ten years outside of the United States. Alex, who was present at the interview, pointed out that, for purposes of  section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act, it is not necessary for the applicant to have spent the 10-year period outside of the United States; in other words, even if the applicant re-entered the United States during the period of inadmissibility (so long as the entry was lawful), the 10-year period of inadmissibility continues to run. Alex further pointed out the agency’s own policy change on the subject in which the agency clarified this was the proper way to interpret the statute. Consequently, USCIS approved the Form I-485. S.B.L. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of P.A.F. (2024)
P.A.F., a native and citizen of Mexico, had traveled to the United States several times as a B2 nonimmigrant. During his most recent trip, he married his U.S. citizen girlfriend and then, together, they consulted with Alex to discuss their options of securing permanent residence for P.A.F. After weighing the pros and cons of consular processing and those of adjustment of status, P.A.F. and his spouse decided on the latter course. Following Alex’s guidance, P.A.F. and his spouse provided Alex with all the documentation required for a concurrent family-based petition and adjustment of status application. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not require an interview and first approved the Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) within a year of filing. The approval of the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (“Form I-485”) came a few months thereafter. P.A.F. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of D.M.D. (2024)
D.M.D., a native and citizen of Canada, was admitted to the United States as a tourist. During her temporary stay, she met and fell in love with a U.S. citizen. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, traveling back to Canada before the expiration of her stay proved difficult and, consequently, she overstayed the authorized period. Because of this, D.M.D. was concerned she would not be able to obtain permanent residence. By this point, she had married her U.S. citizen boyfriend, and so Alex explained that the grounds of ineligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act would not apply to D.M.D. if she pursued adjustment of status in the United States. Accordingly, D.M.D. and her husband retained Alex’s services to assist with the process. Following Alex’s guidance, D.M.D. and her husband provided Alex with all the documentation required, and Alex prepared a comprehensive packet that established D.M.D.’s eligibility for adjustment of status. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not require an interview and granted the adjustment application in less than five months after Alex filed it. D.M.D. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of D.A.C. (2024)
D.A.C. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had been brought to the United States as a baby without having been inspected and admitted or paroled. Because his mother was married to a U.S. citizen (and that marriage had been entered into before D.A.C. turned eighteen years old), D.A.C. qualified as an immediate relative for immigration law purposes. D.A.C.’s stepfather began the process by filing a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) on his behalf. However, by the time the Form I-130 was approved, D.A.C. had already turned nineteen years old. The upshot is that D.A.C. had accrued more than one year of unlawful presence after having turned eighteen, and, therefore, he would be subject to inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act the moment he departed the United States in order to complete consular processing.

However, because D.A.C.’s stepfather had served in the U.S. armed forces, D.A.C. was able to avail himself of the “parole-in-place” program that was then available only to certain family members of individuals in the armed forces. Alex helped D.A.C. prepare his parole-in-place application, ensuring that the evidentiary submission contained more than enough evidence to establish why D.A.C. deserved this benefit. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed and issued D.A.C. a Form I-94. This, in turn, made D.A.C. eligible to adjust his status in the United States and that is precisely what he did. D.A.C. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of R.T.M. (2024)
R.T.M. is a native and citizen of Canada who would frequently travel to the United States in pursuit of certain sporting interests. While touring around the country, R.T.M. met a U.S. citizen with whom he fell in love and married. Because of the age difference between R.T.M. and his spouse, they were concerned that this would pose an issue with R.T.M. trying to obtain permanent residence based on the marriage. After consulting with Alex, they were put at ease: Alex explained that the remedy was simply to present sufficient bona fides of the marriage such that the agency would have no doubt of the validity of their marriage. That is exactly what was done. Moreover, Alex ensured they were well prepared to the answer the types of questions that were asked at the interview. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved R.T.M.’s adjustment application. R.T.M. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of K.C. (2024)
K.C., a native and citizen of China, had traveled frequently to the United States as a B2 nonimmigrant. Married to a lawful permanent resident, K.C. and his wife consulted with Alex in order to determine if it would be possible for K.C. to adjust his status to that of a lawful permanent resident without having to return to China and await immigrant visa processing. As the spouse of a lawful permanent resident, K.C. did not qualify as an “immediate relative” and thus it was necessary to consult the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin to determine visa availability. At the time, Alex explained to K.C. that the F2A category reflected “C,” which meant that an immigrant visa was immediately available to K.C. Accordingly, Alex proceeded to file an adjustment of status application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). During the pendency of the case, the F2A category retrogressed, which unfortunately resulted in a longer-than-anticipated wait time. Nonetheless, once K.C.’s priority date became current again, the agency finally adjudicated K.C.’s adjustment application. K.C. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of K.N.F. (2024)
K.N.F., a native and citizen of the Philippines, traveled to the United States as a B2 nonimmigrant to visit some family. During his travels, he met and fell in love with a U.S. citizen. Having eventually married, K.N.F. and his spouse consulted with Alex to see if it was possible to complete the process of obtaining permanent residence without having to return to his native country. Alex went over the criteria that needed to be satisfied in order to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Following Alex’s guidance, K.N.F. and his spouse provided Alex with all the documentation required, and Alex prepared a comprehensive packet that established K.N.F.’s eligibility for adjustment of status. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not require an interview and granted the adjustment application in less than five months after Alex filed it. K.N.F. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of V.B. (2024)
V.B., a native and citizen of Moldova, had been in removal proceedings before the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) Executive Office for Immigration Review (“EOIR”) that were administratively closed. As the beneficiary of an approved Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigration (“Form I-360”) that had been filed years ago, he came to Alex for assistance in navigating his situation. Alex explained that, as the abused spouse of a U.S. citizen, V.B. qualified as an “immediate relative” and was therefore able to pursue adjustment of status at any time. Finding him otherwise eligible and admissible for permanent residence, Alex’s first course of action was to re-calendar V.B.’s case pending before the DOJ EOIR in order to pursue termination. Having successfully gotten V.B. out of removal proceedings, Alex then helped V.B. prepare an adjustment of status application that contained all the evidence necessary to establish statutory eligibility and that V.B. merited adjustment in the exercise of discretion. Finding the evidentiary submission sufficient, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not find it necessary to have V.B. come in for an interview and proceeded to approve V.B.’s adjustment application. V.B. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of M.C.R. & Matter of E.B.F. (2024)
M.C.R. and E.B.F. are natives and citizens of Mexico who had entered the United States as tourists many decades ago and had long since overstayed their respective authorized periods of stay. They had a United States citizen daughter in common, and after this daughter turned twenty-one years of age, they consulted with Alex to see if it would be possible to obtain permanent residence on the basis of a family petition without having to leave the United States. Alex explained that each was able to apply for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) despite having overstayed their respective authorized periods of stay for decades. Many of the grounds of ineligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Act do not apply to “immediate relatives,” and Alex explained that each qualified as an “immediate relative” for immigration law purposes. Accordingly, Alex prepared comprehensive filings for both M.C.R. and E.B.F. that were sufficient to demonstrate statutory eligibility and overcome all the prospective grounds of inadmissibility. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted both M.C.R.’s and E.B.F.’s adjustment applications without having either come in for an interview. M.C.R. and E.B.F. are now lawful permanent residents of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of Y.S. (2024)
Y.S. is a native and citizen of Nicaragua who came to the United States as a B2 nonimmigrant. Married to a United States citizen, she consulted with Alex to see if it was possible to complete the process of obtaining permanent residence without having to return to her native country. Alex went over the criteria that needed to be satisfied in order to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Following Alex’s guidance, Y.S. and her husband provided Alex with all the documentation required, and Alex prepared a comprehensive packet that established Y.S.’s eligibility for adjustment of status. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not require an interview and granted the adjustment application in less than 4 months after Alex filed it. Y.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of J.A.I. (2024)
J.A.I. is a native and citizen of the Philippines who had entered the United States as a B1/B2 nonimmigrant. While in the United States, she met and fell in love with a United States citizen. J.A.I. and her husband consulted with Alex for assistance in applying for J.A.I.’s permanent residence. With Alex’s guidance, J.A.I. and her spouse prepared a comprehensive packet that satisfied all criteria for adjustment of status. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not even require an interview and granted the adjustment application in less than a year after it was filed. J.A.I. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of M.S.T. (2024)
M.S.T., a native and citizen of Brazil, had entered the United States as a B2 nonimmigrant but overstayed the six months he was permitted to remain. Several years later he married a United States citizen, and he and his spouse met with Alex to see if it was possible to still obtain permanent residence without having to depart the United States in order to complete consular processing.  Alex put M.S.T.’s mind at ease by explaining that he was eligible to adjust status. Even though he had long since overstayed his visa, he was still be eligible to adjust status because his marriage to a United States citizen meant that he did not have to continuously maintain status or be in lawful status at the time of filing. Moreover, married to a United States citizen, he was not subject to the long wait times inherent in the family-preference categories.  With Alex’s guidance, M.S.T. and his spouse prepared a complete packet that satisfied all criteria for adjustment of status. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not even require an interview and granted the adjustment application based on the documentary evidence alone. M.S.T. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of C.M.M. (2024)
C.M.M., a native and citizen of Mexico, had entered the United States as a B1/B2 nonimmigrant but failed to depart when his authorized period of stay expired. Married to a United States citizen, C.M.M. and his spouse met with Alex to learn what could be done to help C.M.M. secure permanent residence. Even though C.M.M. had overstayed the authorized period of stay as a B1/B2 nonimmigrant, he was still eligible to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. With Alex’s guidance, C.M.M. and his spouse prepared a complete packet that satisfied all criteria for adjustment of status. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not even require an interview and granted the adjustment application in less than a year after it was filed. C.M.M. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED WITHOUT NEED FOR WAIVER Matter of K.R. (2024)
K.R. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had entered the United States many years ago as a B2 nonimmigrant. Long after being established here, she fell in love with and married a U.S. citizen. K.R. and her husband consulted with Alex to assess the challenges that her situation posed. K.R.’s first concern was the fact that she was a visa overstay. Alex explained that, as an “immediate relative” for immigration law purposes, K.R. did not have to worry that section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) would bar her from adjusting status. K.R.’s second concern was that she would be found inadmissible for “alien smuggling” under section 212(a)(6)(E) of the Act because shortly after her entry, the father of her son (who was but an infant at the time) smuggled him into the United States without her knowledge.

Alex prepared the adjustment of status filing accordingly, making sure to flag this issue so as to ensure that K.R. would not later be accused of trying to obtain permanent residence by fraud or material misrepresentation. And, knowing that this would be a delicate subject at the time of the interview, Alex made sure that K.R. was prepared to explain all of the relevant circumstances surrounding her son’s entry into the United States. After a lengthy interview and a careful review of the case, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) found that it was not necessary for K.R. to file an Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (“Form I-601”) because it ultimately concluded that she was not inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(E) of the Act. Having found everything else in order respecting admissibility and the bona fides of the marriage, USCIS approved K.R.’s adjustment application. K.R. is now lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of E.Z.S. (2024)
E.Z.S., a native and citizen of Mexico, had entered the United States as a tourist decades ago and had long since overstayed her authorized period of stay. Having a U.S. citizen daughter who had turned twenty-one years of age, she consulted with Alex to see if she could obtain permanent residence on the basis of a family-petition without having to leave the United States. Alex explained that she was able to apply for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) despite having overstayed her authorized period of stay. Many of the grounds of ineligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Act do not apply to an “immediate relative.” Being retained to assist them in the process, Alex prepared a comprehensive filing for E.Z.S. that was sufficient to demonstrate statutory eligibility and overcome all the potential grounds of inadmissibility. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not require an interview and granted E.Z.S.’s adjustment application.   E.Z.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of D.M.G. (2024)
D.M.G.,  a native and citizen of Paraguay, had entered the United States years ago as a B2 nonimmigrant and had overstayed the authorized period of stay in the United States. When he consulted with Alex, he was married to a United States citizen and wanted to know if it was possible to adjust his status to that of a lawful permanent resident notwithstanding the visa overstay and the fact that he had worked without authorization. Alex explained that many of the bars to eligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act do not apply to those who qualify as “immediate relatives” for purposes of immigration law. D.M.G. and his spouse subsequently retained Alex to help with the adjustment of status submission. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) was so satisfied with the evidence presented in D.M.G.’s adjustment packet that it did not even require D.M.G. or his spouse to come in for an interview and proceeded to grant the application. D.M.G. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.T. (2024)
A.T., a native and citizen of the Philippines, travelled to the United States as B-2 nonimmigrant in order to visit her daughter. While she had initially planned a temporary stay, her daughter (a United States citizen) consulted with Alex to determine if her mother could instead reside permanently in the United States. Having been inspected and admitted as a B nonimmigrant, A.T. was able to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) on the basis of a family petition filed by her daughter. A.T. and her daughter hired Alex to help with precisely that. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) was satisfied with the evidence presented in A.T.’s adjustment packet and granted her application without even having A.T. come in for an interview. A.T. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

SECTION 212(i) WAIVER APPROVED & PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of N.A. (2024)
N.A. is a native and citizen of Pakistan who had applied for adjustment of status pursuant to an employment-based visa petition. In the course of the interview, the immigration officer accused N.A. of having committed fraud in connection with a previous visa application that he submitted decades before. On the basis of the officer’s finding, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) issued a Notice of Intent to Deny (“NOID”), giving N.A. only thirty days to submit an Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (“Form I-601”). Alarmed at receiving the NOID and concerned about how little time he had to respond, N.A. consulted with Alex. Alex explained that the Form I-601 would be used to apply for what is known as a section 212(i) waiver. But obtaining the waiver is about much more than just submitting a form. Alex went over the type of evidence that N.A. would want to secure in order to establish that his spouse, a lawful permanent resident, would suffer extreme hardship in the event N.A. is denied the waiver. Together, N.A. and Alex prepared a comprehensive filing in less than two weeks. USCIS found that the filing was enough to meet N.A.’s evidentiary burden under section 212(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and to establish that N.A. merited the waiver in the exercise of discretion. USCIS approved both the waiver and N.A.’s underlying adjustment application. N.A. is now lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of M.M.P. & Matter of A.C.A. (2023)
M.M.P. and A.C.A. are natives and citizens of Mexico who had entered the United States as tourists many decades ago and had long since overstayed their respective authorized periods of stay. They had a United States citizen son in common, and after this son turned twenty-one years of age, they consulted with Alex to see if it would be possible to obtain permanent residence on the basis of a family petition without having to leave the United States. Alex explained that each was able to apply for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) despite having overstayed their respective authorized periods of stay for decades. Many of the grounds of ineligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Act do not apply to “immediate relatives,” and Alex explained that each qualified as an “immediate relative” for immigration law purposes. Accordingly, Alex prepared comprehensive filings for both M.M.P. and A.C.A. that were sufficient to demonstrate statutory eligibility and overcome all the prospective grounds of inadmissibility. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted both M.M.P.’s and A.C.A.’s adjustment applications without even having either come in for an interview. M.M.P. and A.C.A. are now lawful permanent residents of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of P.S. (2023)
P.S. is a native and citizen of India who had entered the United States as an F-1 nonimmigrant. After completing his studies, he availed himself of Optional Practical Training (“OPT”), and it was during the course of his OPT that he married his long-term United States citizenship girlfriend. P.S. and his spouse then consulted with Alex to see what P.S.’s options were to obtain permanent residence. Married to a United States citizen, Alex explained that P.S. would be able to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”). Knowing that financial sponsorship was required of the petitioner in such cases, P.S. noted that he was the primary source of income for the household. Alex explained, in turn, that, pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 213a.1, it would be possible to include P.S.’s income since his income came from lawful employment pursuant to his OPT. Having all other concerns put at ease, P.S. and his spouse entrusted Alex with their case, and Alex prepared it accordingly. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) was satisfied with the evidence presented in P.S.’s adjustment packet and granted the application without even having P.S. or his spouse come in for an interview. P.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of L.S. & Matter of B.P. (2023)
L.S. and B.P. are natives and citizens of Argentina who had entered the United States as B-2 nonimmigrants. While they had initially planned a brief trip, their daughter (who is a United States citizen) consulted with Alex to see if it was possible to get her parents permanent residence in the United States. Having been inspected and admitted as tourists, each was able to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) so long as their daughter filed a separate family-based petition on behalf of each. Careful screening of the case also revealed that L.S. had served in the military around the time of the Dirty War in Argentina. Accordingly, before submitting any application, Alex made sure L.S. first secured the type of evidence helpful in overcoming any potential issue with inadmissibility under section 212(a)(3) of the Act. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) was satisfied with the evidence presented in L.S.’s and B.P.’s respective adjustment packets and granted each application without even having L.S. or B.P come in for an interview. L.S. and B.P. are now lawful permanent residents of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of D.S. (2023)
D.S. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had obtained U-1 nonimmigrant status in the United States. After maintaining that status for three years, D.S. consulted with Alex prior to applying for permanent residence. She had sustained a conviction for petit theft in violation of Nevada law, and she worried that this would pose an issue and perhaps even preclude her from obtaining permanent residence. Alex went through the elements that needed to be established in order to adjust status under section 245(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) and assured D.S. that her conviction did not trigger any grounds of inadmissibility under section 212(a) of the Act. While still relevant to the discretionary component, Alex ensured that the adjustment filing that was ultimately submitted included sufficient evidence of the equities in D.S.’s case to establish not only D.S.’s statutory eligibility for adjustment under section 245(m) but that she also deserved such a benefit. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed and granted D.S.’s application for adjustment. D.S. is now lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of O.F. (2023)
O.F., a native and citizen of the United Kingdom, had traveled to the United States several times under the Visa Waiver Program. During his travels, he fell in love with a United States citizen. After his most recent entry into the United States, O.F. and his spouse consulted with Alex to determine if he could adjust status in the United States instead of having to complete consular processing. Alex explained that having been “inspected and admitted or paroled,” O.F. was able to pursue adjustment of status on the basis of a spousal petition. Accordingly, the couple retained Alex’s services for precisely that. Alex put together a comprehensive filing intended to establish that O.F. and his spouse were in a bona fide marriage, that O.F. was eligible to adjust status, and that he was admissible for permanent residence. After interviewing the couple, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) determined that all was in order and granted O.F.’s adjustment application. O.F. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of B.L. (2023)
B.L. is a native and citizen of Paraguay who came to the United States as a tourist but overstayed his authorized period of stay. During his time in the United States, he married a United States citizen. The relationship turned abusive, and B.L. suffered physical violence at the hands of his spouse. Because law enforcement ultimately got involved, B.L. became concerned that his lack of status will get him into trouble, so he met with Alex for guidance. Alex explained that as the abused spouse of a United States citizen, B.L. would be able to self-petition, namely by filing a Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (“Form I-360”). Moreover, because the abusive spouse was a United States citizen, an immigrant visa number was immediately available to B.L., which, in turn, meant that he could also simultaneously adjust his status to that of a lawful permanent resident. Accordingly, Alex helped B.L. prepare his adjustment application based on a self-petition seeking classification as the abused spouse of a United States citizen. Alex ensured the filing was sufficient to satisfy the various statutory requirements that apply in this context, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) ultimately granted B.L.’s self-petition and adjustment application. B.L. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States. 

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of S.D.C. (2023)
S.D.C., a native and citizen of Canada, had entered the United States several times as a visitor. During the course of her travels, she married a United States citizen. S.D.C. and her husband then consulted with Alex to discuss whether it would be possible for S.D.C. to obtain permanent residence by virtue her relationship with her United States citizen spouse. Alex walked them through both adjustment of status and consular processing for an immigrant visa, and after being apprised of the pros and cons of both avenues, S.D.C. and her husband decided on pursuing adjustment of status. Alex put together a complete packet that established that S.D.C.’s marriage was bona fide, that she was eligible to adjust status, and that she was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted S.D.C’s adjustment application without even having S.D.C. come in for an interview.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of G.I.Q. & Matter of E.E.I. (2023)
G.I.Q. and E.E.I. are natives and citizens of Mexico who had entered the United States as tourists many decades ago and had long since overstayed their respective authorized periods of stay. They had a United States citizen daughter in common, and shortly after this daughter turned twenty-one years of ago, they consulted with Alex to see if it would be possible to obtain permanent residence on the basis of a family-petition without having to leave the United States. Alex explained that each was able to apply for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) despite having overstayed their respective authorized periods of stay for decades. Many of the grounds of ineligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Act do not apply to “immediate relatives,” and Alex explained that each qualified as an “immediate relative” for immigration law purposes. Accordingly, Alex prepared comprehensive filings for both G.I.Q. and E.E.I. that were sufficient to demonstrate statutory eligibility and overcome all the prospective grounds of inadmissibility. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted both G.I.Q.’s and E.E.I.’s adjustment applications without even having either come in for an interview.  G.I.Q. and E.E.I. are now lawful permanent residents of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of T.C. & Matter of A.J. (2023)
T.C. is a native and citizen of France who had entered the United States as an E-2 nonimmigrant. In the course of operating her business in the United States, she met and fell in love with the man who would end up being her husband. Because he was a United States citizen, T.C. consulted with Alex to see if she could adjust not just her status but the status of her son, A.J., who was also present in the United States as an E-2 nonimmigrant. Because T.C. and her spouse married before A.J. had turned turned eighteen years of age, A.J. qualified as a “child” for immigration law purposes under section 101(b)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex did explain, though, that T.C.’s spouse would have to file separate family-based petitions on behalf of T.C. and A.J. since a United States citizen filing an “immediate relative” petition (as understood in the immigration context) can never include derivative beneficiaries. Alex helped both T.C. and A.J. prepare their respective adjustment of status filings.  After having them come in for an interview--for which Alex made sure they were well-prepared--U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted T.C.'s and A.J.'s respective applications, and both are now lawful permanent residents of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of R.P.A. (2023)
R.P.A., a native and citizen of Mexico, had entered the United States with a TD visa as the dependent of a TN visa holder who ultimately married a United States citizen. Because the marriage between R.P.A.’s parent and the United States citizen spouse took place before R.P.A. turned eighteen years of age, he qualified as a “child” for immigration law purposes under section 101(b)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex helped R.P.A. and his United States citizen stepmother prepare an adjustment of status filing that was sufficient to meet the requirements for adjustment under section 245(a), and the agency found that the filing itself was sufficient to establish R.P.A.’s eligibility for the benefit sought. Without even having him come in for an interview, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted his adjustment application, and R.P.A. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

WAIVER OF INADMISSIBILITY APPROVED & LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of J.S.G. (2023)
J.S.G., a native and citizen of Mexico, had entered the United States with a tourist visa but ended up overstaying for reasons beyond her control. While residing in the United States, she met and married a United States citizen. J.S.G. and her spouse consulted with Alex because they were concerned that J.S.G.’s previous immigration history might be problematic. Having misrepresented an important fact during her interview (many years before) for her tourist visa, J.S.G. wanted to know whether it was in her best interest to be honest and disclose everything to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) when applying for adjustment of status. Alex explained that honesty was the best course of action, and he explained that being honest did not necessarily doom her case. While the misrepresentation was certainly enough to trigger inadmissibility under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, there was a wavier under section 212(i) that J.S.G. could pursue concurrent with her adjustment application. To obtain this waiver, J.S.G. had the burden of establishing that denial of admission to the United States would result in extreme hardship to her spouse.

Accordingly, Alex helped J.S.G. and her husband develop their case so that they could satisfy the many elements that applied in order to obtain both a favorable decision on the waiver application and the adjustment application. USCIS found the record was sufficient to meet J.S.G.’s burden of proof and subsequently approved her waiver application, which, in turn, cleared the path for approval of her adjustment application. J.S.G. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

ASYLEE STATUS TO LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE Matter of M.A.V. (2023)
M.A.V. is a native and citizen of Colombia who Alex had helped obtain asylum on the basis of past political persecution. After having resided in the United States for one year as an asylee, she consulted Alex again to help her and her children adjust their status from that of asylees to lawful permanent residents. Alex carefully prepared each filing, making sure to include waivers of inadmissibility under section 209 of the Immigration and Nationality Act where needed. USCIS approved the adjustment applications of M.A.V. and her children, and all now reside as lawful permanent residents of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of L.R.C. (2023)
L.R.C., a native and citizen of Mexico, was brought to the United States as a small child without a visa. Having built his entire life here and being married a United States citizen with children of his own, he consulted with Alex to see if he could obtain permanent residence. He had hoped to be able to accomplish this without having to leave the country since he had maintained DACA status since he was 17 years of age, but, unfortunately, because L.R.C. had not been “inspected and admitted or paroled,” he was not eligible to adjust his status inside the United States. Alex explained, though, that he had nothing to be concerned about even though he had to leave the country to complete consular processing. Alex helped L.R.C. and his wife navigate the entire process from dealing with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (for the family-based petition process) to the U.S. Department of State (for consular processing). L.R.C. attended his immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez and was issued an immigrant visa shortly thereafter. L.R.C. now resides with his family here in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of L.O. (2023)
L.O. is a native and citizen of Mexico who was brought here to the United States as a child with a tourist visa. He never did depart the United States, and as an adult he married a United States citizen. L.O. and his wife consulted with Alex to see if it would still be possible for L.O. to adjust his status to that of a permanent resident even though so many years had passed since his authorized period of stay had expired. He was also concerned that a DUI conviction he had sustained would make him ineligible. Alex explained that L.O. could still adjust his status despite the overstay because he qualified as an “immediate relative” for immigration law purposes. As far as the DUI conviction was concerned, Alex explained that it did not necessarily render him inadmissible under section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and that he had the opportunity to present positive factors in his case to make sure the scales balanced in his favor. Alex helped L.O. and his wife prepare and file the adjustment application, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) ultimately granted the adjustment application. L.O. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of S.S.A. (2023)
S.S.A. is a native and citizen of Thailand who entered the United States with a B-2 visa but overstayed the authorized period of stay. After marrying a U.S. citizen, S.S.A. consulted Alex on whether it would be possible to obtain permanent residence despite her overstay and in light of the significant age difference between her and her husband. Alex explained that certain grounds of ineligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act do not apply to individuals, like S.S.A., who qualify as “immediate relatives” for immigration law purposes and that she could therefore still adjust status despite having overstayed her authorized period of stay. As far as the age difference between S.S.A. and her husband was concerned, Alex explained that so long as there was sufficient evidence reflecting the “bona fides” of the marriage, the age difference was of little consequence. Accordingly, Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that S.S.A.’s marriage was bona fide, that she was eligible to adjust status, and that she was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application without even requiring an interview, and S.S.A. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of D.C. (2023)
D.C. is a native and citizen of the Dominican Republic who came to the United States as a B2 nonimmigrant. Married to a United States citizen, he consulted with Alex to see if it was possible to complete the process of obtaining permanent residence without having to return to his native country. Alex went over the criteria that needed to be satisfied in order to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Following Alex’s guidance, D.C. and his wife provided Alex with all the documentation required, and Alex prepared a comprehensive packet that established D.C.’s eligibility for adjustment of status. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not require an interview and granted the adjustment application in less than 2 months after Alex filed it. D.C. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

K-1 & K-2 VISAS ISSUED / STATUS ADJUSTED TO LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE Matter of J.P. & Matter of W.P. (2023)
J.P. and W.P. are natives and citizens of Haiti. J.P.’s then fiancé, a United States citizen, retained Alex to assist with bringing J.P. and her minor son W.P. over to the United States via the “fiancé visa” route. Alex helped do exactly that, assisting J.P. secure the K-1 visa and W.P. the K-2 visa. After entering the United States, J.P. married her fiancé, and they came to Alex for assistance in adjusting the former’s status as well as the status of her minor son. Alex carefully prepared J.P.’s and W.P.’s respective adjustment of status filings to reflect that each satisfied the criteria that applies in the context where one seeks to adjust status based on K-1 / K-2 status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved both J.P.s and W.P.’s adjustment applications within less than 4 months after filing. Each is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of P.D.S. (2023)
P.D.S. is a native and citizen of Brazil who entered the United States with a B-2 visa but overstayed for several years. After marrying a U.S. citizen, P.D.S. and his wife consulted Alex on whether it would be possible to obtain permanent residence for P.D.S. despite his overstay. Alex explained that certain grounds of ineligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act did not apply to P.D.S. by virtue of his status as an “immediate relative” and that he could therefore still adjust status despite having overstayed his authorized period of stay. Accordingly, Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that P.D.S.’s marriage was bona fide, that he was eligible to adjust status, and that he was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application without even requiring an interview, and P.D.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

ADVANCE PAROLE SECURED & STATUS SUBSEQUENTLY ADJUSTED TO LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE Matter of D.M. (2023)
D.M., a native and citizen of Mexico, was brought to the United States as a small child. Growing up here, she understandably came to see the United States as home. She was therefore very distraught to learn that, having entered the United States illegally, she had to ultimately leave the country in order to complete the permanent residence process. However, because she had availed herself of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) program, Alex explained that if she were able to obtain advance parole on the basis of her DACA status, she would be eligible to adjust status here in the United States, which would save her the time and stress of having to complete consular processing, which in her case would involve having to secure a waiver of inadmissibility as well—something that, depending on an individual’s circumstances, can be difficult to obtain.

Alex helped D.M. built a strong case for why it was important for her to obtain advance parole to visit an ailing relative. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved her request, and D.M. fulfilled the purpose for which she sought advance parole. Upon her return to the United States, she was “paroled” and thus able to satisfy the necessary criterion to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on the basis of a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) that had previously been approved. With Alex’s guidance, she prepared and filed her Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (“Form I-485”) and included all the necessary evidence to ensure she met her burden of proving she was admissible for permanent residence. Without even having her come in for an interview, USCIS approved D.M.’s Form I-485. D.M. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

K1 VISA ISSUED & STATUS ADJUSTED TO LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE Matter of M.G. (2023)
M.G., is a native and citizen of Haiti, who was engaged to a United States citizen and wanted to know if it would be possible to come to the United States as a fiancé. Alex walked M.G. and her fiancé though the process, explaining the elements that needed to be satisfied first to secure approval of the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (“Form I-129F”) and then to secure issuance of the K-1 visa. Alex worked with them to see the process through to completion, and M.G. successfully entered the United States as a K-1 immigrant. Marrying her fiancé within the 90-day period, M.G. and her husband then sought Alex’s assistance on adjusting M.G.’s status to lawful permanent residence. Alex helped them prepare an adjustment of status filing that was sufficient to meet the requirements set out in section 245(a), and the agency found that the filing itself was sufficient to establish M.G.’s eligibility for the benefit sought. Finding an interview unnecessary, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted M.G.’s adjustment application. M.G. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

WAIVER APPROVED & LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.G.F. (2023)
A.G.F., a native and citizen of Mexico, entered the United States without inspection at a young age. She and her husband consulted with Alex to see what could be done to secure permanent residence for A.G.F. Because she had not been “inspected and admitted or paroled” as required under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, A.G.F had to complete consular processing if she wanted to obtain permanent residence. But because she had lived in the United States for more than one year without status after she turned eighteen years of age, she would be inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act the moment she departed the United States to attend her consular interview abroad. Alex explained the entire process to A.G.F. and her husband in great detail, and, thereafter, they felt confident enough to see the process through to the end.

Alex helped them prove the bona fides of their marriage, which was relevant to the adjudication of the Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”); he made the case for why A.G.F.’s husband would suffer “extreme hardship” if A.G.F. were denied admission, which was key to ensuring the approval of the Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver (“Form I-601A”); he helped guide them through the U.S. State Department National Visa Center processing; and he made sure A.G.F. was well prepared for her interview. Immediately upon conclusion of her consular interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, A.G.F. was approved and issued an immigrant visa. A.G.F. now resides with her family here in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of R.G. (2023)
R.G., a native and citizen of Peru, had entered the United States as a child as a B2 nonimmigrant. Having overstayed by several years, she was able to avail herself of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) program, but she knew that this in itself was not a path to permanent residence. Married to a United States citizen for several years, R.G. and her husband met with Alex to learn what could be done to help R.G. secure permanent residence. Even though R.G. had long overstayed the authorized period of stay as a B2 nonimmigrant, she was still eligible to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. With Alex’s guidance, R.G. and her husband prepared a complete packet that satisfied all criteria for adjustment of status. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not even require an interview and granted the adjustment application in less than 6 months after Alex filed the application. R.G. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of D.A. (2023)
D.A., a native and citizen of Lithuania, had entered the United States via ESTA, and then decided that she wanted to make the United States home after marrying her United States citizen boyfriend. D.A. and her husband came to Alex for guidance on how to go about obtaining permanent residence for D.A. even though her authorized period of stay had expired. Alex explained that entering the United States lawfully via ESTA made her eligible to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act even though the 90-day period of authorized stay had elapsed. With Alex’s guidance, D.A. and her husband prepared a comprehensive packet that served to establish that D.A.’s marriage was bona fide and that she was admissible for permanent residence. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not even require an interview and granted the adjustment application in less than 4 months after Alex filed the application. D.A. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of S.P.B. (2023)
S.P.B., a native and citizen of Mexico, had entered the United States with a TN visa, and during his time working here in the United States, he fell in love with and married a United States citizen. When the time came to renew his TN visa, S.P.B. and his wife consulted with Alex about whether it made sense to do so or to just apply for permanent residence pursuant to section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex went over the pros and cons of the two options, and S.P.B. and his wife decided that pursuing adjustment of status was the better alternative given their circumstances. Alex helped them prepare an adjustment of status filing that was sufficient to meet the requirements for adjustment under section 245(a), and the agency found that the filing itself was sufficient to establish S.P.B.’s eligibility for the benefit sought. Without even having him come in for an interview, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted his adjustment application, and S.P.B. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

CONDITIONS ON LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS REMOVED Matter of A.W. (2023)
A.W. is a lawful permanent resident whose two-year conditional permanent resident status was on the verge of expiring when she approached Alex. Because the marriage upon which she had adjusted her status was less than two years old at the time the agency adjudicated her adjustment application, she had to file the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (“Form I-751”) within the 90-day period prior to when her status expired. With less than two weeks away from expiration, Alex nonetheless helped A.W. and her spouse efficiency gather the type of supporting evidence needed and then proceeded to file the petition. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) found the evidence sufficient to meet A.W.’s burden of proving that she entered into marriage with her U.S. citizen husband in good faith and granted A.W.’s Form I-751, removing the conditions on her permanent resident status.

ASYLEE STATUS TO LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE Matter of T.R. (2023)
T.R. sought Alex’s assistance to help her adjust her status from that of an asylee (status she had acquired also with Alex’s help) to a lawful permanent resident. Alex prepared an adjustment filing that included all of the documentation necessary to establish statutory eligibility under section 209(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Despite average processing times being over three years for these types of applications (at the time of writing), USCIS approved T.R.’s adjustment application in less than one year.

RE-ADJUSTMENT TO LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE Matter of M.W. (2023)
M.W. had applied for citizenship after having maintained her lawful permanent residence status for many years. She, however, was denied naturalization after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) concluded that she was not “lawfully admitted” as a lawful permanent resident. Very distraught, she consulted Alex and what could be done. After a careful review of the case, Alex explained what needed to be fixed and that it would be possible to seek “re-adjustment” under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act thereafter. With Alex’s assistance, M.W. filed another adjustment application, and USCIS re-adjusted her status so that now she has been “lawfully admitted” for permanent residence and thus eligible to pursue United States citizenship again after she has accrued the requisite time of continuous residence.

LAWSUIT FILED & PETITION FOR ALIEN RELATIVE APPROVED Fausto v. Renaud et al., No. 2:22-cv-02019-APG-DJA (D. Nev. 2022)
Mrs. Fausto, a United States citizen, had filed a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) on behalf of her spouse. More than two years went by, and despite submitting several “e-Requests” to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), the Form I-130 remain stalled. She retained Alex’s services to seek relief under the Administrative Procedures Act by filing a lawsuit against the agency over the unreasonable delay. Accordingly, Alex initiated a civil action against USCIS in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. Just a little over two months later, USCIS finally approved the Form I-130.

LAWSUIT FILED & APPLICATION FOR PROVISIONAL UNLAWFUL PRESENCE WAIVER APPROVED Torres Hernandez v. Renaud et al., No. 3:22-cv-08213-MTL (D. Ariz. 2022)
Mrs. Torres Hernandez, with the help of Alex, filed an Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver (“Form I-601A”) back in August of 2020. She did this in order to obtain the necessary waiver to overcome the ground of inadmissibility set out in section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that would be triggered upon her departure from the United States to attend her consular interview abroad. She waited patiently as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (“USCIS”) processing times continued to increase over the years. But when the agency in late 2022 increased its average processing time for adjudicating the Form I-601A from 27 months to 32 months, Mrs. Torres Hernandez decided enough was enough and hired Alex to sue the agency over the unreasonable delay. Alex filed a Complaint for Injunctive and Mandamus Relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona bringing a cause of action under 5 U.S.C. §§ 702, 706(1). Within a month of filing suit, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved the Form I-601A.  

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.R. (2023)
A.R., a native and citizen of the Netherlands, had entered the United States via ESTA, and her long-term United States citizen boyfriend surprised her by proposing marriage during her stay in the United States. After marrying, A.R. and her husband came to Alex for guidance on how to go about obtaining permanent residence for A.R. Alex explained that entering the United States lawfully via ESTA made her eligible to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act even though the 90-day period of authorized stay had elapsed. With Alex’s guidance, A.R. and her husband prepared a comprehensive packet that served to establish that A.R.’s marriage was bona fide and that she was admissible for permanent residence. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not even require an interview and granted the adjustment application within 9 months of applying. A.R. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of C.G. (2023)
C.G., a native and citizen of Italy, had entered the United States via ESTA, and after marrying a United States citizen sought to adjust her status on her own. After her Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status (“Form I-485”) had been denied, she and her husband consulted with Alex. He explained what had been done wrong the first time around, and after going through all the requirements with them, he helped them submit a new filing. This time U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application and did so without even having C.G. or her husband come in for an interview.  C.G. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWSUIT FILED & PETITION FOR ALIEN RELATIVE APPROVED; IMMIGRANT VISA ISSUED Kinder v. Nolan et al., No. 2:21-cv-01641-GMN-EJY (D. Nev. 2021)
Mrs. Kinder had filed a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) back in October of 2019 on behalf of her spouse who is a native and citizen of the Philippines. After almost two years, the Form I-130 remained pending. She had submitted several service requests to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) in the attempt to alert it to the fact that her case had fallen well outside normal processing times. She even recruited the aid of her Senator, but all these efforts were to no avail. At a loss at what else could possibly be done, she consulted with Alex who explained to her that she could sue the agency over the unreasonable delay, bringing a cause of action under 5 U.S.C. §§ 702, 706(1). This is precisely what she hired Alex to do. Shortly after suit was filed, USCIS approved the Form I-130. Alex helped Mrs. Kinder and her spouse the rest of the way through consular processing, and the U.S. Embassy in Manila issued Mrs. Kinder’s husband the immigrant visa. Finally, the family is once again together in the United States.

LAWSUIT FILED & APPLICATION FOR PROVISIONAL UNLAWFUL PRESENCE WAIVER APPROVED; IMMIGRANT VISA ISSUED Morones Gonzalez et al. v. Renaud et al., No. 2:22-cv-01376-JCM-EJY (D. Nev. 2022)
Mrs. Morones Gonzalez had filed an Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver (“Form I-601A”) back in May of 2020. She did this because she needed to obtain a waiver to overcome the ground of inadmissibility set out in section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that would be triggered upon her departure from the United States to attend her consular interview abroad. Her patience understandably ran out when her case exceeded the average processing time that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) had posted on its website at the time. She consulted Alex on what could be done, and he explained that there was a remedy under the Administrative Procedures Act: in short, she could sue the agency over the unreasonable delay.

Accordingly, Alex filed a Complaint for Injunctive and Mandamus Relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada bringing a cause of action under 5 U.S.C. §§ 702, 706(1). Within three weeks of filing the lawsuit, USCIS approved the Form I-601A. Less than three months later, Mrs. Morones Gonzalez had her immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. She was ultimately issued the immigrant visa, and she now resides with her family in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

WAIVER APPROVED & LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of F.A. (2022)
F.A., a native and citizen of Mexico, was brought to the United States illegally as a child and thus knew the United States as his only home. Married to a United States citizen, he and his wife consulted with Alex to see what could be done to secure permanent residence for him. Because he had not been “inspected and admitted or paroled” as required under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act in order to adjust status, F.A. had to complete consular processing if he wanted to obtain permanent residence. Because he had accrued more than one year of unlawful presence after turning eighteen years of age, he would, however, be inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act the moment he departed the United States to attend his consular interview abroad. Moreover, he had been convicted of driving under the influence (“DUI”) in violation of Nevada law and had concerns that this would preclude him from obtaining permanent residence. Alex explained the whole process to F.A. and his wife in great detail and alleviated F.A.’s concerns regarding the DUI conviction by explaining that it would not trigger any of the grounds of inadmissibility set out in section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Inspired by Alex’s confidence and expertise, F.A. and his wife trusted Alex to help them all the way through to the end. Alex helped them prove the bona fides of their marriage, which was relevant to the adjudication of the Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”); he made the case for why F.A.’s wife would suffer “extreme hardship” if F.A. were denied admission, which was key to ensuring the approval of the Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver (“Form I-601A”); he helped guide them through the U.S. State Department National Visa Center processing; and he made sure F.A. was prepared for his interview. Immediately upon conclusion of his consular interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, F.A. was approved and issued an immigrant visa. F.A. now resides with his family here in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

LAWSUIT FILED & PETITION FOR ALIEN RELATIVE APPROVED Nadherny v. Renaud et al., No. 2:22-cv-01843-CDS-DJA (D. Nev. 2022)
Mr. Nadherny, a United States citizen, filed a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”), on behalf of his stepchild, that had been pending for more than two years when he consulted Alex on what more could be done to get this stalled petition adjudicated. Service requests to the agency proved to be (as they generally are) absolutely pointless, and even efforts to involve his congressman were to no avail. Alex explained that the best course of action would be to seek relief under the Administrative Procedures Act by commencing a civil action in the U.S. district court with jurisdiction over the matter—i.e., suing the agency over the unreasonable delay. This is precisely what Mr. Nadherny hired Alex to do. Alex filed a Complaint for Injunctive and Mandamus Relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada bringing a cause of action under 5 U.S.C. §§ 702, 706(1). Within 7 days of filing suit, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved the Form I-130.

SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS & LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.P.R. (2022)
A.P.R. entered the United States as a minor fleeing the dire situation in Venezuela. Because he had been abandoned by his only living parent, his aunt and uncle took him in. They reached out to Alex to determine what could be done to help secure some type of legal status for A.P.R. in the United States. Alex first commenced guardianship proceedings in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Nevada and successfully secure the appointment of A.P.R.’s uncle and aunt as his legal guardians. After concluding the guardianship proceedings, Alex then sought to have A.P.R. classified as a Special Immigrant Juvenile (“SIJ”) by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Because an immigrant visa would also be immediately available to A.P.R. upon the grant of SIJ status, Alex concurrently filed an adjustment application with USCIS. Within less than two months of filing the SIJ adjustment application, USCIS approved A.P.R.’s application. A.P.R. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

“PERMISSION TO REAPPLY” APPROVED & LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of E.S.R. (2022)
E.S.R., a native and citizen of Mexico, had been deported from the United States in the early 2000s after having resided unlawfully for several years. After he had attempted to reenter the United States illegally, he was subjected to expedited removal and returned to Mexico again. E.S.R. therefore found himself inadmissible for a period of 20 years pursuant to twenty-year bar of inadmissibility set out in section 212(a)(9)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. And because of his attempt to reenter after having been unlawfully present in the United States for more than one year (and for his attempt to reenter after having been ordered removed), E.S.R. was also subject to what is known as the “permanent” bar set out in section 212(a)(9)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

After having lived in Mexico for 10 years, E.S.R. finally become eligible to seek “permission to reapply” in conjunction with his application for permanent residence. After Alex explained in great detail the complicated application process, E.S.R. and his wife (the United States citizen who would petition for E.S.R.) confided in Alex to guide them all the way through to the end. Alex helped them prove the bona fides of their marriage, which allowed the agency to approve the Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) in short order; he made the case for why E.S.R. merited a favorable exercise of discretion in the adjudication of his application seeking permission to reapply, which helped ensure his Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal (“Form I-212”) would be approved; and he helped guide E.S.R. and his wife through the U.S. State Department National Visa Center processing and made sure E.S.R. was well prepared for his interview. E.S.R. was ultimately issued an immigrant visa from the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, and he now resides with his family here in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.G. (2022)
A.G., a native and citizen of Mexico, had entered the United States with a B1/B2 “tourist” visa many years before with her parents. Having long overstayed the period of authorized stay, she was able to avail herself of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) program. But when she married a United States citizen, she came to Alex for guidance on how to go about obtaining permanent residence. Alex explained that because she had entered with a visa—even though she had overstayed—she was eligible to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. With Alex’s guidance, A.G. and her husband prepared a comprehensive packet that served to establish that A.G.’s marriage was bona fide and that she was admissible for permanent residence. Satisfied with the documentary evidence presented, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did not even require an interview and granted the adjustment application. A.G. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

WAIVER APPROVED & LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of T.G.S. (2022)
T.G.S., a native and citizen of Mexico, entered the United States illegally as a teenager. Decades later, she has understandably come to see the United States as home. Married to a United States citizen, she and her husband consulted with Alex to see what could be done to secure permanent residence for T.G.S. Because she had not been “inspected and admitted or paroled,” T.G.S. was not eligible to adjust her status inside the United States. She therefore would have to complete consular processing. Moreover, because she had accrued more than one year of unlawful presence after turning eighteen years of age, she would be inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act the moment she departed the United States to attend her consular interview abroad. Having explained the whole process to them in great detail, they confided in Alex to help them all the way through to the end. Alex helped them prove the bona fides of their marriage, which allowed the agency to approve the Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) in short order; he made the case for why T.G.S.’s husband would suffer “extreme hardship” if T.G.S. were denied admission, which helped ensure the Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver (“Form I-601A”) would be approved; he helped guide them through the U.S. State Department National Visa Center processing; and made sure T.G.S. was well prepared for her interview. T.G.S. was ultimately issued an immigrant visa after attending her consular interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, and she now resides with her family here in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of J.T. (2022)
J.T., a native and citizen of the Philippines, entered the United States with a B1/B2 “tourist” visa to visit her family in the United States. While visiting, her boyfriend, a U.S. citizen, proposed to her. Weeks turned into months, and given the instability caused worldwide by the COVID-19 pandemic, J.T.’s husband did not want to risk being separated from J.T. for what could be an exceptionally long period of time. Accordingly, they met with Alex who took on their case and helped them prepare an adjustment of status application. Having been inspected and admitted as a tourist, J.T. was eligible to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Moreover, satisfied that J.T.’s marriage was bona fide and that she was admissible for permanent residence, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application, and J.T. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of D.M. (2022)
D.M. is a native and citizen of Canada who frequented the United States as a visitor. After marrying his U.S. citizen girlfriend, he wanted to know whether it would be possible to obtain permanent residence without having to return to Canada since the pandemic made international travel problematic and gave D.M. and his wife concerns about borders being closed. Alex explained to them that D.M., having been “inspected and admitted” as a visitor, was eligible to adjust his status. Accordingly, Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that D.M.’s marriage was bona fide, that he was eligible to adjust status, and that he was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application, and D.M. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of V.K. (2022)
V.K. is a native and citizen of India who initially arrived in the United States with an F-1 “student” visa but stayed long after having violated the terms of his nonimmigrant visa. Years later, V.K. married his United States citizen girlfriend, and the two of them consulted Alex on the likelihood of securing permanent residence for V.K. despite his current circumstances. Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that V.K.’s marriage was bona fide, that he was eligible to adjust status, and that he was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application, and V.K. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.I.C. (2022)
A.I.C. is a native and citizen of Japan who had traveled several times between Japan and the United States. During the course of her travels, she met her boyfriend who, after A.I.C.’s most recent entry to the United States, proposed to her. After they married, they approached Alex for assistance on how to obtain permanent residence for A.I.C. Given A.I.C.’s multiple entries, Alex first made sure that A.I.C. had not committed any previous immigration violations. After verifying that all was in order, Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that A.I.C.’s marriage was bona fide, that she was eligible to adjust status, and that she was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application, and A.I.C. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of H.S. (2022)
H.S., a native and citizen of Mexico, had entered the United States with a TN visa but had since violated the terms of his visa. Married to a U.S. citizen, he learned that it might be possible to adjust status notwithstanding the grounds of ineligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex helped H.S. and his wife prepare an application for adjustment that contained the evidence needed to establish all of the elements set out in section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application, and H.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of L.P. (2022)
L.P. is a native and citizen of Brazil who entered the United States with a B-2 visa but overstayed for several years. After marrying a U.S. citizen, L.P. and his wife consulted Alex on whether it would be possible to obtain permanent residence for L.P. despite L.P.’s overstay. Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that L.P.’s marriage was bona fide, that he was eligible to adjust status, and that he was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application, and L.P. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of K.D. (2022)
K.D., a native and citizen of Canada, entered the United States as a tourist. What was supposed to be only a temporary stay became a prolonged one because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on international travel. Not wanting to risk being separated from her, K.D.’s boyfriend asked her to marry him. After they married, they consulted with Alex on what options were available to keep K.D. in the United States lawfully. Having been inspected and admitted, K.D. was eligible to adjust status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex helped K.D. and her husband prepare an application for adjustment that established that K.D.’s marriage was bona fide and that she was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application, and K.D. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

K-1 VISA ISSUED / LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of D.A.T.F. (2021)
D.A.T.F. is a native and citizen of the Philippines who became engaged with a United States citizen. D.A.T.F.’s fiancé contracted Alex to assist with the whole process from bringing D.A.T.F. from the Philippines to the United States and to helping D.A.T.F. secure lawful permanent residence in the United States. Alex helped D.A.T.F. through the whole process, including the preparation and filing of the Petition for Alien Fiancé (“Form I-129F”), the application for the K-1 visa, and the preparation and filing of the adjustment application. D.A.T.F. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of C.B.T. (2021)
C.B.T. is a native and citizen of the Philippines who entered the United States with a J-1 visa. After marrying a U.S. citizen and relocating to Las Vegas, C.B.T. and her husband sought out Alex’s aid in pursuing adjustment of status. Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that C.B.T.’s marriage was bona fide and that she was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed and granted the adjustment application. C.B.T. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of J.S.S. (2021)
J.S.S. is a native and citizen of Suriname who entered the United States with a B-2 visa. After marrying a U.S. citizen, J.S.S. and her husband sought out Alex’s aid in pursuing adjustment of status. Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that J.S.S.’s marriage was bona fide and that she was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed and granted the adjustment application. J.S.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.L.C. (2021)
A.L.C. is a native and citizen of the Philippines who entered the United States with a J-1 visa. After marrying a U.S. citizen, A.L.C. and his wife consulted Alex on whether it would be possible to obtain permanent residence for A.L.C. despite A.L.C.’s overstay. Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that C.B.T.’s marriage was bona fide, that he was eligible to adjust status, and that he was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application, and A.L.C. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of R.C.M. (2021)
R.C.M. is a native and citizen of Mexico who entered the United States more than 30 years ago without being inspected and admitted or paroled. Her lawful permanent resident spouse had filed a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) on her behalf in 1998, but they did not pursue the matter further when it was pending with the U.S. State Department, and therefore the petition itself had been terminated as a result of this inaction. Having a U.S. citizen daughter who was over 21 years of age, Alex explained to R.C.M. that she was still eligible to adjust her status under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act by virtue of the 1998 petition since an “immigrant visa” was still going to be immediately available to her as an “immediate relative” (and this, in turn, would be established by the filing of another Form I-130, but this time through her U.S. citizen daughter). Alex prepared a thorough adjustment packet that served to establish R.C.M’s statutory eligibility for adjustment under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Satisfied with the record before it, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted R.C.M.’s adjustment application, and R.C.M. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of F.P. (2021)
F.P. is a native and citizen of Jamaica who entered the United States with an F-1 visa and had overstayed long after having violated the terms of his nonimmigrant visa. After several years of marriage with a U.S. citizen, F.P. sought Alex’s aid to file for adjustment of status. F.P. had concerns because of an arrest for petit theft in violation of Nevada law. Alex explained that the circumstances surrounding F.P.’s criminal case did not render him inadmissible under section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and Alex prepared the filing accordingly. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) found that F.P. met his burden of proving that he was still admissible despite his previous adverse encounter with law enforcement and granted the adjustment application. F.P. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of M.C.N. (2021)
M.C.N. is a native and citizen of the Philippines who entered the United States with a K1 “fiancé” visa. After marrying her U.S. citizen fiancé, M.C.N. contracted Alex to assist with the adjustment of status process. Alex prepared a complete adjustment packet that served to establish that M.C.N.’s marriage was bona fide and that she was admissible for permanent residence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed and granted the adjustment application. M.C.N. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

FORM I-130 REOPENED AND APPROVED Principe v. Moore, Case No. 2:21-cv-00636-GMN-VCF (D. Nev. 2021)
Mrs. Principe is a citizen of the United States who filed a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) on behalf of her husband Mr. Principe. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) denied the Form I-130 on the basis that Mr. Principe was forever barred pursuant to section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act from becoming the beneficiary of a family-based petition because of the agency’s prior finding that he attempted to evade the immigration laws by entering into a prior marriage with a U.S. citizen several years before.

Mr. and Mrs. Principe hired Alex after an unsuccessful appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. On their behalf, Alex filed a Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada raising three causes of action: (1) first, that in adjudicating Mrs. Principe’s Form I-130, USCIS did not properly observe the procedure required by law insofar as the agency failed to conduct an independent analysis of the evidence; (2) second, that USCIS’s adjudication of Mrs. Principe’s Form I-130 was not in accordance with the law insofar as the record did not include “substantial and probative” evidence that Mr. Principe’s prior marriage was entered into for purposes of evading the immigration laws; and (3) third, that even assuming the record did contain “substantial and probative evidence” that Mr. Principe’s prior marriage was entered into for purposes of evading the immigration laws, USCIS’s adjudication of Mrs. Principe’s Form I-130 was not in accordance with the law insofar as the agency failed to recognize that Mr. and Mrs. Principe did successfully rebut USCIS’s finding of marriage fraud.

Shortly after suit was filed, USCIS reopened the Form I-130 and subsequently approved it. The adjustment application that was premised on that Form I-130 was likewise reopened and approved. Mr. Principe is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

K-1 VISA GRANTED / LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.P. (2021)
A.P. is a native and citizen of the Philippines who after becoming engaged with a U.S. citizen wanted to pursue a K1 “fiancé” visa because her native country did not recognize same-sex marriages. Accordingly, she and her U.S. citizen fiancé contracted Alex to assist with the fiancé petition process with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and then the consular processing with the U.S. Department of State. With Alex’s help, A.P. secured her K1 visa without incident, entered the United States, and married her U.S. citizen fiancé as contemplated. Alex then prepared and filed the adjustment of status application so that A.P. could obtain permanent resident status. A.P. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of D.D.O. (2021)
D.D.O. is a native and citizen of Italy who came to the United States with an F1 “student” visa to complete his studies. While going to school, he fell in love with a United States citizen. After marrying, they approached Alex for assistance in filing an adjustment packet with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). D.D.O and his husband were a bit concerned that the agency would question their marriage because of the substantial age difference. Alex explained that this would not be an issue at all so long as the “bona fides” of the marriage were well documented. Alex prepared the case accordingly, and USCIS granted D.D.O.’s adjustment application at the interview. D.D.O. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of M.G.C. (2021)
M.G.C. is a native and citizen of Colombia who entered the United States with a B2 “tourist” visa to visit his girlfriend, a lawful permanent resident of the United States. A few months into his stay, M.G.C. and his girlfriend decided to marry. They approached Alex for assistance in filing an adjustment packet with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). After learning that M.G.C.’s wife had acquired her lawful permanent residence through a prior marriage to a U.S. citizen less than five years before, Alex explained to M.G.C. and his wife that, pursuant to section 204(a)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, she would have the added burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that her prior marriage was “bona fide” in order to get this second Form I-130 approved. Accordingly, Alex prepared the case such that this heightened additional burden was satisfied with the initial filing. Shortly after the interview, USCIS granted M.G.C’s adjustment application, and M.G.C. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of S.B. (2021)
S.B., a native and citizen of the Philippines, had entered the United States with a B2 “tourist” visa many years ago. Having a U.S. citizen son who just turned twenty-one years old, she hired Alex to help her and her son file a complete adjustment packet with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Alex put together a filing that established that S.B. had been previously inspected and admitted, that she was admissible for permanent residence, and that she merited adjustment in the exercise of discretion. USCIS granted the adjustment application without even requiring an interview, and S.B. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of P.H. (2021)
P.H., a native and citizen of China, had entered the United States with a B2 “tourist” visa and within 24 hours of her entry, she married her U.S. citizen boyfriend. After having heard startling tales of what could happen if U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) believes a marriage is not “bona fide,” P.H. and her husband retained Alex to help represent them in adjustment of status proceedings before the agency. Alex carefully put together a filing that established the “bona fides” of P.H.’s marriage and, no less importantly, that established that P.H. did not have immigrant intent at the time she applied for her tourist visa and entered the United States with that visa. USCIS ultimately granted the adjustment application, and P.H. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of I.B. (2021)
I.B., a native and citizen of Albania, had entered the United States with a K1 “fiance” visa and married her U.S. citizen fiancé as contemplated. After their marriage, I.B. and her husband retained Alex to file an adjustment of status application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). In addition to handling all of the paperwork involved in the process, Alex also includes included as part of his representation a thorough preparation for the interview that takes place at the end of the process. I.B. and her husband were particularly grateful for this latter aspect of the representation when it came to pass that I.B. and her husband were separated during the interview and interrogated separately. Because they were well prepared, I.B. and her husband were comfortable notwithstanding and answered all questions consistently. The immigration officer approved I.B.’s adjustment application on the spot, and I.B. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of J.M.J. (2021)
J.M.J., a native and citizen of the Philippines, had entered the United States with a B2 “tourist.” Shortly after arriving in the United States, she became pregnant and decided to overstay her authorized period of stay and take up residence with her U.S. citizen spouse. Several years later, she reached out to Alex to help in preparing and filing an adjustment of status application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Alex put together a filing that established that J.M.J. had been previously inspected and admitted, that she was admissible for permanent residence, and that she merited adjustment in the exercise of discretion. USCIS granted the adjustment application, and J.M.J. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of M.O.B. (2021)
M.O.B., a native and citizen of Romania, had entered the United States with a K1 “fiancé” visa and married his U.S. citizen fiancé within a month after entry. After their marriage, M.O.B. and his wife retained Alex to file an adjustment of status application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) because they felt overwhelmed by all the paperwork and supporting documentation that needed to be filed. Alex prepared a filing that established the “bona fides” of M.O.B.’s marriage and established that M.O.B. was admissible for permanent residence. USCIS approved the adjustment application, and M.O.B. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of F.B. (2021)
F.B., a native and citizen of Brazil, had entered the United States with a B2 “tourist” visa. After she married a U.S. citizen, her U.S. citizen spouse filed a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) on her behalf. After several difficulties that F.B. believed could have been avoided with the help of an attorney, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) did ultimately grant the Form I-130. In light of her previous difficulties with the Form I-130, however, F.B. decided to contract Alex’s services to help with the adjustment process. Alex put together a filing that established that F.B. had been previously inspected and admitted, that she was admissible for permanent residence, and that she merited adjustment in the exercise of discretion. USCIS granted the adjustment application, and F.B. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of C.S. (2021)
C.S., a native and citizen of Guyana, had entered the United States with a B2 “tourist” visa shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in the United States. Married to a U.S. citizen, her U.S. citizen spouse feared what might happen if C.S. had to return to her native country. Accordingly, she and C.S. consulted with Alex who explained to them that C.S. could pursue adjustment of status here in the United States. C.S. and her spouse retained Alex to pursue adjustment of status. Alex put together a filing that established that C.S. had been previously inspected and admitted, that she was admissible for permanent residence, and that she merited adjustment in the exercise of discretion. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted the adjustment application, and C.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.  

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of E.S. (2021)
E.S., a native and citizen of Russia, had entered the United States with a B2 “tourist” visa. A few months after entry, she and her U.S. citizen husband decided that they wanted to reside permanently in the United States. After consulting Alex, E.S and her husband retained Alex to represent them before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) in adjustment proceedings. Alex put together a filing establishing all the necessary elements for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. USCIS granted the adjustment application, and E.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States. 

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of I.G.C. (2021)
I.G.C., a native and citizen of Chile, had lawfully entered the United States with a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa. In the United States, I.G.C. married a lawful permanent resident who had an Application for Naturalization (“Form N-400”) pending. I.G.C. wanted to adjust his status but because he had overstayed his visa, he was concerned that he would be ineligible for adjustment of status under section 245(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act since his wife was not yet a U.S. citizen. Alex explained that so long as his wife became a U.S. citizen by the time of adjudication of the adjustment application, I.G.C. would qualify as an “immediate relative” under the immigration laws and therefore not be subject to the unlawful-presence bar set out in section 245(e). While I.G.C.’s adjustment application was pending, his wife was sworn in as a U.S. citizen. Come the time of the interview, the immigration officer found that I.G.C. had met all the necessary requirements for adjustment under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and granted I.G.C.’s adjustment application. I.G.C. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States. 

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of S.N.W. (2021)
S.N.W., a native and citizen of Kenya, and his U.S. citizen spouse met with Alex after they received a Notice of Intent to Deny (“NOID”), stating that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) intended to deny the Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) pursuant to section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act because it determined that S.N.W. had previously entered into a marriage with his first wife “for the purpose of evading the immigration laws.” Alex helped S.N.W. and his spouse put together a voluminous response that addressed each of the agency’s allegations respecting the prior marriage. When the agency went ahead and denied the Form I-130, Alex encouraged S.N.W. and his wife to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals, explaining that the record was more than sufficient to overcome the rebuttable presumption that S.N.W. had previously married a U.S. citizen solely to obtain permanent residence. Shortly after Alex filed the appeal, USCIS reopened and approved the Form I-130 and subsequently reopened and approved the adjustment application that was predicated on the Form I-130. S.N.W. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of S.Y.C. (2021)
S.Y.C., a native and citizen of Costa Rica, had entered the United States with a B2 “tourist” visa. Shortly after her entry, she and her U.S. citizen fiancé decided to marry before S.Y.C.’s authorized period of stay expired. After the marriage, S.Y.C. and her husband met with Alex, and S.Y.C.’s husband told Alex that he did not want S.Y.C. to return to Costa Rica to complete the more cumbersome process that is consular processing. Alex explained that S.Y.C. would be eligible to adjust status pursuant to section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act whereby the entire process could be completed here in the United States. Alex helped prepare an adjustment filing that properly documented the bona fides of S.Y.C.’s relationship with her husband and that contained the evidence needed to meet S.Y.C.’s burden of establishing admissibility to the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted S.Y.C.’s adjustment application, and S.Y.C. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States. 

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.P.A. (2021)
A.P.A., a native and citizen of the Philippines, had entered the United States with a J1 visa. Years after having overstayed, A.P.A. married a U.S. citizen. Shortly after the marriage, A.P.A. and his husband met with Alex, and A.P.A’s husband expressed his concern that A.P.A would not be eligible to adjust status because of A.P.A’s prior entry with a J1 visa and failure to return to the Philippines. Alex reviewed the terms of A.P.A.’s J1 visa and explained to A.P.A. and his husband that A.P.A. would be eligible to adjust status pursuant to section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act because he was actually exempt from the foreign residency requirement. Alex helped prepare an adjustment filing that properly documented the bona fides of A.P.A.’s relationship with his husband and that contained the evidence needed to meet A.P.A.’s burden of establishing admissibility to the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted A.P.A.’s adjustment application, and [JJ1] A.P.A. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of G.M. (2020)
G.M. is a native and citizen of Turkey who is married a U.S. citizen. Her U.S. citizen spouse sought Alex’s help to bring G.M. from Turkey to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Alex handled everything from the filing of the initial family petition all the way through consular processing. G.M. was issued an immigrant visa and has been admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of F.Z. (2020)
F.Z is a native and citizen of the Philippines who married a U.S. citizen. Her U.S. citizen spouse sought Alex’s help to bring F.Z. from the Philippines to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Alex handled everything from the filing of the initial family petition all the way through consular processing. F.Z. was issued an immigrant visa and has been admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of R.L. (2020)
R.L. is a native and citizen of the Mexico who had been brought to the United States as a small child, never having been inspected or admitted to the country by an immigration official. He was, however, the derivative beneficiary of a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) filed more than nineteen years ago by his uncle on behalf of his father. Recently married to a U.S. citizen, R.L reached out to Alex for assistance on what could be done to help R.L. obtain permanent resident status. Alex explained that as the beneficiary of a family-based petition filed before 30 April 2001 he would be able to seek adjustment under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Alex put together a complete adjustment packet, making sure to include all of the evidence needed to establish the additional elements that apply in the context of 245(i) adjustment. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted R.L.’s adjustment application, and R.L. is now a permanent resident of the United States. 

HARDSHIP WAIVER APPROVED AND IMMIGRANT VISA ISSUED Matter of M.Y.M. (2020)
M.Y.M. is a native and citizen of the Philippines who sought permanent residence on the basis of his marriage to a United States citizen. Because he was ineligible for adjustment of status, he had to complete consular processing. Prior to departing for his interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, he had applied for a provisional hardship waiver to cure his inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) approved the waiver. Believing the hardest part of his journey was over, M.Y.M. left the United States to attend his interview where he was devastated to learn that he was found inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which led to automatic revocation of the provisional waiver that had been previously approved. M.Y.M’s spouse, no less distraught after hearing this news, immediately sought Alex’s aid.  On M.Y.M’s behalf, Alex prepared an Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (“Form I-601”) and explained in a detailed memorandum of law why the denial of a waiver of inadmissibility would result in extreme hardship to M.Y.M’s United States citizen spouse. Satisfied with the evidence presented and the arguments made on his behalf, USCIS granted M.YM.’s Form I-601 and the U.S. Embassy in Manila subsequently issued M.Y.M an immigrant visa. M.Y.M. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States. 

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of B.D.K. (2020)
B.D.K. is a native and citizen of Ethiopia who was adopted by U.S. citizens. Her parents sought Alex’s help to bring B.D.K. from Ethiopia to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Alex handled everything from the filing of the initial family petition all the way through consular processing. B.D.K. was issued an immigrant visa and has been admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.

ABANDONED FORMS I-130 REOPENED BY USCIS Matter of F.Y. (2020)
F.Y., a citizen of the United States, had filed a Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) for each of her four children in the Philippines. Since the filing, she had moved to a new address and submitted the proper correspondence to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to update her address on each of the four cases. The agency, however, failed to update its records for two of the four cases. The upshot was that F.Y. did not receive certain correspondence from USCIS and when USCIS failed to receive the responsive materials requested, it deemed the Forms I-130 abandoned. F.Y. sought Alex’s assistance several years after the fact. Alex moved to reopen pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 103.5(a)(1)(iii)(C). USCIS ultimately reopened the Forms I-130 in those two cases in which it had failed to properly update F.Y.’s address.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of T.D.D. (2020)
T.D.D., a native and citizen of Canada, had lawfully entered the United States but had overstayed by several years. In the United States, T.D.D. married a United States citizen, and both she and her husband sought Alex’s help to adjust T.D.D.’s status to that of a lawful permanent resident. T.D.D. was concerned about a run-in with lawful enforcement she had while residing in New York. After securing all relevant documentation, it was confirmed that T.D.D. was not convicted of any offense and therefore not statutorily ineligible for adjustment. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted T.D.D.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. T.D.D. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of S.D. (2020)
S.D., a native and citizen of Costa Rica, had lawfully entered the United States with a B2 nonimmigrant visa, and she sought Alex’s help to adjust her status to that of a lawful permanent resident on the basis of her marriage to a United States citizen. S.D. and her husband were concerned because of their lack of documents to establish the “bona fides” of their marriage. With the evidence provided, Alex put together as good of an adjustment packet as possible and also prepared S.D. and her husband for the possibility that they would be interviewed separately by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Sure enough, S.D. and her husband were interrogated separately by the immigration officer at their adjustment interview. Having been thoroughly prepared by Alex, however, S.D. and her husband were at ease and answered all questions to the satisfaction of the interviewing officer. USCIS granted S.D.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. S.D. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of K.Q. (2020)
K.Q., a native and citizen of the United Kingdom, had lawfully entered the United States under the Visa Waiver Program but had overstayed by several years. In the United States, K.Q. married a United States citizen, and both he and his wife sought Alex’s help to adjust K.Q.’s status to that of a lawful permanent resident. K.Q. had expressed concerns regarding the public charge ground of inadmissibility in light of the fact that certain members of his household had obtained public benefits in the past. After analyzing all relevant circumstances and securing all necessary evidence, Alex was able to prepare the filing to ensure U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) would not conclude that K.Q. was likely to become a public charge under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. USCIS ultimately granted K.Q.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. K.Q. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

HARDSHIP WAIVER APPROVED AND LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of H.L. (2020)
H.L. is a native and citizen of Vietnam who had been found inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act because of a misunderstanding that had been construed as a “material misrepresentation” by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). After being informed that she could file an Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (“Form I-601”), she sought Alex’s help. Alex prepared the filing and explained in a detailed memorandum of law why the denial of a waiver of inadmissibility would result in extreme hardship to her United States citizen spouse. Satisfied with the evidence presented and the arguments made on her behalf, USCIS granted H.L.’s Form I-601 and subsequently granted her adjustment of status application.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of A.V.H (2020)
A.V.H. is a native and citizen of the Netherlands who had entered the United States with an E2 nonimmigrant visa. He was the beneficiary of an approved Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) filed by his mother on his behalf. When A.V.H. met with Alex, he wanted to know what the next steps would be. After carefully reviewing the relevant facts, Alex explained that A.V.H. would actually be able to adjust status in the United States pursuant to section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act since the priority date on the Form I-130 was current and none of the bars to adjustment set out in section 245(c) of the Act were applicable. Accordingly, Alex helped A.V.H. file a complete adjustment filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The agency granted the adjustment application, and A.V.H. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of P.S. (2020)
P.S., a native and citizen of Thailand, had entered the United States with a B2 nonimmigrant visa (commonly known as a “tourist visa”). During her stay here in the United States, P.S. fell in love with a United States citizen. Both P.S. and her husband sought Alex’s help to adjust P.S.’s status to that of a lawful permanent resident. Alex helped prepare an adjustment filing that properly documented the bona fides of P.S.’s relationship with her husband and that contained the evidence needed to meet P.S.’s burden of establishing admissibility to the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted P.S.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. P.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

CONDITIONS ON LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS REMOVED Matter of E.M.C. (2019)
E.M.C. is a native and citizen of El Salvador who had adjusted her status to that of a lawful permanent resident on the basis of her marriage with a U.S. citizen. However, because the marriage was less than two years old at the time her status was adjusted, her permanent resident status was conferred on a “conditional” basis. Accordingly, within the 90-day period prior to when her status expired, E.M.C. sought Alex’s assistance in preparing and filing the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (“Form I-751”). Alex helped ensure that the supporting evidence was sufficient to meet E.M.C.’s burden of proving that she entered into marriage with her U.S. citizen husband in good faith. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) agreed and granted E.M.C.’s Form I-751, removing the conditions on her permanent resident status.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of Q.D. (2019)
Q.D. is a native and citizen of Vietnam who had entered the United States several years ago with an F1 nonimmigrant visa (i.e., a “student visa”). She sought the aid of Alex after she married her second husband because she wanted to adjust her status on the basis of her marriage to a U.S. citizen. Q.D. was concerned, however, because she had unsuccessfully attempted to adjust on the basis of her first marriage. At that time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) had pressured her first husband to withdraw the Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”) because a number of issues had arisen during the interview that led the agency to suspect marriage fraud. Because the Form I-130 had been withdrawn, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (“Form I-485”) was denied. Q.D. was therefore concerned that this episode that had happened a few years back would adversely impact any future filed adjustment application. Alex carefully reviewed the case first to assess whether the “marriage fraud bar” under section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act applied. Having discovered that the agency had not affirmatively made any finding of marriage fraud in respect to the first marriage, Alex explained to Q.D. that while there was no bar that automatically applied, the matter of Q.D.’s first marriage involved thorny issues that needed to be addressed because it would almost surely be a subject of discussion at the interview on the second adjustment filing. Sure enough it was, but Q.D. was sufficiently prepared to explain to the agency under oath the circumstances surrounding her first marriage and how that marriage too had been bona fide but had fallen apart for other reasons. USCIS was satisfied with Q.D.’s answers and, content with the evidence included in the second adjustment filing, it granted Q.D.’s Form I-485. Q.D. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of J.T.P. (2019)
J.T.P. is a native and citizen of Thailand who had recently entered the United States with a B2 nonimmigrant visa (i.e., a “tourist visa”). Not too long after his arrival, J.T.P. fell in love with A.W., a United States citizen. A.W. knew in just a few months that J.T.P. is the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Accordingly, A.W. proposed to J.T.P. and they wed shortly thereafter. They then sought Alex’s help in preparing an adjustment filing. J.T.P., however, was concerned because of how quickly he and A.W. had married after the former’s entry as a tourist. Alex helped prepare an adjustment of status application that documented the bona fides of J.T.P.’s marriage with his United States citizen husband and that served to dispel any notion that J.T.P. had “immigrant intent” either when he initially secured his B2 tourist visa or when he most recently entered the United States with that visa. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted J.T.P.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. J.T.P. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of A.W. (2019)
A.W., a native and citizen of New Zealand, had entered the United States with an F1 nonimmigrant visa. During the course of her studies, A.W. fell in love with a United States citizen. Both A.W. and her husband sought Alex’s help to adjust A.W.’s status to that of a lawful permanent resident. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted A.W.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. A.W. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of B.T. (2019)
B.T. is a native and citizen of Brazil who entered the United States with a K1 nonimmigrant visa (colloquially referred to as the “fiancé visa”). After marrying her petitioning fiancé, she and her husband sought the help of Alex to adjust B.T.’s status to that of a lawful permanent resident. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted B.T.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. B.T. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of R.R.L. (2019)
R.R.L. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had entered the United States with an H1A work visa. While in the United States, he fell in love with and married a United States citizen. He subsequently sought the help of Alex to adjust his status to that of a lawful permanent resident. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) ultimately granted R.R.L.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. R.R.L. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of S.V.G. (2019)
S.V.G. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had entered the United States with a B2 tourist visa as a young child. She was, however, “waved through” by the immigration official and thus never received a stamp in her passport or any other official documentation to prove that she lawfully entered the United States. Married to a United States citizen, she sought Alex’s help to apply for adjustment of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Alex carefully prepared the case and included in the adjustment filing a detailed memorandum of law that explained how the evidence provided was sufficient to meet S.V.G.’s burden of proving that she presented herself to immigration authorities in a “procedurally regular manner” and was thus “inspected and admitted” to the United States. See Matter of Quilantan, 25 I&N Dec. 285 (BIA 2010). Upon review of the evidence furnished and the arguments presented, USCIS granted S.V.G.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. S.V.G. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of S.S. (2019)
S.S. is a native and citizen of Thailand who had recently entered the United States with a B2 tourist visa. Not too long after his arrival, S.S.’s long-term United States citizen boyfriend spontaneously proposed to him. They subsequently decided that they would marry during S.S.’s authorized period of stay in the United States. After the marriage, S.S. and his husband decided that they wanted to build their lives together here in the United States and thus decided that it would be best to secure permanent resident status for S.S. However, S.S. was concerned because of how quickly they married after his entry as a tourist. Alex helped prepare an adjustment of status application that documented the bona fides of S.S.’s marriage with his United States citizen husband and that served to dispel any notion that S.S. had “immigrant intent” either when he initially secured his B2 tourist visa or when he most recently entered the United States with that visa. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted S.S.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. S.S. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

HARDSHIP WAIVER APPROVED AND LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of N.O.C. (2019)
N.O.C. is a native and citizen of Mexico who last entered the United States with a B2 tourist visa over a decade ago. On the basis of her marriage to a United States citizen, N.O.C. sought to adjust her status to that of a lawful permanent resident. However, after her initial interview, she was found inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act by virtue of the fact that she had previously entered the United States with her B2 visa, overstayed beyond the period of authorized stay, and had then reentered the United States again as a tourist before she had spent 10 years outside of the country. On her behalf, Alex prepared an Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (“Form I-601”) and explained in a detailed memorandum of law why the denial of a waiver of this ground of inadmissibility would result in extreme hardship to her United States citizen spouse. Satisfied with the evidence presented and the arguments made on her behalf, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted N.O.C.’s Form I-601 and subsequently granted N.O.C.’s Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (“Form I-485”). N.O.C. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of N.T.V. (2019)
N.T.V. is a native and citizen of Brazil who had entered the United States with a B2 tourist visa several years ago and had overstayed beyond the period of authorized stay. Married to a United States citizen, she sought to fix her immigration status but was concerned because of the visa overstay. Alex explained to her that as the “immediate relative” of a United States citizen (as that term is defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act), she would still be eligible to adjust her status. Accordingly, on her behalf, Alex filed an adjustment of status application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). Alex also prepared both N.T.V. and her husband for the adjustment interview and accompanied them to this interview. USCIS granted N.T.V.’s adjustment application under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. N.T.V. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of R.M.M. (2019)
R.M.M. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had been granted a U visa. After residing continuously in the United States for three years, she sought Alex’s assistance in the preparation and filing of an adjustment of status application. After securing all of the necessary supporting documentation—which included evidence that R.M.M. had not “unreasonably refused” to provide assistance to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity that resulted in her U nonimmigrant status—Alex prepared a comprehensive filing that explained why R.M.M. is statutorily eligible to adjust status under section 245(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and why she merited adjustment in the exercise of discretion. USCIS granted R.M.M.’s adjustment application under section 245(m), and R.M.M. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of M.M.R. (2019)
M.M.R. is a native and citizen of Canada who sought to immigrate to the United States as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. Having both lived in Canada for decades, M.M.R. and her husband sought Alex’s help in the process to ensure no hiccups. From the filing of the initial family petition and all the way through consular processing, Alex helped make the process as smooth as possible for M.M.R. and her husband. After her interview at the consulate, M.M.R. was issued an immigrant visa and has recently immigrated to the United States.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of J.A. (2019)
J.A. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had initially entered the United States decades ago without being inspected and admitted. Her son, who was born in the United States, serves in the United States armed forces. With the help of Alex, she first applied for parole-in-place with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) Las Vegas Application Support Center. After she was granted parole, Alex helped her apply for adjustment of status. Less than five months after filing her adjustment application, J.A. was approved for permanent residence.

PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of M.D.G. (2019)
M.D.G., a native and citizen of the Philippines, was engaged to a United States citizen and sought to immigrate to the United States. She entered the United States on a K-1 visa and adjusted her status to that of a lawful permanent resident with the help of Alex.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of A.M. (2018)
A.M., a citizen and national of Russia, had been denied entry to the United States on her tourist visa. Married to a U.S. citizen, she wanted to be able to live with her husband in the United States. Alex helped A.M. and her husband through the consular processing and was even able to get the case expedited. A.M. entered the United States as a lawful permanent residence within less than eight months after starting the process with Alex.

PAROLE-IN-PLACE GRANTED Matter of J.A. (2018)
J.A. is native and citizen of Mexico who entered the United States years ago without being inspected and admitted. Alex applied for parole-in-place with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) Application Support Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. After considering the equities in her case, USCIS granted J.A.'s application for parole-in-place, effectively making her eligible for adjustment of status to become a legal permanent resident.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of Y.C. (2018)
Alex helped Y.C., a Chinese citizen in the U.S. on an B1/B2 visitor visa, through the process to become a legal permanent resident.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of E.N. (2018)
Alex helped E.N., a Nigerian in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, through the process to become a legal permanent resident.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of R.G. (2018)
The client had a visa and wished to adjust status to a legal permanent resident on the basis of his marriage with a U.S. citizen. With the help of Alex, he obtained his permanent residence.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE GRANTED Matter of A.H. (2017)
Alex helped A.H. adjust status to legal permanent residence on the basis of her marriage to a U.S. citizen.

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