FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I am a U.S. Citizen, can I petition my parents?

Short Answer: Yes, as a U.S. Citizen you can petition your parents, as well as your spouse, children, and siblings.

Long Answer: Although you can petition your parents, that does not always mean that they will be able to immigrate or obtain lawful status in this country. Facts such as negative immigration history, any prior unlawful presence, as well as criminal history can affect them.

Q: If I am stopped by the police, can I be arrested for not having lawful status?

A: This varies state by state. First, it is important to understand that immigration is civil in nature (not criminal), and it is handled by federal agencies not local or state police. This means if you are stopped by police (1) you do not have to answer questions about your lawful status, and (2) having no lawful status, by itself, will not lead to an arrest. However, if you are stopped, detained, or arrested by the police for any reason (criminal or not) they can place an ICE hold on you to be then be picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ("ICE").

Q: What is an NTA?

A: An NTA stands for Notice to Appear, and it is the document that initiates formal removal proceedings. If you have been issued an NTA, it is very important to get the help of an experienced attorney to build a strong defense, as these proceedings can lead to a deportation order. You can read more about removal defense, by clicking here.

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