Federal immigration agencies sometimes sit on pending applications for years without explanation, leaving applicants in legal limbo with no clear path forward. A writ of mandamus is a federal court order that compels agencies like USCIS to fulfill their duty to decide a case within a reasonable time. This is not a guarantee of approval – it forces action. To qualify, applicants generally need to show a delay well beyond published processing times, documented harm, and evidence they exhausted administrative remedies first. New Jersey applicants file in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Many mandamus cases settle within months, with the agency agreeing to adjudicate the case before the matter reaches argument. If your case has been pending more than two years with no movement, this legal tool is worth understanding.
Navigating Immigration Court: What to Expect and How to Prepare
You’ll Probably Have More Than One Hearing A lot of people assume they’re walking into a one-time court date—like in the movies. But immigration court often unfolds over multiple hearings. You might start with a Master Calendar Hearing (MCH). Think of this as a status check. It’s short, sometimes less than 10 minutes, and the
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer? Consider 6 Benefits
United States immigration laws are quite complicated, and it’s all too easy to make costly errors. Although it’s not required by law, many people find it beneficial to hire an attorney to help them navigate the process. Here are 6 reasons hiring an immigration lawyer is strongly recommended. 1. Immigration lawyers have extensive knowledge of
What Should You Do if You Are Issued a Notice of Intent to Deny?
A Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) is a letter from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to an applicant or petitioner explaining why they intend to deny the application or petition. The NOID will allow the applicant to present more evidence or explanations to save their application or petition in most situations.
What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and How Can It Benefit You?
Special immigrant juvenile status (SIJ status) is a term used in the United States to refer to a specific category of non-citizen children. Children who qualify for SIJ status have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. A child who is granted SIJ status can go on to receive permanent resident status
What is Humanitarian Parole, and How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help?
A grant of humanitarian parole permits a person who is unable to get a visa to petition the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to enter the United States for essential humanitarian reasons or if their admission will result in a significant public advantage. For parole to be granted, the person must have a
What are Visas for Temporary Visitors, and Who Needs Them?
If you want to visit the United States for a short time, you may need a visa for temporary visitors. There are various visas available for people traveling to the U.S. for brief visits, and each one has its specific requirements. Two Main Types of Visitor Visas The most common visas for temporary visitors are
The Permanent Resident/Green Card Process: What Should You Know?
When most people think of gaining residency in the United States, they immediately think of getting their green card. This article will summarize the green card and permanent resident application process in the U.S. What Does a Green Card Do? A green card shows that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
The DACA Application: What You Need to Know
A DACA application, also known as the deferred action for childhood arrivals application, is a document you must fill out to apply for deferred action. Deferred action is a type of protection from deportation that can be provided to those who satisfy specific requirements. The goal of the DACA program is to provide temporary relief
Removal Defense: How Can You Choose the Right Immigration Lawyer?
It is critical to have a skilled immigration attorney on your side if you need removal defense. A qualified immigration lawyer can help you understand your rights and options during this trying period. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right immigration lawyer and what they can do for you in your