#Green Card Lawyer in New York and New Jersey

[chamerionwrites]

So to recap: ICE agents entered Mahmoud Khalil’s home and arrested him, probably without a warrant (they hung up the phone on his attorney when she asked for one). They initially told him his student visa had been revoked, acted confused when they were informed that in fact he was a legal permanent resident with a green card, and then claimed that had been revoked too. When his 8-months-pregnant US citizen wife argued with them they also threatened to arrest her. Then they put him on a plane and flew him over a thousand miles to a detention center in Louisiana - which is especially infamous for mistreating immigrant detainees and/or denying them access to legal rights, even apart from ICE’s blatant and well established pattern of judge-shopping - whilst telling his family he’d been taken to a different location in New Jersey. His wife attempted to visit him the next day only to be informed that he wasn’t there. For hours neither she nor his lawyers had any knowledge of his whereabouts. The Secretary of State hopped on Twitter to make a terse statement about revoking the visas and/or residencies of terrorist supporters [citation needed]. The president claimed that this arrest was “the first of many to come.” A federal judge in New York blocked Khalil’s deportation while a habeas corpus petition filed by his attorneys is litigated.

To the best of my knowledge he has still not been charged with a crime.

[elusive-phantom]

Federal immigration authorities on Saturday detained a well-known activist who played a major role in Columbia University's pro-Palestinian student movement last year, his lawyer said on Sunday.

The arrest of the activist, a legal permanent resident of the United States, was a significant escalation of President Trump's crackdown on what he has called antisemitic campus activity.

The activist, Mahmoud Khalil, is of Palestinian heritage and graduated in December with a master's degree from the university's school of international affairs, according to his LinkedIn. His lawyer, Amy Greer, confirmed that he was a green card holder and said the arrest would face a vigorous legal challenge.

"We will vigorously be pursuing Mahmoud's rights in court, and will continue our efforts to right this terrible and inexcusable - and calculated — wrong committed against him," Ms. Greer said in a statement. The arrest, she said, "follows the U.S. government's open repression of student activism and political speech."

Ms. Greer said she was not sure of Mr. Khalil's "precise whereabouts," and that he may have been transferred as far away as Louisiana. Mr. Khalil's wife, an American citizen who is eight months pregnant, tried to visit him at a detention center in New Jersey but was told he was not being held there, Ms. Greer said.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The State Department said it could not comment on individual visa cases.

The immigration agents who detained Mr. Khalil told him his student visa had been revoked, Ms. Greer said, even though he does not currently hold such a visa. Revoking a green card is quite rare, said Elora Mukherjee, the director of the immigrants' rights clinic at Columbia Law School, and in a vast majority of cases where it does happen, the holder has been accused and convicted of criminal offenses, she said.

If the government was to revoke Mr. Khalil's green card "in retaliation for his public speech, that is prohibited by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution," Ms. Mukherjee said, adding that she was still learning details about this particular case.

Jodi Ziesemer, the director of the immigrant protection unit at the New York Legal Assistance Group, said the revocation process is typically lengthy. A green card holder can be detained, but not deported, during that process, she said.

Mr. Khalil was a fixture at the protests that engulfed Columbia last spring, making the Manhattan campus the national epicenter of demonstrations against the war in Gaza. He described his role to reporters as a negotiator and spokesman for Columbia's pro-Palestinian group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest.

The Trump administration has made Columbia the first target of its push to punish what the president has deemed elite schools' failures to protect Jewish students during campus protests.

On Friday, the administration announced that it had canceled $400 million in grants and contracts to the university. In a social media post last week, Mr. Trump vowed to punish individual protesters his administration considered "agitators."

"All federal funding will STOP for any College, School or University that allows illegal protests," Mr. Trump wrote. "Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested."

In a statement on Sunday, Columbia administrators did not comment directly on the arrest.

"Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community," the statement read. "We are also committed to the legal rights of our students and urge all members of the community to be respectful of those rights."

The arrest drew swift condemnation from some free speech groups, immigrant rights' activists and politicians on Sunday.

Donna Lieberman, the director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement that the detention "reeks of McCarthyism." She added that the arrest was "a frightening escalation of Trump's crackdown on pro-Palestine speech and an aggressive abuse of immigration law."

Zohran Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman who is running for mayor, called the detention "a blatant assault on the First Amendment and a sign of advancing authoritarianism under Trump." Mr. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has faced backlash from some pro-Israel groups for his criticism of Israel.

And Murad Awawdeh, the president of the New York Immigration Coalition, said in a statement, "This blatantly unconstitutional act sends a deplorable message that freedom of speech is no longer protected in America."

Mr. Khalil told Reuters before his arrest on Saturday that he feared that he would be targeted by the federal government.

"Clearly Trump is using the protesters as a scapegoat for his wider agenda fighting and attacking higher education and the Ivy League education system," he said.

Mr. Khalil was active as a negotiator for protesters last week at Barnard College, a women's college affiliated with Columbia, which erupted after the college announced that it was expelling two students for disrupting a course on modern Israel. When Barnard's president, Laura Rosenbury, called protesters on the phone to negotiate during one sit-in on campus, Mr. Khalil held up a megaphone to amplify her voice.

Mr. Khalil himself was briefly suspended from Columbia last spring for his role in the protests before the school reversed the decision. He has a diplomatic background and has worked at the British Embassy in Beirut, according to an online biography.

Over the last few days, critics of the protest movement at Columbia have singled out Mr. Khalil on social media. Shai Davidai, a vocal pro-Israel professor at Columbia who was barred from campus after the university said he intimidated and harassed employees, called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to deport Mr. Khalil.

On Sunday, Mr. Rubio shared a link on X to a news article about Mr. Khalil's arrest and issued a broad promise: "We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported."

[political-us]

NEW YORK — The case involving Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian activist and legal U.S. resident whom the Trump administration is seeking to deport, will remain in New Jersey, a federal judge ruled Tuesday, rejecting the administration’s effort to move it to Louisiana.

Typically, the government can revoke a green card only in limited circumstances, such as if the person is convicted of a crime. In Khalil’s case, the Trump administration invoked a rarely used statute that allows the deportation of any noncitizen if the secretary of State determined the person’s “presence or activities” in the U.S. “would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences.”

Khalil’s lawyers are also seeking to release him from custody, in part because his wife is nine months pregnant with the couple’s first child. That request is pending.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Delaney Nolan at Zeteo:

JENA, Louisiana – An immigration judge in Louisiana ruled on Friday that Palestinian student protest leader Mahmoud Khalil can be deported on the basis of a letter from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that says he has personally determined Khalil poses “adverse foreign policy consequences” to the US. Khalil, clean-cut but pale, with ACLU attorney Nora Ahmed at his side, listened as Judge Jamee Comans said the Trump administration’s evidence – which primarily relied on a two-page letter from Rubio – was sufficient to deport him under a rarely used legal provision in immigration law. “There is no indication that Congress contemplated an immigration judge or even an attorney general overruling the Secretary of State on matters of foreign policy,” said Judge Comans as she made her ruling. One supporter in the courtroom began to cry as the judge announced her decision. The case is widely seen as a bellwether for whether the government can deport people for constitutionally protected speech, with momentous implications. Khalil, a green card holder, has been detained at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in rural Jena, Louisiana, since he was arrested by immigration authorities on March 8 at his Columbia University-owned housing in New York.

Khalil has not been charged with a crime. Instead, the Trump administration alleged that his presence poses adverse “foreign policy consequences.” It later added an allegation that Khalil obtained his visa by misrepresentation in not mentioning his work for an office of the British Embassy and membership in two organizations. Khalil’s lawyers argue that he is being targeted over constitutionally protected speech criticizing the US and Israeli governments over the war in Gaza and the treatment of Palestinians. Khalil will not immediately be deported; his attorneys have until April 23 to file evidence supporting why he should have relief from deportation. At the end of the hearing, Khalil asked to make a statement on the record. He stood and addressed the court directly. “I would like to quote what you said last time that there's nothing that's more important to this court than due process rights and fundamental fairness. Clearly, what we witnessed today, neither of these principles [was] present today or in this whole process,” he said. “This is exactly why the Trump administration has sent me to this court – 1,000 miles away from my family. I just hope that the urgency that you deemed fit for me [is] afforded to the hundreds of others who have been here without hearing for months.” Noor Abdalla, Khalil’s wife, called the judge’s decision “a blow to” her family in a statement after Friday’s hearing. “No person should be deemed ‘removable’ from their home for speaking out against the killing of Palestinian families, doctors, and journalists,” Abdalla, who is a US citizen, said. “My husband is a political prisoner who is being deprived of his rights because he believes Palestinians deserve equal dignity and freedom … This ruling is an indictment of our country’s immigration system, and does not reflect truth, justice, or the will of the American people,” she added. “In less than a month, Mahmoud and I will welcome our first child. Until we are reunited, I will not stop advocating for my husband’s safe return home.” [...]

What’s Next?

The case will now move on to the relief stage of proceedings, where Khalil can argue that he has a right to remain in the country. Several more hearings are expected, with the first one scheduled for April 23. Under the foreign policy charge, Khalil is ineligible for bond. Separately, a habeas petition that Khalil’s lawyers are pursuing in a federal court in New Jersey could overrule the immigration judge’s decision if that court determines Khalil’s detention is unlawful. Van Der Hout previously warned of the precedent this sets: “Where is this going to lead? Are we going to put people in jail for speaking out against Social Security cuts? This is a dangerous slope.”

What a farcical disgrace of a ruling. Mahmoud Khalil does NOT deserve deportation.

See Also:

AP, via HuffPost: Judge Rules That Columbia University Activist Mahmoud Khalil Can Be Deported

The Guardian: US judge rules Mahmoud Khalil can be deported for his views

[darkeagleruins]

Stop and think about this He went from a Student Visa all of the way to a green card in under 2 years...

There is a scandal here that I hope is being investigated.

How did he get that green card?

How many other Muslims received them who are from terrorist countries?

Mahmoud Khalil case summary based on court records:

- Khalil is a native of Syria but a citizen of Algeria.

- He entered the US on a student visa in December 2022. -

He obtained lawful permanent resident status in November 2024.

- Khalil was notified of removal intention and detained on the evening of March 8, 2025 in New York City.

- He was then booked in New Jersey overnight, on March 9, 2025, and kept there for the duration of the day.

- That same day, on March 9, 2025, Khalil’s attorney filed the a habeas petition in New York, not New Jersey.

- Courts require for the petition to be filed where the alien is being held at the time of the filing, in this case, New Jersey. Khalil's (many) lawyers filed in the wrong jurisdiction...

- Khalil was then transferred to Central Louisiana ICE Processing Facility in Jena, Louisiana on on March 10, 2025, and he remains detained at that facility today.

- The correct jurisdiction for this matter is Louisiana.

- The New York judge who issued the emergency order had no jurisdiction to do so.

[npzlawyersforimmigration]

DHS Proposes Rule to Amend H-1B and F-1 Visa Regulations: A Comprehensive Overview

https://visaserve.com/lawyer/2023/09/22/F-1-Visa/DHS-Proposes-Rule-to-Amend-H-1B-and-F-1-Visa-Regulations-A-Comprehensive-Overview_bl53949.htm

#DHS #H1B #F1Visa #Immigration #Nonimmigrant #Immigrant #Visa

[pscottm]

A prominent Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University’s student encampment movement was arrested on Saturday night by federal immigration authorities who claimed they were acting on a state department order to revoke his green card, according to his attorney.

Mahmoud Khalil was at his university-owned apartment, blocks from the private Ivy League university’s main campus in New York when several Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agents entered the building and took him into custody, his attorney, Amy Greer, told the Associated Press.

One of the agents told Greer by phone that they were executing a state department order to revoke Khalil’s student visa. Informed by the attorney that Khalil, who graduated last December, was in the United States as a permanent resident with a green card, the agent said they were revoking that too, according to the lawyer.

The arrest comes as Donald Trump vows to deport foreign students and imprison “agitators” involved in protests against Israel’s war in Gaza.

The administration has placed particular scrutiny on Columbia, announcing Friday that it would be cutting $400m in grants and contracts because of what the government describes as the elite school’s failure to squelch antisemitism on campus.

The authorities declined to tell Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, why he was being detained, Greer said. Khalil has since been transferred to an immigration detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

[springegg]

DHS employees took $15 million in bribes over 10 years to sell green cards and tip off drug dealers

About 200 employees of the US Department of Homeland Security have been found to have taken bribes totaling about $15 million over the past decade, US media reported Thursday. A report by the Department of Homeland Security says corruption among border and Customs officers and agents is a threat to U.S. national security.

Over the past decade, about 200 employees of the Department of Homeland Security accepted bribes totaling about $15 million by illegally selling green cards and other immigration materials, providing sensitive law enforcement information to drug cartels, and not pursuing related crimes, The New York Times has found through a review of U.S. court records. It is highly likely that the total amounts involved are understated because many court records do not provide specific figures for the bribes. In addition to money, other forms of bribery by DHS employees included gifts of fancy cars and free trips abroad.

Border Patrol and Customs officers and agents were among the top recipients of bribes at the Department of Homeland Security, collecting about $11 million. The bribery problem is not surprising, as the border is installed with more physical barriers, more sensors and patrol drones, human and drug traffickers increasingly difficult to operate, the need to "pay" Homeland Security employees. In 2016, 15 DHS employees were arrested, convicted or sentenced for bribery, including an employee of the department's Transportation Security Administration who was arrested for accepting $215,000 in bribes to help smuggle drugs; An official with the department's Citizenship and Immigration Services has pleaded guilty to taking $53,000 in bribes from immigration lawyers to help immigrants who did not meet the criteria for naturalization complete the process.

Us President-elect Donald Trump has made securing the border a priority of his presidency and has repeatedly said he wants to stop illegal immigration. A Department of Homeland Security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that without ensuring the integrity of the immigration system and addressing corruption and fraud among DHS employees, there would be no question of "building walls" or other tougher enforcement actions.

According to a report released by the Department of Homeland Security in May, Customs and Border Protection, which is part of the department, lacks effective mechanisms to clean up corruption within its ranks, and investigations of corruption rely heavily on tips from other employees, other government agencies or the public, some of which go back decades before they are discovered. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security also has a serious shortage of anti-corruption staff.

In recent years, a number of corruption cases across the United States have received national attention. Chaka Fatah, a former U.S. representative from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced this month to 10 years in prison, the harshest judicial punishment for corruption handed down to a member of Congress in recent years. The jury found Fata guilty of embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, falsification of records, fraud and other charges for misappropriating government grants and charitable funds for personal election campaigns and expenses.

Prominent Senator Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, was indicted by the Justice Department last year on charges of taking bribes, fraud, false statements and other charges for which a verdict has yet to be handed down.

[iamswagggg]

Overcoming Language Barriers in the Fiancé(e) Visa Interview

Strategies for a Successful Fiancé(e) Visa Interview Amidst Language Challenges

In the complex world of immigration law, the Fiancé(e) Visa interview is a critical step in reuniting loved ones from different corners of the globe. However, for many couples, language barriers can pose a significant obstacle during this crucial interview process. As an experienced immigration and criminal defense attorney practicing in New York and New Jersey, I understand the challenges couples face when trying to overcome these language barriers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore strategies to ensure a successful Fiancé(e) Visa interview while dealing with language limitations.

Understanding the Basics: Fiancé(e) Visas and Their Importance

Before delving into strategies for overcoming language barriers, let's start with the fundamentals. A Fiancé(e) Visa, also known as the K-1 Visa, is designed for the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. Its purpose is to allow the foreign fiancé(e) to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying their U.S. citizen partner. This is a critical step towards obtaining lawful permanent resident status, commonly referred to as a Green Card.

The Role of Language in the Fiancé(e) Visa Interview

During the Fiancé(e) Visa interview, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer evaluates the authenticity of the relationship and the eligibility of the foreign fiancé(e). Communication is key during this interview, as it helps establish the validity of the relationship. Language barriers can hinder effective communication, potentially leading to misunderstandings or even denials.

Strategies for Overcoming Language Barriers

1. Professional Translation Services

One of the most effective ways to bridge the language gap is to hire professional translation services. These experts can provide accurate and reliable translations of all necessary documents, ensuring that both parties can communicate effectively during the interview.

2. Language Assistance at the Interview

USCIS recognizes the importance of language in the interview process and often provides interpreters upon request. Be sure to request an interpreter well in advance to guarantee their availability on the interview day.

3. Comprehensive Documentation

To compensate for language limitations, prepare thorough documentation that clearly demonstrates the authenticity of your relationship. This may include photographs, emails, text messages, and other written evidence of your relationship.

4. Practice and Preparation

Practice answering common interview questions with your fiancé(e) in your native language. Familiarity with the questions and responses can reduce anxiety during the interview.

5. Seek Legal Counsel

Consider consulting with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the process, provide legal advice, and help you navigate any language-related challenges.

Keywords Related to Overcoming Language Barriers

Language barriers in Fiancé(e) Visa interview

Translation services for USCIS interviews

Fiancé(e) Visa interview language assistance

USCIS interview documentation for language limitations

Immigration attorney for Fiancé(e) Visa interview

Related Article Ideas

"Common Questions Asked During a Fiancé(e) Visa Interview"

"Navigating the Fiancé(e) Visa Application Process Step by Step"

"The Role of an Immigration Attorney in the Visa Interview Process"

"Maintaining Your Legal Status After Entering the U.S. on a Fiancé(e) Visa"

"Understanding the Rights and Responsibilities of Fiancé(e) Visa Holders in the U.S."

External Links

To provide further information and context, here are some reputable external sources related to Fiancé(e) Visas and immigration:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

The National Visa Center (NVC)

Harvard Law Review: "Language Barriers and the Rights of Immigrant Detainees"

The New York Times: "Challenges of Language Access in Immigration Courts"

By incorporating these strategies and understanding the significance of language in the Fiancé(e) Visa interview, you can navigate the process with confidence and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

[miamiduilawyers]

Maintaining Legal Status: A Comprehensive Guide for Non-U.S. Citizens in the U.S.

Introduction

In the complex realm of U.S. immigration, understanding the nuances of maintaining legal status is crucial for non-U.S. citizens. This comprehensive guide, authored by an experienced immigration and criminal defense attorney in New York and New Jersey, will provide you with valuable insights and guidance on the subject.

Understanding Legal Status

Legal status is the foundation upon which the life of a non-U.S. citizen in the United States is built. It encompasses various aspects, including visas, Green Cards, and citizenship. Let's begin by defining these key terms:

1. Visa Status

Visa status grants temporary permission for non-U.S. citizens to stay in the U.S. for specific purposes, such as work or study. Common visa categories include H-1B, F-1, and J-1.

2. Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident Status)

A Green Card, officially known as Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, provides non-U.S. citizens with the right to live and work in the United States permanently. It's an essential step toward achieving citizenship.

3. U.S. Citizenship

U.S. citizenship grants full rights and privileges, including voting and holding public office. It's the ultimate goal for many non-U.S. citizens.

Maintaining Your Legal Status

To ensure you maintain your legal status in the U.S., follow these guidelines:

4. Adhere to Visa Terms

If you hold a visa, strictly adhere to its terms and conditions. Violating these terms can jeopardize your legal status.

5. Keep Your Green Card Current

If you have a Green Card, make sure it remains valid and up to date. Renew it well in advance of its expiration date.

6. Understand Deportation Risks

Be aware of the factors that can lead to deportation, such as criminal convictions, visa violations, or unauthorized employment.

Relief from Deportation

Facing deportation can be a distressing experience. Fortunately, there are various forms of relief available to non-U.S. citizens:

7. Cancellation of Removal

Non-U.S. citizens who have been in the U.S. for a certain period and meet specific criteria may be eligible for cancellation of removal.

8. Asylum and Withholding of Removal

Individuals fearing persecution in their home countries can apply for asylum or withholding of removal, providing protection from deportation.

9. Adjustment of Status

Some non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to adjust their status to become lawful permanent residents, protecting them from deportation.

Navigating Immigration Laws

Understanding U.S. immigration laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), is essential for maintaining legal status.

Conclusion

Maintaining legal status in the United States is a critical aspect of life for non-U.S. citizens. This comprehensive guide has provided an overview of key concepts, relief from deportation, and the importance of compliance with immigration laws. For further information and assistance, consult with an experienced immigration attorney.

Ideas for Related Articles:

"Steps to Obtain a Green Card: A Detailed Guide for Non-U.S. Citizens"

"Common Visa Violations and How to Avoid Them"

"Citizenship Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide"

"Deportation Defense Strategies: Protecting Your Rights"

"Understanding Immigration Laws: A Comprehensive Overview"

External Links:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

https://criminalimmigrationlawyer.com/

This article provides a comprehensive overview of maintaining legal status for non-U.S. citizens in the U.S. It covers essential topics, follows a structured format, and incorporates SEO techniques to enhance its online visibility.

[tabloidtoc]

In Touch, April 26

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Duchess Kate's revenge on Meghan Markle

Page 1: Contents

Page 2: Spring Cleaning -- it's that time of year again, and these products can help -- Nina Dobrev cleaning her floor

Page 4: Introducing Real Housewives All-Stars -- the most beloved table-flipping, drink-tossing, backstabbing stars from Real Housewives NYC, New Jersey, Atlanta and Beverly Hills casts are uniting for an all-star series on the streaming service Peacock and since everyone knows group trips make for the wildest episodes, the show will be filmed for two weeks at a Caribbean resort

Page 5: Angelina Jolie seems to be turning into quite the social butterfly as just weeks after her casual dinner with Ellen Pompeo then DJ Diplo posted an Instagram video with a woman who looks an awful lot like Angie, Number of the Week -- 2.25 million dollars fetched for Tom Brady's rookie football card, Gratitude of the Week -- Lena Dunham explaining how Glenn Close once cut her out of a too-tight corset at a black-tie event, Wife of the Week -- Megan Mullally on introducing her husband Nick Offerman to society, Makeover of the Week -- Iggy Azalea revealed bright green locks

Page 6: Crib of the Week -- Jerry Seinfeld's Colorado hideway in Telluride for sale, Winner of the Week -- Pete Davidson finally moves out of his mom's house on Staten Island and gets his own pad, Loser of the Week -- Bridgerton fans because Rege-Jean Page who plays the Duke of Hastings has confirmed he will not return next season

Page 8: Up Close -- Lady Gaga in a wedding dress playing Black Widow Patrizia Reggiani on the set of House of Gucci

Page 10: Brioni house ambassador Brad Pitt strikes a pose for the brand's Spring/Summer 2021 campaign, Nicole Kidman who will play Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos shares a cheeky on-set pic, Kate Beckinsale straps her cat Clive to her chest in a carrier

Page 12: Planet Hollywood -- stars give back for Earth Day -- Zac Efron shows how bees are affected by pollution on his show Down to Earth with Zac Efron, Gisele Bundchen picks some herbs, Kelis working in the garden

Page 13: Nikki Reed and her chicken, Bella Hadid gets down and dirty sowing 1500 lavender plants at her family's farm in Pennsylvania, Jenna Fischer and her new orange tree

Page 16: Dwayne Johnson shows off the fruits of his labor in the gym, Christopher Meloni joked that he's a big boy after fans notice his ample behind on the set of Law & Order: Organized Crime, Madonna and daughter Lourdes Leon pose for a selfie, Katy Perry standing on a toilet in the American Idol bathroom

Page 20: Kim Kardashian has officially become a billionaire, but not everyone in her family is congratulating her, as sister Kylie Jenner is annoyed because Kim is being so smug about it -- Kylie is proud of her makeup line, and she thinks Kim basically just copied her business model with KKW Beauty and Skims -- meanwhile Kim never misses the chance to point out to her whole family that none of them would be rich or famous without her, they'd be nobodies -- when Kim found out Kylie might be a billionaire, she made it her mission to do the same because she's famously competitive and Kim didn't just set out to best Kylie in business, she wants to destroy all of her sisters and this is natural sibling rivalry but of course Kim is acting like it's war

Page 21: Rapper and actor DMX, real name Earl Simmons, died at age 50 after being on life-support for a week following a heart attack at his New York home -- the father of 15 had long struggled with substance abuse, which reportedly triggered his cardiac arrest -- he showed few signs of trouble in his final days: his fiancee Desiree Lindstrom shared a video of the healthy looking and upbeat star jamming to a Michael Jackson tune, and his final single X Moves was released the day he died, but secretly, he was struggling

Page 22: Cover Story -- Meghan Markle snubbed by the royal family -- Meghan was banned from Prince Philip's funeral as her husband Prince Harry returns to the U.K. for the first time since Megxit -- the royals truly are hoping to heal the rift with Harry, but the chances of that happening are slim if Meghan is around because the family just doesn't trust Meghan anymore

Page 24: Prince Philip's life in pictures

Page 28: Is Tiger Woods hiding something? The investigation into the golfer's horrific car crash is concluded, but questions linger

Page 30: True Crime -- Till Death Do Us Part? San Diego mom May "Maya" Millete vanishes after making an appointment with a divorce lawyer

Page 32: The Big Interview -- Margaret Josephs of The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Page 36: And the Oscar goes to...these must-haves for that virtual soiree you're hosting on Hollywood's biggest night -- Lady Gaga with her Oscar

Page 38: Fashion -- Long Live Tie-Dye -- this psychedelic print is still going strong -- Addison Rae, Kourtney Kardashian

Page 40: Animal Overload -- my dog looks Hoda Kotb

Page 46: Horoscope -- Taurus Renee Zellweger turned 52 on April 25

Page 48: Last Laughs

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Jonathan Allen at Reuters, via USA Today:

NEW YORK, March 12 - Two days before U.S. agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University student and Palestinian activist asked his wife if she knew what to do if immigration agents came to their door. Noor Abdalla, Khalil's wife of more than two years, said she was confused. As a legal permanent resident of the U.S., surely Khalil did not have to worry about that, she recalls telling him. "I didn't take him seriously. Clearly I was naive," Abdalla, a U.S. citizen who is eight months pregnant, told Reuters in her first media interview. U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents handcuffed her husband on Saturday in the lobby of their university-owned apartment building in Manhattan. Khalil's arrest is one of the first efforts by President Donald Trump, a Republican who returned to the White House in January, to fulfill his promise to seek deportation of some foreign students involved in the pro-Palestinian protest movement.

Earlier on Wednesday, Abdalla, a 28-year-old dentist in New York, sat in the front row of a Manhattan courtroom as Khalil's lawyers argued to a federal judge that he had been arrested in retaliation for his outspoken advocacy against Israel's military assault on Gaza following the militant group Hamas' October 2023 attack. They told the judge that was a violation of Khalil's constitutional free speech rights. The judge extended his order blocking Khalil's deportation while he considers whether the arrest was constitutional. Trump has said, without evidence, that Khalil, 30, has promoted Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that governs Gaza. His administration has said Khalil is not accused of or charged with a crime, but Trump says his presence in the U.S. is "contrary to national and foreign policy interests."

'KIND, GENUINE SOUL'

On Sunday, the Trump administration transferred Khalil from a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement jail in Elizabeth, New Jersey, near Manhattan, to a jail in rural Jena, Louisiana, about 1,200 miles (2,000 km) away. Abdalla and Khalil met in Lebanon in 2016 when she joined a volunteer program Khalil was overseeing at a non-profit group that provides educational scholarships to Syrian youth. They started as friends before a seven-year long-distance relationship led to their New York wedding in 2023. "He is the most incredible person who cares so much for other people," she said. "He is the most kind, genuine soul." The couple are expecting their first child in late April. She said she hoped Khalil would be free by then. She showed Reuters a picture of a recent sonogram: a boy whose name they have yet to choose. ADVOCACY FROM CAMPUS TO JAIL Khalil was born and raised in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria and came to the U.S. on a student visa in 2022, getting his U.S. permanent residency green card last year. He completed his studies at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs in December but is yet to receive his master's degree diploma. He became a high-profile member of the Ivy League university's student protest movement, often speaking to the media as one of the lead negotiators with Columbia administration over the protesters' years-long demands that the school end investments of its $14.8 billion endowment in weapons makers and other companies that support Israel's government.

Reuters interviewed Noor Abdalla, the wife of the illegally detained Mahmoud Khalil. In that interview, Abdalla admitted that she was naïve that her husband would be safe from arrest on spurious reasons.

Abdalla also remarked that Khalil “is the most kind, genuine soul.”

[npzlawyersforimmigration]

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Adjusting Status: From K-1 Visa to Permanent Resident

Navigating the Path to Permanent Residency through K-1 Visa Adjustment

In the complex world of U.S. immigration, the journey from a K-1 visa holder to a permanent resident can be both challenging and rewarding. This comprehensive guide, authored by an experienced immigration and criminal defense attorney practicing in New York and New Jersey, will provide you with the essential information you need to understand the process of adjusting your status from a K-1 visa holder to a permanent resident.

Understanding the Basics

At the outset, let's clarify the foundational concepts:

Definition of K-1 Visa: A K-1 visa, also known as a fiancé(e) visa, allows the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married.

Green Card (Permanent Residency): A Green Card grants you permanent resident status in the United States, allowing you to live and work here indefinitely.

The Adjustment of Status Process

The adjustment of status process involves transitioning from a K-1 visa holder to a permanent resident within the United States. Here are the key steps:

Marriage and Filing Form I-485: Upon marrying your U.S. citizen fiancé(e), you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Biometrics Appointment: Attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photographs, and a signature.

Interview: Prepare for an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to assess the bona fides of your marriage.

Medical Examination: Undergo a medical examination by an approved civil surgeon and submit Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

Affidavit of Support: Your U.S. citizen spouse must submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to demonstrate financial sponsorship.

Conditional Permanent Residency: If your marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval, you will receive conditional permanent residency.

Removal of Conditions: After two years, you must jointly file Form I-751 to remove the conditions on your permanent residency.

Forms of Relief from Deportation

Understanding your rights and options in the immigration process is crucial. Here are several forms of relief from deportation that you may be eligible for:

Cancellation of Removal: A discretionary form of relief available to certain non-permanent residents facing deportation.

Asylum and Withholding of Removal: Protection for individuals fearing persecution in their home country.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS): A status granted to individuals from countries facing crises such as armed conflict or natural disasters.

U Visa: For victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Relief: Available to individuals who have suffered abuse by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent.

Expert Legal Guidance

Navigating the immigration process can be complex and daunting. An experienced immigration attorney can provide invaluable guidance, helping you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your application is thorough and accurate.

Related Article Ideas

"Maintaining Your Permanent Residency: Rights and Responsibilities"

"Navigating the Adjustment of Status Interview with USCIS"

"Conditional Permanent Residency: What You Need to Know"

"Deportation Defense Strategies: Understanding Relief Options"

"The Role of an Immigration Attorney: Why Legal Representation Matters"

External Links

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Department of State - Visa Information

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Immigration Policy Center

The New York Times - Immigration Section

[miamiduilawyers]

Employment-Based Adjustment of Status: Pursuing Your Career Goals in America.

Introduction

Welcome to a comprehensive guide on "Employment-Based Adjustment of Status: Pursuing Your Career Goals in America." In this article, we will delve into the intricate world of immigration law, focusing on how you can achieve your career aspirations while legally residing in the United States. Our experienced immigration and criminal defense attorney in New York and New Jersey will provide you with expert insights and guidance throughout the journey.

Understanding Adjustment of Status

Before we dive into the specifics, let's define the concept of "Adjustment of Status." This legal process allows certain individuals, including employment-based visa holders, to change their nonimmigrant status to that of a lawful permanent resident, commonly known as a Green Card holder. This pivotal step opens up a world of opportunities for career growth and personal development.

Key Definitions

To navigate the employment-based adjustment of status successfully, it's essential to understand some key terms:

Nonimmigrant Status: Temporary visa status granted to individuals for specific purposes, such as work, study, or tourism.

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR): A Green Card holder who has the legal right to live and work in the United States indefinitely.

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA): The federal law governing U.S. immigration policies and procedures.

Employment-Based Adjustment Options

Now that we have a solid foundation, let's explore the various relief options available for individuals seeking to adjust their status while pursuing their career goals.

1. Employment-Based Preference Categories

The INA provides five employment-based preference categories (EB-1 to EB-5) that cater to individuals with different qualifications and backgrounds. Each category has specific criteria and annual visa quotas. Understanding which category aligns with your qualifications is crucial.

2. Employment-Based Adjustment Process

The process of adjusting your status typically involves the following steps:

a. Labor Certification (if applicable)

For some employment-based categories, employers must first obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor to demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.

b. Form I-485 Application

You'll need to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with supporting documentation to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

c. Interview and Medical Examination

Applicants may be required to attend an interview and undergo a medical examination as part of the adjustment process.

3. Key Considerations

There are several crucial factors to consider when pursuing employment-based adjustment of status:

Maintaining legal status while the application is pending.

Adhering to visa bulletin updates and priority dates.

Understanding the impact of employment changes on your status.

[tyylerjohn]

Immigration Attorney in New York and New Jersey October 01, 2018 at 10:56AM

In the United States federal criminal code, crimes are divided into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The distinction is one of maximum punishment. A misdemeanor, according to federal law, […] The post Can a misdemeanor affect my immigration status? appeared first on Immigration Lawyers in US. October 01, 2018 at 10:42AM http://blog.lawyersinus.com/ https://www.facebook.com/yourGreenCard/ from Immigration Attorney in New York and New Jersey http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/2217534265132341 via Green Card Lawyer in New York and New Jersey