Immigration Law
Showing 1 - 6 of 359 results.
Deportation Fines and the Scope of the Federal Court Stay
Deportation fine notices require review of their legal basis and whether the federal court stay covers the assessed ICE fines. A federal court has paused a civil penalty rule and fines issued under it, but the order does not cancel every immigration fine or stop deportation. For recipients of ICE fines, the notice’s date, cited statute, and regulatory basis help determine coverage. Any challenge to the removal order remains a separate matter.
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Immigration Court Hearing Decisions Shape Your BIA Appeal
An immigration court hearing creates the factual record an immigration judge uses, while the BIA reviews appeals under different standards. An immigration judge hears testimony and decides disputed facts; the Board of Immigration Appeals generally reviews the existing record rather than holding a new hearing. Your evidence, objections, and filing deadlines can affect what the Board may review. Understanding that division helps you prepare for both stages.
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OPT Fee Proposal in 2026 and Current OPT Application Fees
OPT fee proposals would charge schools $70,000 initially and $30,000 subsequently, separate from students’ current I-765 filing fees. As of October 13, 2026, the proposed school fees are not in effect. Students still pay $470 online or $520 by mail for OPT or STEM OPT applications. Schools could pass proposed costs to students or employers. Public comments close November 9, 2026; no effective date is confirmed.
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PERM Labor Certification Suspensions and Employee Green Card Plans
PERM labor certification suspensions at selected employers may delay green card plans, depending on filing status and case stage. Affected employees should confirm the sponsoring employer’s legal name, whether their PERM application was filed, and its current status. A processing pause differs from a denial and does not itself cancel immigration status. Cases already at the I-140 or I-485 stage require separate review.
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Missed Immigration Court Hearing: Removal Orders and Your Rights
A missed immigration court hearing can lead to an in absentia removal order if the government meets federal notice and evidentiary requirements.Under INA § 240(b)(5), an immigration judge may order removal after a respondent fails to appear despite legally sufficient notice. Certain orders can be rescinded within 180 days for exceptional circumstances or without that deadline for qualifying notice or custody issues. The reason for missing the hearing determines the applicable procedure.
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Motion to Reopen a Deportation Order: Deadlines and Evidence
A motion to reopen a deportation order generally must be filed within 90 days of the final administrative order, subject to statutory exceptions.Federal immigration law generally permits one motion supported by material evidence that was previously unavailable. Exceptions may apply to changed country conditions or certain in absentia orders. Filing does not ordinarily stop removal, so applicants must evaluate stay options separately.
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