Seattle Immigration Law Updates & Resources
Expert Guidance from Attorney Lesley Irizarry-Hougan
Get clear answers about citizenship, green cards, asylum, VAWA, and family immigration from Seattle attorney Lesley Irizarry-Hougan. Latest USCIS policy updates, step-by-step guides, Know Your Rights resources, and immigration news in English and Spanish. 20+ years of experience helping Seattle's immigrant community.
Essential Immigration Resources
Know Your Rights:
A Comprehensive Guide for Immigrants Encountering ICE
Master
the 2025 USCIS Civics Test
Cómo Verificar el Estatus de una Solicitud o Caso de Inmigración Pendiente
What is the I-212 Waiver When Applying for the “Green Card”?
In previous blog posts, we have discussed two common waivers that are often required when applying for lawful permanent resident status (the “green card”), the I-601 and the I-601A. In this post, we discuss a third waiver, the I-212. The I-212 is used to waive a prior removal (deportation). It is also used if you have been unlawfully present in the United States for more than one year and you attempt to reenter unlawfully.
Applying for Lawful Permanent Resident Status (the “Green Card”) through the Consulate
In our last blog post, we discussed applying for lawful permanent resident status (the “green card”) in the United States after having an approved immigration visa petition from a family member. However, many people will need to return to their country of citizenship and apply for status through the consulate. Our immigration attorneys address some common questions we receive about this process.
Aplicar para Residencia Permanente Legal (la “Mica”) en los Estados Unidos a Través de una Petición Familiar
Si tiene un miembro de su familia que puede someter una petición de inmigrante para usted, una de las primeras preguntas seria si usted puede someter la aplicación para la mica (conocido como ajuste de estatus) dentro de los Estados Unidos, o si usted tendrá que regresar a su país de nacimiento para aplicar a través del consulado (conocido como proceso consular).
Cómo hacerse en un residente después de que su I-130 petición haya sido aprobada
El primer paso para convertirse en un residente a través de un familiar directo es el archivar y recibir la aprobación del I-130 , Petición para Familiar Extranjero, de que se habló en la entrada del blog anterior.
Una vez aprobado, hay varias maneras para que el beneficiario (la persona que quiere llegar a ser un residente) puede hacerse un residente permanente legal.
What are the next steps to becoming a resident after your I-130 petition has been approved?
The first step in becoming a resident through an immediate family member is filing and receiving approval on Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which was discussed in a previous blog post (click here to read).
Once approved, there are several ways for the beneficiary (the person who wants to become a resident) to become a Legal Permanent Resident (Green-card holder).
One way to get a green card - Cancellation of removal
Jose Davila Ortiz came to the U.S. without proper documents when he was two years old. Jose considers himself to be a typical American—he attended school from kindergarten to college here and even played football. Now 40 years later, he faces deportation and permanent separation from his 4 children.
Jose’s situation is a common difficulty many immigrants face in the U.S. and here in the Seattle area. For Jose, and many others, Cancellation of Removal would be a significant option to put him on the path to get his Green Card and ultimately his citizenship...