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
Abogada Lesley explica lo que es la residencia permanente (mica)
En esta publicación, nos centraremos en un tema vital para muchos: la residencia permanente, también conocida como Green Card. La Abogada Lesley Irizarry-Hougan , experta en leyes de inmigración, compartirá sus conocimientos valiosos para brindarte una comprensión completa de este proceso esencial.
Celebrating Our Clients and 24 Green Card Approvals this Year!
🎉 We are thrilled to share that our dedicated immigration lawyer, Lesley Irizarry-Hougan, recently celebrated our clients' approval of 24 Green Cards!
Celebración
Otro cliente satisfecho, nosotros muy alegres cuando podemos ayudar a nuestra gente!
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.
Information on I-601 Waivers
Many individuals applying for lawful permanent resident status (the “green card”), either in the United States or at a consulate abroad, will need waivers before their applications can be approved. Below is some general information regarding the I-601 waiver...
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.
Applying for Lawful Permanent Resident Status (the “Green Card”) in the U.S. through a Family Visa Petition
If you have a family member who can file an immigrant visa petition for you, one of your first questions will be whether you can file for your green card (known as “adjustment of status”) within the United States, or whether you will have to return to your country of birth to apply through the consulate (known as “consular processing”).
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).