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Immigration law, explained
Articles from the firm on the parts of immigration law that people actually get caught by — written for the person living through it, not for other lawyers.
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Choosing an Immigration Lawyer Who Speaks Your Language: What to Verify, and How
Rankings cannot be checked. Licenses, specialty certification, translation rules and language exceptions can. Here is how language actually affects an immigration case, and how to verify any attorney's credentials yourself.
Jacob Thomas Shillig ·
A Defective Notice to Appear and the Ten-Year Clock in 42B Cancellation of Removal
Non-LPR cancellation of removal turns on ten years of continuous physical presence — and on whether the Notice to Appear ever stopped that clock. Pereira remains good law, Niz-Chavez made it broader, and a notice naming the court but leaving the date and time blank still does not satisfy the statute.
Continuances in Immigration Court: What "Good Cause" Actually Means
A continuance in immigration court is a discretionary ruling, not a scheduling courtesy. Here is the single regulatory standard that governs it, the factors judges are directed to weigh, and why the same request can be granted at a master calendar hearing and denied on the morning of a merits hearing.
Detained at the Border: How Expedited Removal Actually Works
CBP's power to detain and remove people at the border with almost no hearing is not lawlessness. It is a statutory machine with narrow, specific off-ramps. Here is how it works and why the first hours matter so much.
INA §212 and ICE Holds
Navigating criminal and immigration law at the same time can be overwhelming, particularly for noncitizens unfamiliar with the system. Many noncitizens assume that only criminal convictions can affect their immigration status. In reality, arrests and charges can also trigger ICE…
Good Moral Character (GMC) and U.S. Citizenship: What Green Card Holders Need to Know
If you are a lawful permanent resident planning to apply for U.S. citizenship, you must demonstrate good moral character (GMC). Since 1790, demonstrating good character has been a requirement for non-U.S. citizens applying for naturalization.
Becoming a United States Citizen: A Guide to Naturalization
You’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States and have dreamed of becoming a United States citizen. Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for people all over the world. It makes sense! Being a U.S. citizen confers extraordinary benefits, including the right to vote, the ability to…
Everything You Need to Know to Understand the Fiancé (K-1) Visa
If you’re a U.S. citizen engaged to someone who isn’t a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., the K-1 (“fiancé(e)”) visa may be an important component to starting your life together in the U.S. This article will explain the key information about how the K-1…
Updates on the Law Addressing the Detention of Individuals Who Entered Without Inspection
In September 2025, the Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) released two new precedential decisions—Matter of Jonathan Javier Yajure Hurtado and Matter of Q. Li —that substantially expand who can be detained without a bond hearing. At Shillig Law, a Fort Worth immigration law firm serving…
Happily Ever After as a Lawful Permanent Resident: A Primer on Adjustment of Status Based on Marriage
Congratulations! You’ve recently tied the knot, and now you’re married to a United States citizen.
Explaining the N-600 — All You Need to Know About the Application for Certificate of Citizenship
The N-600 form, also known as an “Application for Certificate of Citizenship”— is the official government form for requesting proof of United States citizenship. Usually, those who file the N-600 are individuals who (1) received their United States citizenship through their parents, and…
Keeping American Families Together (KAFT)
The Keeping American Families Together (KAFT) Program will soon provide noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens a pathway to apply for lawful permanent residence without having to leave the United States.
I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
The I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver is a crucial tool for addressing the inadmissibility of individuals due to unlawful presence in the United States. This waiver is especially vital for those who must leave the U.S. to obtain an immigrant visa through consular processing.
The Distinction Between Immigrant Intent and Nonimmigrant Intent
The terms immigrant intent and nonimmigrant intent are fundamental concepts in U.S. immigration law. They refer to the intentions of a foreign national regarding their stay in the United States. Understanding the difference between these two terms is crucial for anyone navigating the U.S.…
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These explain the law in general terms. What matters for you depends on your own facts — tell us yours.
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