Beat the Wait, Fight the Myths 🕰️

This Week’s Immigration News Highlights

• Largest Immigration Surge in all U.S. History under Biden

• Trump Willing to Negotiate with Democrats on DACA

• All Undocumented Migrants to be Deported under Trump

For many immigrants, the period between filing their application and receiving a decision feels like an endless stretch of uncertainty.

In this second installment of our "Immigration Journey" series, we explore what life looks like during this interim period, how to prepare, and what resources are available.

Series: The Immigrant’s Journey
Part II: Beating the Waiting Game

While you wait

It’s frustrating to hear, but there’s often little to do while your case is pending. You've entered the waiting phase once you receive your receipt notice - proof that USCIS has your case and unique case number. With this number, you can check the USCIS website for updates.

Expect the unexpected

Sometimes, USCIS surprises you with a Request for Evidence (RFE). Why ask for more when you’ve given everything? Regardless, an RFE is not a rejection but an opportunity to strengthen your case. Respond carefully and thoroughly, as this step can be critical to success.

Living in limbo

… can be draining. Unfortunately, there’s no clear sign of the process speeding up.

In the meantime:

• Renew Work Permits: File renewals early to ensure you remain authorized to work.

• Have a Backup Plan: Being prepared is key, whether double-checking your documents or exploring other options.

This phase of your journey may feel like an eternity, but it’s not forever. Stay informed, proactive, and remember that every step brings you closer to your goal.

In our next issue, we complete The Immigrant’s Journey series with Part III: Reaching the Outcome - Life After Approval or Denial.

Debunking Immigration Myths

As an immigration attorney, my role extends beyond advocacy - it's also about dispelling misconceptions that cloud public understanding of immigration law. Misinformation shapes opinions and fuels policies that often harm the very people I strive to help. Here are some common myths I’ve encountered and how I address them:

Myth 1: Immigration Law is Easy
If it were, I wouldn’t have spent years mastering it. Immigration law involves a maze of statutes, regulations, and ever-changing policies. Navigating eligibility, deadlines, and procedures requires expertise and precision.

Myth 2: Immigrants Take All the Jobs
Immigrants often fill gaps in industries others overlook, like agriculture, healthcare, and tech (Silicon Valley, anyone?). Many even create jobs. The “job-stealing” narrative doesn’t hold up.

Myth 3: Immigrants Don’t Pay Taxes
I’ve worked with countless immigrants who pay millions in taxes - many without receiving benefits like Social Security, which they still contribute to. This myth couldn’t be further from reality.

Myth 4: Immigrants Are Criminals
Studies show immigrants, documented or not, are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. This stereotype fuels xenophobia and unfairly stigmatizes communities.

Myth 5: All Immigrants Are Illegal
This ignores the many legal pathways immigrants follow. Those without status often lose it due to systemic barriers, not deliberate actions. From asylum seekers to green card holders, their stories are far from the stereotypes.

These myths don’t just mislead, they drive harmful policies and perpetuate injustice. As immigration professionals, it’s our duty to set the record straight and promote fairness.

Got a myth you’ve heard too often? Let me know by comment or email - I’m here to debunk it!

We’re almost finished with our series!

Connect with me at my LinkedIn account and follow Notice to All’s X (previously Twitter) account!

Also, if you’d love my expertise as an immigration attorney, feel free to book a call with me.

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Thank you for joining us on The Immigrant’s Journey. In this second part, we explored the challenges of navigating immigration myths and waiting for decisions. Stay tuned for the final installment, Part III: Reaching the Outcome - Life After Approval or Denial, where we’ll go into the realities immigrants face once their cases are decided. From triumphs to new challenges, we’ll uncover what life looks like after the verdict. Don’t miss it!

Until next time, finish the work week strong! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️💨