Clients often ask “Do I really need a lawyer to handle my case?”

Here’s the truth.

It depends.

Some immigration cases are easier than others.

Run-of-the-mill family visas petition or citizenship application matters are not as tough as a deportation defense case at immigration court.

But are any cases truly run-of-the-mill?

In other words, are run-of-the-mill cases problem-free?

And supposing your case is run-of-the-mill, are you equipped to handle it?

Related Podcasts:

Episode 27: Immigration Success Is Not A Sprint

Episode 26: The Wrong First Question:

Recommended Links For More Information:

How A Deportation Lawyer Can Help Win Hard Cases At Immigration Court

EOIR Motions To Reopen vs Motions To Reconsider: A Second Chance To Win At Immigration Court

“If destruction be our lot”, Abraham Lincoln once noted, “we must ourselves be its author and finisher.”

That was 187 years ago.

Many things have changed in the United States since that time.

But not the destructive power of racism.

Related Podcasts:

Episode 204: When Was America Great (For Immigrants)?

Episode 157: Divide And Conquer

Recommended Links For More Information:

The Anti-Immigrant Propaganda War

The Battle To Correct False Labels About Immigrants

Immigration law, at times, reminds me of the classic Western, “The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly.”

The Good, played by Clint Eastwood, is a subdued yet confident bounty hunter, ready to dive into battle.

The Bad is a ruthless and unfeeling mercenary who always finishes a job he is paid for.

The Ugly is a fast-talking bandit, who has committed a long list of crimes.

Similarly, there are good lawyers, bad lawyers, and outright scammers.

Related Podcasts:

Episode 123: The Immigration Danger Of False Friends

Episode 89: Beware Misleading U Visa Advertising

Recommended Links For More Information:

If You’re Looking For Green Card Help: Beware Immigration Fraud

Just Say No To Notarios

I still remember my first immigration trial.

I worked hard to cover every angle in advance.

At the end of the hearing, the judge threw a curve at me.

In his view, my client could not prove good moral character.

Being a new attorney, I was startled and afraid I had not prepared adequately.

Related Podcasts:

Episode 137: Sports And Immigration

Episode 84: 7 Tips For Resilience

Recommended Links For More Information:

Why Thoroughness Should Not Be A Mere Afterthought In Consultations

How Much Do You Charge For Immigration Services?

I subscribe to chaos.

More precisely, I subscribe to chaos theory as a time management philosophy.

Because chaos is inevitable, chaos theory teaches it is a force that should be accounted for in our daily lives.

Related Podcasts:

Episode 142: How A Virtual Immigration Lawyer Helps Clients

Episode 53: Never Buy The Pessimism Of Others

Recommended Links For More Information:

The Battle For Immigration Justice: Why Compassion Matters

The Fallacy Of Quick Immigration Fixes

I am not a fan of hardship letters.

In a previous episode, I outlined my opposition. However, I realize some folks, seeking I-601 waivers, will proceed forward anyway.

As a result, I will discuss the six most common hardship issues discussed in government websites.

On two conditions.

That you agree to call, minimally, what you write “a Hardship Statement”. Not a Hardship Letter.

That you agree to develop strong evidence to support each of the issues discussed in your Hardship Statement.

Related Podcasts:

Episode 208: Why I Do Not Write Hardship Letters

Episode 40: Ditch Robotic Hardship Formulas

Recommended Links For More Information:

I-601 And I-601A Qualifying Relatives: How To Unlock Hidden Hardships And Win Family Unity Waiver Cases

Immigrants Without Lawyers: Five Common Pro Per Mistakes

Immigrants and their spouses often call my office for help with writing their hardship letter. Usually, the request is related to an I-601A waiver application.

To most callers, the request seems simple. But in my view, this type of request spells potential danger.

In fact, most persons who make such requests view the letter as a mere 3-4-5 page document.

After all, that’s a letter, right?

Related Podcasts:

Episode 40: Ditch Robotic Hardship Formulas

Episode 23: Say No To Notarios

Recommended Links For More Information:

An Immigration Fable: The Tortoise And The Hare

The Fallacy Of Quick Immigration Fixes

The only fear we have to fear, once said Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our country’s 32nd president, is fear itself.

His comment, though often quoted, is quite frequently not followed.

This is true of many immigrants whom I met, after they lost their dreams of living in the United States legally.

Due to their fears.

They lost because they failed to go forward. To take a leap of faith and believe victory was possible.

Related Podcasts:

Episode 16: The Brave Man Is Not Without Fear

Episode 23: Say No To Notarios

Recommended Links For More Information:

Dare To Dream Of Things That Never Were – And Ask “Why Not?”

The Fallacy Of Quick Immigration Fixes