Katsivalis & Anderson Law, LLC

08/06/2026

We request your continued patience while we deal with the challenges of technology - https://mailchi.mp/kaimmigrationlaw/email-disruptions-16547722

07/27/2026

Important update for asylum applicants: A federal court has temporarily blocked USCIS from rejecting pending asylum applications, terminating asylum-based work authorization, or starting removal proceedings solely for failing to pay the annual asylum fee (Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts v. USCIS, July 21, 2026). This order offers crucial relief for those who missed payment deadlines, though it does not eliminate obligations permanently. Read the full post for details and next steps: https://wix.to/zIlYA2w

Updated July 26, 2026A federal court has temporarily blocked USCIS from rejecting a pending asylum application, terminating asylum-based employment authorization, or initiating removal proceedings solely because an asylum applicant failed to pay the annual asylum fee.The July 21, 2026, order in Vene...

07/26/2026

FYI- For Your Immigration - This month we address travel, asylum fees, duration of status, and what's up at the immigration court. https://mailchi.mp/kaimmigrationlaw/its-h-1b-season-16547488

07/26/2026

Beginning Sept 18, 2026, the public charge standard for some green card applicants expands — not an automatic bar, but a broader, less predictable test. Learn what officials may now consider and how it could affect applications. Read our breakdown and practical tips to prepare: https://wix.to/QptzcKk

Beginning September 18, 2026, the federal government will apply a substantially broader and less predictable public charge standard to certain people applying for permanent residence or admission to the United States.The new rule does not make the receipt of public benefits an automatic reason to de...

07/26/2026

Starting Sept 15, 2026 a new federal rule changes how unlawful presence is calculated for F, J, and M visa holders — and it could block future green card options for people who fall out of status. Read what this means, who’s affected, and steps you can take now to protect your immigration options: https://wix.to/XBXllqD

Beginning September 15, 2026, a new federal rule will change how unlawful presence is calculated for many people who entered the United States with F, J, or M visas.The most serious consequence is not simply that students and exchange visitors will have new expiration dates or additional application...

07/20/2026

Immigration court moving faster — what that means for your case. Our latest blog breaks down quicker hearing schedules, tougher continuance rules, and practical steps you can take now to protect your rights. Read the full article for guidance and next steps: https://wix.to/05Usiwo

If you have a case pending before the Immigration Court, you may have noticed that removal proceedings do not operate the way they did even a few years ago.Across many Immigration Courts, attorneys are seeing shorter timelines between hearings, greater scrutiny of continuance requests, evolving cour...

07/02/2026

Hey Milwaukee- make your safety plan.

Download the free Deportation Preparedness & Family Safety Planning Guide from Katsivalis & Anderson Law. This step-by-step resource helps immigrant families prepare for detention or deportation by explaining bond, gathering key documents, and planning for childcare, guardianship, and finances. Crea...

07/02/2026

ICE Activity in Milwaukee: Know Your Rights

There have been reports of increased ICE activity in Milwaukee, and many families are understandably concerned. Whether you are undocumented, have a pending case, or just want to be prepared, it’s important to understand your rights. For more detailed guidance, you can also review our safety workbook available on our website: www.kaimmigrationlaw.com.

You do not have to open your door.

If ICE comes to your home, you can ask them to slide any warrant under the door or hold it up to a window. In most cases, ICE cannot enter your home without your permission unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge. An administrative warrant from ICE is usually not enough to allow them to enter without your consent.

You have the right to remain silent.

You are not required to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the United States, or your immigration status. You can tell the officer that you choose to remain silent and would like to speak with an attorney.

Do not sign anything without understanding it.

ICE officers may ask you to sign documents. It’s important not to sign anything until you’ve had a chance to speak with an immigration attorney and fully understand what you’re agreeing to.

Never provide false information or fake documents.

If you are asked to identify yourself, do not lie or present false documents. This can lead to serious immigration and criminal consequences.

Create an emergency plan now.

Think about who you trust to help if something happens. Make sure someone knows where your important documents are and can contact an attorney if needed. If you have children, have a clear plan for their care in case you are detained. Our workbook can help. https://www.kaimmigrationlaw.com/safetyplan.

Carry your attorney’s contact information.

If you already have an immigration attorney, keep their contact information with you. If you don’t, consider identifying one ahead of time so you’re not scrambling in an emergency.

Be cautious about rumors.

Information about ICE activity often spreads quickly on social media, but it isn’t always accurate. Try to confirm reports through reliable sources before making decisions or sharing information.

Every situation is different.

An encounter with ICE does not automatically mean removal. Many people have legal options they may not be aware of, which is why it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you or someone you know is detained.

George Katsivalis & Laureen Anderson are experienced immigration attorneys practicing immigration & nationality law, employment law, family, and citizenship.

07/02/2026

We are genuinely confused by what seems to be happening in immigration court.

If the goal is to remove more people and move cases faster, why are we scheduling massive master calendars while also eliminating so many Webex hearings?

Judges are literally continuing cases because they don’t have enough time to get through the docket. You can’t schedule more cases than can realistically be heard and expect the system to move faster.

Maybe something is missing, but from where we sit, it feels completely counterintuitive.

06/28/2026

Traveling abroad this summer? Understand how recent immigration rulings could affect your return to the U.S. — even lawful permanent residents can face complex admission issues after international travel. Read our clear breakdown and what you should know before you fly: https://wix.to/N4vzo7X

If you have plans to travel internationally this summer, you may be wondering whether recent developments in immigration law affect your ability to return to the United States.It is a reasonable question.Recently, the United States Supreme Court issued an important decision involving a lawful perman...