Magna Law Group, PLLC

03/06/2018

I'll be giving a live presentation about German dual citizenship and US naturalization in Portland tomorrow at the German American Society of Portland at 7PM. If you or someone you know would like to attend the event, please PM me and I will put you on the RSVP list and send you the details.

01/10/2018

An example of the power of checks and balances: The DACA clients we have represented over the years, are some of the most deserving people to obtain status here in the US. Hopefully congress will find a solution that will finally solve this problem permanently.

A federal judge in California late Tuesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration's efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

10/26/2017

Obtaining visas under the current administration becomes more and more challenging.

USCIS advised officers this week to "apply the same level of scrutiny" to extension requests for the H-1B visa, among other sought after visas.

09/20/2017

With the US immigration system becoming more and more complex, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to get applications approved and visas renewed.

The Trump administration is making it more difficult for skilled foreigners to work in the United States, challenging visa applications more often than at nearly any point in the Obama era, according to data reviewed by Reuters.

09/04/2017

There are few more deserving clients than our DACA clients. Ending the program is simply unconscionable.

The moral and policy case for preserving DACA is overwhelming. Legal considerations also don't justify ending the program.

05/24/2017

Be careful when you consume alcohol while steering a water craft. They are treated like DUIs and the local waters are patrolled heavily. Be safe.

Boating under the influence is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and 364 days in jail. The law applies to all boats, including kayaks, canoes, rowboats and inflatable fishing rafts.

03/30/2017

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii extended his order blocking President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban on six mostly Muslim nations until the state’s lawsuit works its way through the courts. The court battle could stretch for months, perhaps years.

03/30/2017

Immigration Law, changing by the day, these days

Seattle will argue that an executive order by President Donald Trump violates the Constitution by trying to make local governments enforce federal immigration law.

02/05/2017

For all non US citizens here in the USA:
If you are a green card holder (lawful permanent resident) outside of the U.S. it is a good idea to reach out to an immigration attorney before you travel back to the U.S.

If you do plan to travel back to the US, you should fill out a USCIS G-28 form first that officially appoints an attorney to represent you in immigration situations and have that completed form with you as you board your flight.

The refugee program is currently in jeopardy due to the new administration's executive order. This will mean that anyone, anywhere in the process, may not move forward. The effort to resettle Syrian refugees in the U.S., while currently being stalled due the interference of the US Federal Courts, are in jeopardy and could end up being halted indefinitely.

If you are non-citizen, even green card holder (lawful permanent residents), from one of the seven countries named, and you are ALREADY INSIDE the U.S., plan to DELAY all international travel for at least 90 days.
IF YOU LEAVE THERE IS A REASONABLE CHANGE THAT YOU WILL BE DENIED RE-ENTRY.

If you are a non-citizen from one of the seven countries named, and you are OUTSIDE of the U.S., you will face issues at the airport upon attempting to re-enter the US.

IF YOU ARE ASKED TO SIGN AN I-407 AT THE AIRPORT OR BORDER DO NOT SIGN IT, ASK FOR THE SUPERVISOR WHO HANDLES LPR ADMISSIONS. If you sign it, you will be giving up your green card.

Please keep looking for updates in the coming days to assess your travel options. If you are facing an emergency at the airport or are returning to the US in the coming days, please have our numbers on hand (CAIR National: 202.488.8787)

Whether you are a citizen or not, do not permit law enforcement to enter your home without a warrant. Even if they have a warrant, you should consult with an attorney before speaking to them. Get copies of business cards of all law enforcement officials.

02/05/2017

The court's refusal to immediately reinstate the ban follows a day that saw President Trump mock U.S. District Judge James Robart, appointed by President George W. Bush, as a “so-called judge” whose “ridiculous” ruling “will be overturned.”