Our Blog

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

Can a Criminal Record Affect Your Green Card?

Are you preparing to apply for a Green Card but worried about a past arrest or conviction? You are not alone. Many immigrants wonder whether a criminal record automatically prevents them from becoming lawful permanent residents. The answer depends on...

Immigration

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

2026 Midterm Elections: Why Voting Matters and What Immigrants Should Know

The 2026 Midterm Elections are coming. Do you know why they matter and whether you are eligible to vote? For immigrant families, understanding U.S. elections is important—not only because elections can shape laws and government policies, butalso because voting eligibility...

Immigration

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

What to Do If You Get a Deportation Notice in 2026: Your Rights and Next Steps

You got a letter from the government. Or maybe ICE showed up at your door. Either way, you're holding a document that says the United States wants to remove you from the country. Take a breath. A deportation notice does...

Immigration

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

TPS Termination: What to Do When Your Country’s Designation Changes

At Godoy Law Office, we have helped thousands of TPS holders in Illinois prepare for some of the most stressful moments in their immigration journey. If your country's Temporary Protected Status designation has been terminated or is under review, here...

Green Cards

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

Divorce After Getting a Green Card: What It Means for Your Immigration Status

Quick Summary If you got your green card through a real marriage, you will not be deported just because you divorced. If you were married for less than two years when you got your green card, you were given a...

Deportation

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

Facing Deportation in the U.S.? What You Need to Know and How Godoy Law Office Can Help

Quick Summary Deportation, also called removal proceedings, is a complex process that can take months or even years. If you receive an NTA, do not ignore it. This document officially starts the deportation process and requires you to appear in...

Green Cards

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

The 3-Year Rule vs. 5-Year Rule for Green Card Holders

Quick Summary The 5-year rule is the standard pathway to naturalization. It applies to most lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders). To apply under the 5-year rule: You have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years. You...

Immigration

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

How to Renew or Replace Your Green Card

Quick Summary You need to renew your Green Card every 10 years. Whether it expired, was lost, stolen or damaged, has old or incorrect information, or never arrived after USCIS mailed it, the process is mostly the same: you file...

Immigration

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

What Happens After You Apply for Asylum? A Simple Guide to What Comes Next

Quick Summary After sending your Form I-589 to USCIS, they will mail you a receipt notice. This is your confirmation that your case is officially in the system. Next, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice. It is very important...

Immigration

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

VAWA vs. U-Visa: What’s the Difference?

Quick Summary VAWA helps certain immigrants who were abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) relative. It lets victims file for immigration relief without telling their abuser. The U-visa (U nonimmigrant status) is for victims...