Our Blog

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

Understanding Automatic Citizenship into the United States

The United States citizenship laws under the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) have changed many times over the years, especially in regards to how or when an individual automatically acquires United States citizenship. The current law has been in effect...

Immigration

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

Automatic Voter Registration and Immigration Consequences

In 2017 then-Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed 10 ILCS 5/1A-16.1 in to law. The law created an Automatic Voter Registration program jointly managed by the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Board of Elections. The program is relatively simple...

Trump Immigration News

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

On The Recent Government Shutdown

As many people are aware, the United States federal government is currently in a shutdown because of the Trump administration’s demands for funding in order to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. This shutdown not only affects government employees, but the millions...

Visa

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

VOICES Act to Assist Illinois U Visa Applicants

Effective January 1, 2019, Illinois’ VOICES Act will take effect. The law requires Illinois law enforcement to submit appropriate paperwork for federal immigration authorities within 90 days after request from a U Visa applicant. U visas are special visas which...

Immigration News

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

City of Chicago Opposes Department of Homeland Security Public Charge Rule Changes

The Department of Homeland Security recently proposed to expand the test that it applies to determine whether an immigrant is likely to become a “public charge.” Under a longstanding policy, a “public charge” is an immigrant who is primarily dependent...

Criminal

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

What To Do if Convicted as an Immigrant

The beauty of the American justice system is that it can be very forgiving. Often times if you are a first-time offender for an incident, the system will permit you to plead guilty and so long as you stay out...

Visa

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

The Basics of Obtaining a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

In this day and age, we can find love rather easily with the assistance of the internet. You meet someone, you fall for them, and you decide that you wish to spend the rest of your life with that person…...

Criminal

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

Police Checkpoints in Illinois are Ramping Up – Know Your Rights

Police precincts across the U.S. will be stepping up DUI enforcement during the holiday season. A common holiday police tactic is the “spot check”. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office took such measures over the recent Thanksgiving holiday. The increased mobilization...

Immigration Immigration News

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

What is “Asylum” and Why Has it Been in the News?

Under current immigration law, the U.S. attorney general may, as a matter of discretion, grant asylum to a foreign national who is eligible to apply for asylum and who qualifies as a "refugee." This is typically accomplished by working with...

ICE Trump

Mario Godoy - Owner/Attorney

“If They Really Want To Floss Their Teeth They Can Use A Sock String.” Report Grants Rare Glimpse at the Abhorrent Conditions at ICE Detention Centers.

The Trump administration has increased its efforts to incarcerate immigrants that he plans to deport. The numbers are so overwhelming that some of the detention facilities are unable to provide basic care for its detainees. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)...