Chicago Immigration and Naturalization Law Blog

Study: Undocumented Immigrants Are Less Likely To Commit Crimes Than Native Born Citizens – But The Consequences Are More Severe
Mario A. Godoy

In a story discussing the Southern Border crisis, U.S. refugee, asylum and immigration policies, CBS Sunday Morning reported that according to a study...

Federal Marijuana Pardons Do Not Apply To Undocumented Immigrants
Mario A. Godoy

President Joe Biden recently announced pardons for nearly 6,500 Americans convicted on federal marijuana possession charges. This is part of an execut...

Immigration Judges Can Now Consider Mental Health In Asylum and Deportation Cases
Mario A. Godoy

A new ruling says immigration judges can now consider the mental health of noncitizen immigrants who are convicted of an aggravated felony when consid...

House Passes Marijuana Legalization Bill: Cannabis Remains Illegal Federally
Mario A. Godoy

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a marijuana legalization bill on April 1, 2022, however, cannabis remains illegal and a federal crime. Even t...

Should I Disclose An Expunged Criminal History When Applying for Naturalization?
Mario A. Godoy

A criminal record can cause you problems for years – even decades – during a routine criminal background check for employment or housing, ...

FAQs: What Is A Padilla Appeal?
Mario A. Godoy

There are serious immigration consequences if a non-citizen is convicted or accused of a crime. Most criminal defense attorneys do not know the immigr...

Court Rules Low-Level Marijuana Crimes Are Not Cause For Deportation
Mario A. Godoy

The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that a low-level marijuana crime conviction is not grounds for deportation for an immigrant legally living in the Unit...

Can I Apply for Citizenship If I Have a Conviction?
Mario A. Godoy

Non-citizens who are charged or convicted of a crime have serious immigration consequences. Non-citizens – including Green Card holders – who ...

Can I lose my job for a positive marijuana test? Cannabis is legal in Illinois!
Mario A. Godoy

Workers in Illinois can lose their job due to a positive marijuana test. Marijuana recreational use is legal in Illinois – but cannabis use is s...

Immigration, Marijuana Legalization and Criminalization in Illinois
Mario A. Godoy

18 months ago, on January 1, 2020, Illinois legalized cannabis use and became the 11th state to legalize the sale and use of recreational marijuana fo...

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