Immigration Litigation &
Complex Cases
Our Services
-
Immigration Applications – Adjustment of Status, Family-Based Immigration, Waivers
-
Green Card & Citizenship Services – Renewal, Naturalization, Interview Preparation
-
Immigration Litigation & Appeals – Court Hearings, BIA Appeals, Federal Mandamus, Motion to Reopen
-
Specialized Cases – Complex Consular Processing, Federal Appeals & Reconsideration
Contact us
Featured Team
Alina Kaganovsky
Sr. Immigration Litigation Attorney
Judy Resnick
Of Counsel
Lindsey Kreamer
Jr. Immigration Litigation Attorney
Lydia Cheung
Senior Manager
Sophia Gao
Senior Manager
Jennifer Zhu
Operations Associate
Angela Xiong
Business Intelligence Analyst
Coco Huang
Marketing Associate
Latest Updates
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be challenging, especially when facing delays, denials, or legal obstacles. Our immigration litigation services are designed to assist individuals and families in overcoming these challenges through legal representation in immigration courts and federal courts.
We provide support in cases involving:
-
Immigration Court Proceedings – Representing individuals in removal defense and hearings before immigration judges.
-
Appeals & Reopening Cases – Challenging denials through motions to reopen, motions to reconsider, and appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
-
Federal Litigation & Mandamus Actions – Filing lawsuits in federal court to challenge unjust delays, denials, or administrative errors, including mandamus actions to compel the government to process immigration applications.
-
Waivers & Relief Applications – Assisting with complex waiver requests for inadmissibility issues that may arise in consular processing or adjustment of status applications.
-
Citizenship & Permanent Residency Issues – Handling cases involving green card renewals, citizenship applications, and legal challenges related to immigration benefits.
-
Complex Consular Processing – Providing assistance for individuals facing challenges in visa issuance or administrative processing delays at U.S. embassies and consulates.
Whether you're fighting deportation, appealing a denied application, or taking legal action to resolve delays, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
How We Can Help
Before Applying: Understanding Your Case
-
FOIA Requests & Records Review – If you’ve had prior visa denials, immigration court history, or past applications, obtaining your records is crucial. We help you request and analyze government records to ensure no surprises in your case.
-
Legal Strategy & Waivers – If you have past immigration violations or inadmissibility issues, we guide you through waiver applications to improve your chances of success.
During the Application Process: Avoiding Delays & Mistakes
-
Application Preparation & Interview Support – Whether filing for a green card, visa, or citizenship, we ensure your paperwork is accurate and guide you through interview preparation.
-
Consular Processing & Border Issues – If your visa is stuck in administrative processing or refused, we assess possible legal solutions and advocate for a resolution.
When Facing Delays: Taking Action
-
Mandamus Lawsuits – If your case has been pending for an unreasonable amount of time (green card, citizenship, waiver, etc.), we can file a lawsuit to compel the government to make a decision.
-
Challenging USCIS Decisions – If your application is wrongfully denied, we help with motions to reopen, reconsider, or escalate to federal court if necessary.
When Facing Removal or Denial: Fighting for Your Status
-
Immigration Court Representation – If you are placed in removal proceedings, we build a strong defense to fight deportation and pursue available relief.
-
Appeals & Federal Court Litigation – If an immigration judge or USCIS denies your case, we handle appeals at the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or federal court to challenge unfair decisions.
Our goal is to help you regain control of your immigration journey, whether through strategic preparation, advocacy, or legal action when necessary.
Facing an ICE Raid? Immediate Steps to Take
An unexpected ICE raid can be terrifying, but knowing your rights and taking the right steps can make a difference. If you or a loved one are targeted, follow these crucial actions:
1. Stay Calm & Avoid Escalation
Do not run, hide, yell, or confront ICE agents. Sudden movements or resistance may be misinterpreted and escalate the situation. Staying calm helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures safety.
2. Remain Silent & Limit Information
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. Do not answer questions about your immigration status, nationality, or past entries into the U.S. Avoid providing any documents unless legally required, as voluntary information may be used in enforcement proceedings.
At work, employees should respond with: “Please speak to my employer” and “I cannot grant access without a judicial warrant.” Do not assist ICE in identifying or sorting workers by immigration status.
3. Verify Warrants Before Allowing Access
ICE cannot enter private areas of your home or workplace without a judicial warrant signed by a judge (e.g., from a U.S. District Court). Ask the agents to slide the warrant under the door or present it through a window. If they only have an administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205), you are not required to grant them access. Do not confirm any employee identities or direct ICE to anyone based on an administrative warrant.
4. Monitor & Document ICE Actions
Take note of agents' names, badge numbers, and actions, especially any violations of the warrant’s terms. If possible, record the encounter on your phone. If ICE enters unlawfully or uses force, this documentation could support your legal defense. Additionally, if ICE seizes documents or property, request electronic copies and ensure staff logs all items taken.
5. Address Medical & Humanitarian Needs
If anyone detained has medical needs, they should request assistance or an accommodation for necessary treatment during the raid.
6. Facilitate Legal Support & Family Contact
Ask ICE about the destination of arrested individuals to ensure legal and family contact. If you or a loved one is detained, reach out to an immigration attorney right away. Time is critical in these situations, and legal intervention may help secure release or halt deportation proceedings.
7. Explore Legal Options Post-Raid
Bond Hearings – Some detainees may be eligible for release on bond.
Deportation Defense – Consider asylum, cancellation of removal, or other legal relief.
Federal Legal Filings – Emergency actions may help prevent deportation in some cases.
If you or your workplace may be at risk of an ICE raid, consult an attorney to develop a legal preparedness plan.
What Is Family-Based Immigration?
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States. This pathway is one of the most common ways to obtain permanent residency and is designed to reunite families under U.S. immigration law.
Who Can Be Sponsored Under Family Immigration?
Eligible relationships depend on the sponsor’s status:
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
-
Spouse
-
Unmarried children under 21
-
Parents (if the petitioner is over 21)
These categories are not subject to annual visa limits.
Family Preference Categories
-
Unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens
-
Spouses and unmarried children of Green Card holders
-
Married children of U.S. citizens
-
Siblings of U.S. citizens
These categories are not subject to annual quotas and waiting periods.
What Are the Key Requirements for Family Immigration?
Qualifying Relationship
The petitioner must establish a valid familial relationship with the beneficiary.
Financial Sponsorship
The petitioner must meet income requirements and submit an Affidavit of Support to demonstrate the ability to financially support the beneficiary.
Admissibility
The beneficiary must be admissible to the United States or qualify for a waiver if any grounds of inadmissibility apply.
How Does the Family Immigration Process Work?
Petition Filing
The sponsor files Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) to establish the qualifying relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary.
Visa Processing or Adjustment of Status
Depending on the beneficiary’s location and visa availability:
-
Form I-485 is filed if the beneficiary is in the United States, or
-
Consular processing is completed through the National Visa Center (NVC) and a U.S. consulate abroad
Interview and Adjudication
The applicant attends an interview and submits supporting documentation to confirm the legitimacy of the relationship and eligibility for permanent residency.
For certain cases, most commonly marriage-based petitions where the marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval, the beneficiary is granted conditional permanent residency valid for two years.
To obtain full permanent residency, applicants must file Form I-751 within the 90-day period before the conditional Green Card expires. This stage requires strong evidence that the marriage is bona fide and ongoing. Upon approval of the I-751 petition, the conditions are removed, and the beneficiary receives a 10-year permanent Green Card.
What Are Common Challenges in Family Immigration?
Delays due to visa backlogs in preference categories
Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or interview concerns
Issues related to prior immigration history or unlawful presence
Inadmissibility concerns requiring waivers
Why Is Legal Strategy Critical in Family Immigration, and How Does JLG Support Your Case?
Family immigration cases often appear straightforward, but in practice they can involve complex legal issues, including prior status violations, inadmissibility grounds, interview scrutiny, and evolving policy interpretations. A well-planned legal strategy ensures consistency across filings, anticipates risks early, and strengthens the case at every stage, from petition to permanent residency and beyond.
At JLG, we focus on legal durability and long-term outcomes, not just initial approvals. We provide comprehensive, end-to-end representation, combining petition strategy, case management, and advanced immigration litigation capabilities.
Comprehensive Immigration Services
We support clients across all stages of family-based immigration, including:
-
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)
-
Consular Processing through the National Visa Center (NVC)
-
Interview Preparation and case strategy
-
Waivers of inadmissibility
-
Removal of Conditions (I-751)
-
Green Card renewal and replacement
-
Naturalization (U.S. citizenship applications)
-
Immigration Litigation and Court Representation
We are highly experienced in handling complex and high-stakes immigration matters, including:
-
Representation in Immigration Court hearings
-
Bond applications and detention-related matters
-
Motions to Reopen and Motions to Reconsider (Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals)
-
Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
-
Appeals to Federal District Courts and U.S. Courts of Appeals
-
Strategic litigation, including escalation to the U.S. Supreme Court when necessary
-
Government Agency Representation
We regularly represent clients before key immigration authorities, including:
-
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
-
U.S. Department of State and National Visa Center (NVC)
-
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Our approach integrates immigration strategy with litigation readiness, ensuring that cases are not only properly prepared but also defensible if challenged. Whether navigating routine filings or complex legal disputes, we provide structured, proactive guidance to help families secure and maintain lawful status in the United States.