Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.2026-10-26T10:09:05Zhttps://www.immiglawus.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103435/2023/10/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[How do I appeal a final removal order before it’s too late?]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568822026-10-26T10:09:05Z2026-10-26T10:09:05ZReceiving a final removal order can put your future in the United States at risk. You may worry about leaving your family, losing your job or returning to a country where you fear harm. However, an immigration judge's decision may not be the end of your case. You may have the right to challenge the decision through an appeal.
Time matters because missing a filing deadline can limit your options. Knowing where to file and when the Board must receive your appeal can help protect your right to challenge the decision.
Knowing your appeal deadline
If an immigration judge orders your removal, you may be able to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The BIA reviews legal questions independently, using a process called de novo review. However, it reviews the judge's factual findings for clear error. This means the BIA generally will not overturn a factual finding unless the judge made a clear mistake.For many immigration court decisions, Form EOIR-26 must reach the BIA within 30 calendar days. The deadline generally runs from the judge's oral decision or the mailing or electronic service of the written decision, depending on how the decision was issued.The BIA does not follow a mailbox rule. For paper filings, the filing date generally depends on when the Board receives the notice, not when you mail it. A timely appeal may trigger an automatic stay of removal while the BIA reviews the case, but exceptions may apply.
Steps that may help protect your case
Preparing an appeal involves more than disagreeing with the judge's decision. Your filing must follow the required rules and explain why you believe the decision was wrong. Important steps may include:
Reviewing the order: Checking the decision date and the judge's reasons can help identify possible errors.
Completing Form EOIR-26: This form serves as your notice of appeal from an immigration judge's decision.
Checking filing requirements: Meeting the filing rules and addressing any required fee or fee-waiver request can help prevent delays.
Using the correct filing system: Eligible cases may allow electronic filing through EOIR's Courts & Appeals System (ECAS). For accepted electronic filings, the submission date generally controls. Rejected filings may not count as filed.
An immigration lawyer can review your order, assess possible grounds for appeal and help prepare the required documents before the deadline.
Acting before time runs out
Appealing a removal order involves strict deadlines and filing rules. Reviewing your order promptly can help you identify your options and take steps to challenge the decision before time runs out.]]>by Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[What happens to a green card after a felony conviction]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568802026-10-20T10:17:23Z2026-10-20T10:17:23ZCan a felony conviction lead to deportation
Federal law treats certain crimes as grounds for removal. Aggravated felonies are among the most serious. These include murder, drug trafficking, gun offenses and fraud where the victim's loss tops $10,000. Some theft crimes with a sentence of at least one year may also qualify.
Courts generally use the categorical approach to compare statutory elements rather than underlying facts, but may review limited record documents under the modified categorical approach if the statute contains divisible elements. If an offense meets the federal meaning of an aggravated felony, the person may face removal.
Does the type of felony matter
The type of crime matters. Immigration law draws a line between crimes of moral turpitude and aggravated felonies. Crimes of moral turpitude can lead to removal when the offense occurred within five years of admission. The crime must also have carried at least one year in prison. A second such conviction at any time raises the same concern. Officials look at the offense, the sentence and the person's record.
What options exist after a conviction
Federal immigration law offers certain lawful permanent residents a legal defense against deportation through a process known as cancellation of removal. Accessing this defense, however, is contingent upon satisfying three distinct legal thresholds:
The individual must have held lawful permanent resident status for no fewer than five years
The individual must have maintained an uninterrupted physical presence in the United States for no fewer than seven years from the date of any lawful entry
The individual must have a clean record with respect to aggravated felony convictions
Importantly, the continuous residence clock stops when a person commits certain qualifying criminal offenses, which can eliminate eligibility before a formal conviction occurs.
Section 212(h) waivers of inadmissibility are strictly and statutorily barred for lawful permanent residents who have been convicted of an aggravated felony.
Steps green card holders should consider after a criminal charge
A felony conviction can affect a person's right to stay in the U.S. Green card holders facing charges should act early. A conviction, a plea or a suspended sentence can affect removal risk and relief options. An attorney who handles both criminal and immigration law can assess those risks while options are still open.]]>by Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[What to do in the first 48 hours after an ICE detainer]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568752026-10-06T07:15:40Z2026-09-28T18:37:32ZContact an immigration attorney right away
An attorney retained early can review the detention, explain available options and take action before key deadlines pass. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1362, the detained person has the right to be represented by counsel at their own expense in immigration proceedings. The government is not required to provide an attorney, and reaching legal help from a detention facility can be difficult due to location, cost and communication barriers. Legal counsel can request a bond hearing and gather supporting evidence. Release decisions depend on many factors, including the person's immigration history, community ties and whether mandatory detention applies under federal law.
Gather documents to support a bond hearing
Family members should start gathering important documents as soon as possible. Pay stubs, rental agreements and school records may show the detained person's ties to the community. If the person can request a bond hearing, these records may help the attorney seek release.
Family members or other support contacts should also collect:
The detained person's Alien Registration Number (A-number)
The name and address of the detention facility
The names of close family members, including any U.S. citizen children
Having these details ready can help the attorney prepare for the bond hearing and present the person's community ties.
Know who qualifies for a bond hearing
Not everyone detained under an ICE detainer is eligible for a bond hearing. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1226(c), certain individuals are subject to mandatory detention without bond eligibility. This includes those with specific criminal convictions such as aggravated felonies, most controlled substance violations, firearms offenses and certain crimes involving moral turpitude. An immigration attorney can review the record and determine whether a bond hearing is available.
If a bond hearing is granted, an immigration judge will weigh flight risk and danger to the community. Bond amounts vary based on the individual's circumstances, including community ties and immigration history.
Next steps after an ICE detainer
ICE detainers move quickly, and so do deadlines. Whether the priority is requesting a bond hearing, identifying defenses to removal or locating a detained family member, early legal guidance can shape the direction of a case. An immigration attorney can review the specific circumstances and advise on the options that apply.]]>by Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[How long does it take to bring a spouse to Pennsylvania?]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568732026-09-21T07:42:08Z2026-09-21T07:42:08ZDoes your immigration status affect the timeline?
A U.S. citizen can petition for a spouse as an immediate relative. This category has no yearly visa limit. The spouse does not need to wait for a visa number to become available. The process still requires a petition, supporting documents and a consular interview. Without a visa backlog, the case may move faster. A lawful permanent resident must file under the F2A family preference category. Congress sets a yearly limit on visas in this category. Visa availability can affect processing time. High demand can also cause major delays.
I-130 Petition: The sponsoring spouse kicks off the process by submitting Form I-130 to USCIS. Wait times vary widely, so checking the USCIS website for current estimates is advisable.
National Visa Center review: Once USCIS gives the green light, the NVC takes charge. Both parties must pay fees and hand over required paperwork. When the NVC is satisfied everything checks out, it contacts the consulate to lock in an interview date.
Consular interview: The foreign spouse meets with a consular officer at the nearest U.S. diplomatic post. The officer reviews all materials and decides whether a visa will be granted.
Any gaps in documentation or requests for further review can add considerable time to the overall process.
What can cause delays?
Common reasons for delay include:
Incomplete or incorrect documents
Evidence requests from USCIS
Limited appointment availability at the consulate
Background or security checks
Administrative processing after the interview
Visa backlogs (which affect F2A cases for LPR petitioners)
Any of these issues can slow the case, and the total processing time will depend on the details of each application.
What Pennsylvania residents should know about the timeline
Spouse immigration in Pennsylvania operates under federal law, and there is no separate state process. The spouse's country of origin determines which U.S. embassy or consulate conducts the interview, while the Pennsylvania address matters most after the spouse arrives. Processing times can change based on visa type, current status and agency workload. Understanding each step before you file can help you prevent unexpected setbacks. Organize your records carefully, respond without delay to any government request and consult a Pennsylvania immigration attorney from the start to reduce the risk of delays.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[3 common mistakes on the US citizenship application]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568702026-09-02T09:15:08Z2026-09-02T09:15:08ZUnreported travel history outside the US
You must list every trip outside the country that lasted 24 hours or longer during your 3-year or 5-year residency period. Quick trips that take less than one day do not count as days outside the country. You can look at several personal papers to verify your dates:
Passports and stamps
Airline ticket receipts
Bank statements showing foreign purchases
Checking these items helps you prove your required time inside the country.
Unresolved tax or financial obligations
Failing to pay taxes can hurt your application. Owning back taxes or falling behind on court-ordered child support can lead to a denial for lack of good moral character.
Officers allow you to show proof if you have a valid reason or an active payment plan. Gathering payment records helps show you follow the rules:
IRS payment plan agreements
State tax payment receipts
Court records for monthly child support payments
Showing these official documents keeps your application moving forward.
Omission of minor criminal or traffic records
You must report all arrests, citations and expunged records on Form N-400. Leaving out a past arrest looks like a lie to the government, which creates worse trouble than the original incident.
Traffic fines under $500 do not require court papers, but you must still list them on the form. Having certified court papers ready helps clear up past issues:
Receipts for paid traffic tickets
Official court dismissal papers
Expungement orders from a judge
Bringing these papers to your interview helps you answer questions with confidence.
Steps to secure your citizenship approval
If you have questions about your travel, taxes or past records, speak with an experienced immigration lawyer before you file Form N-400. Professional legal support helps you fix potential issues early and prepares you for a smooth interview.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[Can the government revoke my U.S. citizenship years later?]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568682026-08-28T09:06:43Z2026-08-28T09:06:43ZWhat does it mean to have your citizenship revoked?
Denaturalization is when the government takes away someone's citizenship. This is not the same as choosing to give up your citizenship on your own. It happens when the government goes to federal court and argues that you never should have received citizenship in the first place.
A letter from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) alone cannot take your citizenship away. It requires a judge.
When can the government take away your citizenship?
There are two main reasons this can happen:
Providing false information during application: If you left out information that would have disqualified you, such as a serious criminal record, the government can use that against you later. The hidden information must have actually mattered to whether you should have been approved.
Naturalization was obtained illegally: This means you did not meet the legal requirements at the time you were approved, even if no one caught it right away.
One important note: an honest mistake is not the same as intentional fraud. The government must prove you deliberately lied, not that you simply forgot something. Also, if a parent's citizenship is revoked, their children who got citizenship through that parent may also be affected.
What is happening right now?
In June 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it is making denaturalization a higher priority than it has been in decades. This does not mean every naturalized citizen is at risk. However, if there are any concerns about your application or history, now is a good time to review your situation.
What can you do to protect yourself?
The best protection is honesty. If you were truthful when you applied, your citizenship is on solid ground. That said, if you receive any notice from USCIS or the DOJ about your citizenship, do not ignore it. Speaking with an immigration attorney as soon as possible may make a real difference in protecting what you have worked so hard to earn.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[Can your spouse legally threaten to cancel a pending green card application? ]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568652026-08-19T17:45:01Z2026-08-20T04:00:50ZSponsorship withdrawal and your pending case
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident can withdraw an I-130 petition before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decides it and, in some cases, after its approval. The petitioner typically sends a signed request with details and receipt numbers to the office handling it. If USCIS accepts the withdrawal, your adjustment case can lose the petition needed for approval.
However, your spouse cannot deport you or revoke permanent residence that the government has granted. Moving out of the home also does not automatically end your pending adjustment case. You need not stay in an unsafe home solely to protect your application.
What immigration protections could remain available?
A spouse threatening to cancel green card sponsorship may cause real fear. Yet withdrawal does not always close every path. Immigration options for abused spouses may depend on your status and facts. Some choices include:
A VAWA self-petition: The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) generally allows an abused spouse of a citizen or permanent resident to file Form I-360. Both men and women can file without the abuser’s knowledge or consent.
Adjustment based on VAWA: If you qualify, you may file Form I-485 or ask USCIS to transfer a pending application to the VAWA basis. Timing, visa availability and other rules often shape this path.
Protection for your current residency: Separate rules may apply if USCIS granted you conditional or full permanent residence. Divorce or separation alone does not automatically let a former partner revoke that status.
These federal remedies often focus on immigration status. State law can offer separate protection. In Pennsylvania, domestic violence laws generally cover certain relatives, household members and intimate partners. A protection from abuse order includes no-contact terms and temporary custody.
How confidential support can protect your independence
A VAWA self-petition generally requires proof of several eligibility factors. You often need to show a qualifying relationship, good-faith marriage and battery or extreme cruelty. Health records, police reports, witness statements and financial papers might support your case.
An immigration attorney may assess your proof and withdrawal risk. The lawyer can help you request a change from the family-based case to a confidential VAWA filing. Counsel may ask USCIS to send all mail to a safe address so your partner is less likely to see it. If the filing stage and other rules allow, the attorney could seek an independent Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This work permit may provide a way to earn income without your spouse’s support.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[What is a crime involving moral turpitude?]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568622026-08-16T19:16:38Z2026-08-16T19:16:37Z“crime involving moral turpitude” (CIMT). There is no singular list of offenses that qualify. It depends on the nature of the offense, the applicable law and how it’s interpreted.
Why does a CIMT matter for immigration?
CIMTs are usually described as offenses that go against society’s rules of honesty, decency or good behavior. They often involve conduct such as fraud, theft or intentional harm to another person.
However, the analysis is more complicated than whether a crime seems “bad.” An offense that sounds serious may not necessarily be a CIMT, while an offense that seems relatively minor could have significant consequences on a person’s immigration status.
Offenses that are likely to raise CIMT concerns include:
Forgery
Identity theft
Tax fraud
Aggravated assault
Robbery
A CIMT can affect a person’s admission to the United States, their visa application, permanent resident status process or their path to citizenship. It can also result in deportation proceedings.
The consequences of a CIMT can also depend on factors such as the number of convictions, the sentence imposed and when the offense occurred. There are a couple of circumstances in which a person may avoid certain immigration consequences despite having a conviction for a CIMT:
The petty offense exception
The youthful offender exception
A criminal charge and a criminal conviction aren’t necessarily treated the same way under immigration law. However, in some situations, conduct that didn’t result in a conviction can still create immigration concerns. Therefore, noncitizens should take criminal charges seriously. It’s wise to get experienced legal guidance.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[What is a green card marriage interview?]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568592026-07-30T18:34:18Z2026-07-30T18:34:18ZA green card marriage interview is a meeting you may need to have with immigration officials when you are seeking permanent residency on the basis of your marital status. Your spouse may be a U.S. citizen, for example, while you came to the United States on a student visa or an employment visa. To keep your family together, the government may issue you a green card.
The goal of the interview, then, is simply to establish that your relationship is genuine and authentic. The government is concerned about green card marriage fraud. They do not want couples who are not actually in a romantic relationship to pretend that they are married so that one person can obtain a green card. During the interview, the officials just want to see that you are in a true relationship and that the green card is warranted.
You cannot study for the interview
What this means is that, while you can prepare in advance, there is nothing to study. There is no set list of questions you are going to be asked. With a naturalization test, there is a civics component where you will be asked questions about history and government procedures, so you can study. But a green card marriage interview is different.Often, what the officials are really looking for is simply that you and your spouse give consistent answers that make sense for your relationship. The questions posed may be relatively basic, like asking how you divide roles in the home, where you like to go out to eat, where you went on your first date or if you have plans to have children in the future. As long as you both provide consistent answers, that can show that you have an authentic relationship.Navigating the immigration process can be complex. If you run into any complications, it can be very helpful to work with an experienced immigration attorney.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Troy J. Mattes, P.C.<![CDATA[If you have a green card, can you travel abroad?]]>https://www.immiglawus.com/?p=2568562026-07-22T15:32:47Z2026-07-22T15:32:47ZYou immigrated to the United States and started a new life with your spouse, who is a U.S. citizen. The two of you got married, and you were able to attain a green card through that marriage. You are now a permanent resident.
However, even though your family situation is stable in the U.S., you still have other family members who live in your home country. You would like to go visit them, but you are naturally worried about your status. Are you able to travel outside of the country when you have a green card, and will you face any complications returning?
Short-term trips and reentry permits
There are two main things to know. The first is that brief travel should not have any impact on your status as a permanent resident. If you want to go to your home country and visit your family for a week over the holidays, for example, that should not be a problem. You do want to ensure that you have all the correct documentation with you, but you are certainly legally allowed to leave the country and then return.For long-term trips, such as those lasting more than 12 months, a reentry permit may be necessary. You can get this by using Form I-131.The issue is that an extended absence could put your green card in jeopardy if the government believes that you have abandoned your status or never actually intended to remain in the U.S. By getting a reentry permit, you demonstrate that you do intend to stay in the country, and you give yourself the necessary documentation to return.It is very natural to be concerned about your status, and you do not want to do anything that would compromise the new life that you are building in the U.S. That is why it can be very helpful to work with an experienced immigration attorney to obtain all of the proper paperwork.
]]>