How the 2025 Government Shutdown Is Impacting U.S. Immigration

Even with increased scrutiny, immigrants who prepare thoroughly and work strategically with a skilled immigration lawyer are succeeding. Understanding the Current Immigration Climate In recent months, many immigrants have grown increasingly anxious about the direction of U.S. immigration policy. The current administration has intensified immigration vetting, deportations, and overall enforcement efforts. From longer wait times to more document requests, the system has undenia

Recently, federal agents carried out a large-scale ICE raid targeting subcontractors for Hyundai in Alabama , leading to the detention and deportation of undocumented workers. This high-profile action is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to crack down on unauthorized employment, especially in industries with large immigrant labor forces. What This Means for Workers & Employers For foreign workers (especially specialists, contractors, technical experts): Always know and

New rule: Most intending immigrants waiting for an interview date will no longer be able to choose locations with shorter wait times or more efficient processing times. The U.S. Department of State has recently announced a major change to the way immigrant visa interviews will be scheduled and transferred. This new rule, which takes effect on November 1, 2025, significantly impacts applicants worldwide. At Omole Law Firm, we want our clients and community to fully understand

Introduction U.S. citizenship is a highly protected legal status, but in rare, specific circumstances, it can be lost—either voluntarily or involuntarily. This blog explains the current laws and interpretations governing the loss of citizenship for both natural-born and naturalized Americans. 1. Voluntary Relinquishment (Expatriating Acts) According to U.S. law, including 8 U.S. Code § 1481, a person—whether born in the U.S. or naturalized—may lose nationality only by volunta

In North Carolina family law, divorce can bring complicated questions about how to divide marital property. While there is a presumption of an equal, 50/50 split, the law allows for unequal distribution if a court finds that an equal division would be unfair. Understanding when and how a court may depart from the default 50/50 split is important for protecting your rights during a divorce. The Presumption of Equal Distribution North Carolina General Statutes generally presume

For many asylum seekers in the United States, obtaining work authorization is a critical step toward stability and self-sufficiency. Under U.S. immigration law, asylum applicants are generally eligible to apply for work authorization 150 days after filing their asylum application, provided that no delays are caused by the applicant. However, recent practices in immigration courts are creating unintended barriers for many applicants. Master Calendar Hearings and the Asylum Clo

As an immigration attorney, my day-to-day work often involves navigating complex legal systems, managing deadlines, and advocating for clients. But when I took on the role of producer for my first feature film, Core , I discovered that the legal world and the entertainment industry have more in common than I expected — and that filmmaking is an intense, all-consuming process. Behind the Scenes: The Immense Work of Filmmaking Making a movie is a massive endeavor. From pre-prod

For many individuals, receiving a denial on a green card application  can be a stressful and discouraging experience. However, a denial does not always mean the end of the road. In some cases, an I-601 Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility  can provide a path forward. What Is an I-601 Waiver? The I-601 waiver is an application that allows certain immigrants to overcome grounds of inadmissibility  that might otherwise prevent them from obtaining a green card. Grounds of inadmis

In recent years, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased its practice of issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs)  — even in situations where a person’s immigration case is still pending with USCIS. This development has created significant confusion and stress for many applicants who believed their cases were moving forward with USCIS, only to suddenly find themselves placed in removal (deportation) proceedings. What Is a Notice to Appear (NTA)? A Notice to Ap

Charlotte has quickly become one of the Southeast’s rising hubs for filmmaking. With its unique blend of cityscapes, natural beauty, and access to talented professionals, the Queen City is attracting independent filmmakers, production companies, and creative entrepreneurs from across the country. This growth is exciting for the local arts community — but it also means that having the right legal guidance is more important than ever. Why Legal Support Is Essential in Filmmakin

Family law and immigration law may seem like two very different areas of practice, but in reality, they often overlap in important ways. For many families, resolving issues in one area can directly impact the other. At Omole Law Firm , we regularly assist clients whose cases involve both family and immigration concerns, ensuring that each legal matter is handled with care and strategy. Marriage, Divorce, and Immigration Status Marriage is one of the most common pathways to le

On May 29, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published a new rule titled Efficient Case and Docket Management in Immigration Proceedings . This rule, which took effect on July 29, 2024, is an important development in immigration law because it restores the authority of immigration judges (IJs) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to terminate removal proceedings. What Changed? For several years, immigration judges and the BIA had limited ability to terminate removal

For many years, prosecutorial discretion (PD) offered a lifeline for individuals in deportation proceedings. By exercising discretion, government attorneys could agree to close or pause certain cases, particularly when someone had strong family or community ties, no criminal history, or humanitarian concerns. However, recent changes in executive policy have made prosecutorial discretion much harder to obtain, leaving many people worried that they have no options left. The tru

In immigration law, prosecutorial discretion  has always played a major role. At its core, it’s the authority immigration officers and attorneys have to decide how to handle a case. This discretion can be used in many ways — for example, deciding whether to place someone in removal proceedings, whether to close or pause a case, or whether to grant certain benefits when the law allows room for flexibility. Are the days of prosecutorial discretion over? For years, prosecutorial