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How Long Does a Green Card Take Through Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of Status timelines vary by location, eligibility, and case quality. Discover how to check processing times and speed up your green card approval.

Alena Ray Conrad
Oct 282 min read
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Affidavit of Support Exemption: Who Qualifies and How It Works
If you’ve worked in the U.S. with valid authorization and earned 40 Social Security credits, you may not need a financial sponsor for your green card. Here’s how to prove it.
alenaraylaw
Oct 172 min read
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2025 Changes to the Citizenship Process
USCIS now requires citizenship applicants to actively prove good moral character and may conduct neighborhood investigations. Here’s what you need to know.

Alena Ray Conrad
Sep 242 min read
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USCIS Policy Update: Discretionary Factors in Immigration Cases (2025)
USCIS can now deny cases based on discretion—even if you qualify. Find out which factors matter most and how to protect your application.

Alena Ray Conrad
Sep 161 min read
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Common Mistakes when submitting the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
Submitting Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, may seem straightforward, but even small mistakes can cause serious delays—or even a denial. From filing taxes under the wrong status, to failing to provide updated pay stubs, to not showing enough proof of self-employment income, these errors are more common than most applicants realize. Knowing what to avoid can save you months of waiting and protect your green card case.
alenaraylaw
Sep 22 min read
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How Many Years of Tax Returns Are Required for the Affidavit of Support?
I-864 Affidavit of Support: USCIS requires the latest tax return, but current income matters most. Discover what documents to bring to have the best odds for approval!

Alena Ray Conrad
Aug 261 min read
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Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): What to do if your Income Is Not Enough?
Struggling to meet the income requirements for the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) doesn’t mean your green card case is over. USCIS offers several options that can help you qualify, including adding a joint sponsor, using the applicant’s income, or counting certain assets. Knowing which strategy fits your situation can make the difference between an approval and a costly delay.
alenaraylaw
Aug 122 min read
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Traveling Abroad as a Green Card Holder: How to Avoid Problems Reentering the United States
Planning to travel outside the U.S. with a green card? Learn how to protect your permanent resident status and avoid reentry issues. This article covers key tips for short trips, extended stays, reentry permits, and maintaining strong ties to the U.S. before you leave.

Alena Ray Conrad
May 133 min read
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USCIS Enforces the Alien Registration Requirement: What Noncitizens Need to Know
Learn what the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR) is, who is supposed to register, how to comply, and the risks of noncompliance under USCIS enforcement.

Alena Ray Conrad
Apr 223 min read
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Marriage-Based Green Card Case: 6 Key Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Avoid USCIS delays with these 6 tips to prepare your marriage-based green card case.

Alena Ray Conrad
Apr 93 min read
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Immigration Waivers: Your Introduction to Unlawful Presence and Other Waivers
Learn about immigration waivers for unlawful presence, criminal convictions, and more.

Alena Ray Conrad
Feb 254 min read
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Parole in Place: What We Know So Far
Parole in Place lets undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens apply for a green card without leaving the U.S. if they qualify.

Alena Ray Conrad
Jul 25, 20243 min read
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Understanding President Biden's Parole in Place for Spouses of US Citizens
Learn about Biden's executive action to help spouses of US citizens. Who is eligible, what happens next, what to do to prepare.

Alena Ray Conrad
Jun 18, 20243 min read
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I-864 Simplified: Your Affidavit of Support Guide to Calculating Household Size
Learn how to accurately calculate household size for the I-864 Affidavit of Support with our step-by-step guide to meet USCIS requirements

Alena Ray Conrad
Jun 11, 20243 min read
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U Visa: Tips for Requesting Your Police Report
The first step in determining if you are eligible for a U visa is to obtain the police report, here are some tips to get it.

Alena Ray Conrad
May 23, 20243 min read
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5 Differences Between Permanent Residents and US Citizens
Discover the differences between permanent residency and U.S. citizenship—unlocking travel, voting, sponsorship, job, and security benefits

Alena Ray Conrad
May 2, 20242 min read
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Debunking U Visa Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction
In our mission to empower and inform our community, we're tackling some common myths surrounding U visas. Understanding the truth behind...

Alena Ray Conrad
Apr 26, 20242 min read
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Permanent Residency
Secure your future with permanent residency and the benefits it offers: the ability to work legally, a Social Security card, and the...

Alena Ray Conrad
Apr 17, 20241 min read
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Your Essential Petition Checklist
Discover our Essential Petition Checklist: Your guide to required documents for a family petition through a US citizen or permanent resident

Alena Ray Conrad
Apr 17, 20242 min read
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Seize Your Opportunity: Apply for DACA AP Now
DACA recipients: secure legal entry to the US amid upcoming elections & court decisions. Consult an immigration lawyer for guidance.

Alena Ray Conrad
Mar 28, 20242 min read
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