Navigating the immigration process in the U.S. can be a daunting process. For a layperson, going through the process alone could result in one being denied a green card, citizenship, or asylum status. Especially in the case of the latter, if the asylum seeker has entered the U.S. illegally, orders of deportation could crush their hopes of gaining legal residence, and return them to a country where they face the hardships that they were intending to escape in the first place.
Last year I took on such a case, in which a 14-year-old girl was in danger of being deported back to Honduras, where she suffered daily beatings from her caretaker since the age of two, the inappropriate attention of a wealthy and influential adult man, and violence at the hands of local gangs. For the purpose of discretion, and to protect the identity of the minor, we will refer to her by the fictitious name, “Rita.”
Though Rita’s …show more content…
I was ecstatic! The final step was that I went back to court and informed the immigration judge of Rita’s asylum status and asked that the deportation case be closed. The judge terminated the proceedings on the spot.
Rita can now live safely in the U.S. She is happily living with her father, and attending school, in Long Island, NY. She is learning English and making friends at her new school. As an asylee, after one year Rita will be eligible to obtain a green card, and after four more years she will be able to apply for U.S. citizenship. I look forward to working with Rita throughout the rest of her process for citizenship.
If you or your family member are facing deportation or applying for a green card or citizenship, I can help. The Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein PC specialize in all aspects of immigration law, and we’ll fight to achieve the outcome that you want and deserve. For more information, contact us by telephone at 800-529-5465 or 212-277-3636 or visit us at
Last year I took on such a case, in which a 14-year-old girl was in danger of being deported back to Honduras, where she suffered daily beatings from her caretaker since the age of two, the inappropriate attention of a wealthy and influential adult man, and violence at the hands of local gangs. For the purpose of discretion, and to protect the identity of the minor, we will refer to her by the fictitious name, “Rita.”
Though Rita’s …show more content…
I was ecstatic! The final step was that I went back to court and informed the immigration judge of Rita’s asylum status and asked that the deportation case be closed. The judge terminated the proceedings on the spot.
Rita can now live safely in the U.S. She is happily living with her father, and attending school, in Long Island, NY. She is learning English and making friends at her new school. As an asylee, after one year Rita will be eligible to obtain a green card, and after four more years she will be able to apply for U.S. citizenship. I look forward to working with Rita throughout the rest of her process for citizenship.
If you or your family member are facing deportation or applying for a green card or citizenship, I can help. The Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein PC specialize in all aspects of immigration law, and we’ll fight to achieve the outcome that you want and deserve. For more information, contact us by telephone at 800-529-5465 or 212-277-3636 or visit us at