Firm News

There is a humanitarian crisis happening at the Southwest border that has caused the White House to seek nearly 4 billion in emergency funding.  The U.S. has been experiencing an influx of thousands of young Central American children showing up at the border to escape gang and cartel violence.  This has been going on since prior to 2011, with numbers…

One of the initiatives outlined in the Immigration Accountability Executive Action of November 20, 2014 is deferred action for parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (“DAP”). DAP will benefit millions of undocumented individuals living in the United States who are parents of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and who meets the following DAP eligibility guidelines: Have…

Last week I toured Angel Island for the first time. I was part of a group of immigration attorneys there for a day trip as part of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) California Chapters Conference in San Francisco. Angel Island is known as the Ellis Island of the West. The immigration station was in operation there from 1910 to…

USCIS reopened the San Francisco Field Office today and provided the following updates during a Stakeholder Meeting this morning: -USCIS is reopening InfoPass appointments for emergency services only -USCIS will focus on getting through the N-400 Oath Ceremony backlog for naturalization oath ceremonies that were canceled due to the shelter in place ordinance. These will tentatively start June 16 or…

I have a healthy dose of skepticism towards the corporate mainstream American news. This has developed over the last few years, even before the Brian Williams scandal. I recently read a great Rick Steves op-ed piece called “Tune out cable news and turn away fear.” He writes: “After traveling and lecturing across the United States in recent months, it strikes…

It’s been a phenomenal pride weekend here in San Francisco, especially in light of the historic Supreme Court ruling that gay marriage is a legal right across the U.S.  A friend asked me yesterday how that ruling affects immigration law.  It actually doesn’t have a direct impact as did the ruling two years ago (on the same date, June 26),…

As an immigration attorney I am an advocate for people who sometimes do not have a voice. I believe in justice for all people, especially BIPOC. You can help by taking action today that is simple but meaningful. Please sign a petition to bring justice to Breonna Taylor and her family. It is very easy to do by clicking here…

What it is: The “rocket docket” is fast-tracked removal hearings for minors who have crossed the border on their own (“Unaccompanied Alien Children” or “UACs”), and families, mostly comprised of women and their minor children. Why you need to know: This humanitarian crisis is being responded to with potential due process violations, further clogging of the court, and reports of…

A USCIS spokesperson confirmed yesterday evening that USCIS will require in-person interviews for those on employment-based visas applying for green cards.  Similarly, in-person interviews will be required for those applying for adjustment of status from asylee (granted asylum) to lawful permanent resident. Previously, these categories only required interviews when convictions for minor crimes are involved. These include shoplifting and DUIs where there was…

I am happy to announce that I have changed my business name from The Law Offices of Grace R. Alano to Alano Immigration. My office has continually made changes for the better over the years, and my office rebranding is one of those changes. My previous business name served me well in establishing my solo practice and getting my name…