Four practice areas.
From an asylum filing at USCIS to an emergency petition in federal district court.
Asylum
Affirmative & defensive cases
Representation of people who cannot return to their country of origin due to persecution on political, religious, ethnic, national, or social grounds. We handle affirmative cases at USCIS and defensive cases in immigration court.
When clients reach out
- There is persecution risk in the country of origin and returning is not possible
- Filing within the first year in the United States (one-year filing deadline) — exceptions exist for changed circumstances
- Form I-589 already filed — preparation for the Asylum Office interview
- USCIS denied the case and referred it to immigration court (defensive asylum)
What we do
- Evaluation of grounds and defense strategy at intake
- Preparation of the applicant's written affidavit
- Country conditions evidence and reports
- Preparation of witnesses and experts (medical, country-condition)
- Representation at the Asylum Office interview or in immigration court
- Adjustment of status after asylum approval (I-485)
Federal Courts
Federal court litigation
Direct litigation in federal district court when the administrative path is exhausted, or the government has breached procedure or timing. This is a distinct line of practice we handle directly.
When clients reach out
- USCIS has not adjudicated a case for years — unexplained delay
- Client is detained without lawful basis or release is being stalled
- An unlawful removal or denial of entry is imminent — needs an emergency stop
- BIA decision needs to be challenged in a Circuit Court of Appeals
Tools
- Habeas Corpus — release from custody through federal court
- Mandamus — compelling action by USCIS or DHS
- Temporary Restraining Order — emergency stop on government action
- Petition for Review — challenging BIA decisions in Circuit Court
What we do
- Assessment of whether a case can move to federal court — not every situation qualifies
- Drafting the federal complaint and supporting motions
- Representation in U.S. District Court — Central, Eastern, and Northern Districts of California
- Coordination with the parallel administrative case in USCIS or EOIR
Removal Defense
Defense in immigration court
Representation in EOIR immigration court against Department of Homeland Security charges. This is an adversarial process — DHS counsel is on the other side, with cross-examination, motion practice, and a full evidentiary record.
When clients reach out
- A Notice to Appear (NTA) has been issued — removal proceedings have started
- Master Calendar Hearing is set — the initial scheduling hearing
- Individual Hearing is set — the merits hearing
- A denial has been issued — appeal to BIA is needed
What we prepare
- Cancellation of Removal — for LPRs and non-LPRs
- Withholding of Removal — under 8 USC § 1231(b)(3)
- Convention Against Torture — CAT-based protection
- Motions to Reopen / Reconsider / Terminate
- Appeals to BIA — Board of Immigration Appeals
Detained Representation
ICE detention & bond
Time in ICE detention works against the client. The earlier an attorney is engaged, the higher the chance of release before the merits hearing — and of preparing the case outside detention.
When families reach out
- A family member has been detained by ICE — counsel needed within the first 72 hours
- A bond hearing is set
- Parole has been denied — appeal or renewed request needed
- Transfer between detention centers — case coordination needed
What we do
- Contact with the detained person within 24 hours of family engagement
- Bond hearing preparation — evidence of family ties, absence of danger, and reliability to appear in court
- Parole requests — for those ineligible for bond
- Representation in detention centers nationwide
- Coordination with the family outside — what to gather, who can serve as a witness
Book your initial consultation
30 minutes · online or at the Sherman Oaks office. We review the situation, documents, strategy, and timeline.