Immigration Law Resources
Immigration Case Summaries
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Immigration Case Summaries
Immigration decisions can affect the evidence you need, the deadlines you must meet, and the legal options available to you. The Law Offices of Osas Iyamu, LLC provides plain-language summaries of selected decisions affecting U.S. immigration law from the U.S. Supreme Court, other federal courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). Explore cases involving marriage and family petitions, adjustment of status, standards of proof, immigration bond, and other issues.
These summaries explain what was decided, why it matters, and the limits of the ruling. They discuss published decisions for educational purposes and are not presented as matters handled by our office. How a decision applies to your situation depends on the facts, its legal authority, and any later developments.
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Belevich v. Thomas: Why Alleged Misconduct Did Not End Form I-864 Support Obligations
The Eleventh Circuit held that alleged misconduct did not end the sponsors’ Form I-864 obligations. Learn what the decision means for sponsors, sponsored immigrants, and support-enforcement disputes.
Matter of Sethi: Immigration Attorney Suspended Over Fabricated AI Citations
After a federal court suspended an attorney over fabricated AI citations and misleading explanations, the BIA imposed reciprocal discipline. The decision illustrates how misconduct in one court can affect an attorney’s ability to practice before immigration authorities.
Matter of Y-M-B-: Asylum Fraud and Flight Risk in Immigration Bond Cases
Admitted asylum fraud, identity concerns, and reduced prospects for relief led the BIA to overturn a bond order. The case explains why favorable evidence, including employment and prior hearing attendance, did not overcome the flight-risk concerns in that record.
Matter of Borges Borsoi: The SIJ Filing Deadline Before Age 21
USCIS must receive a properly filed Special Immigrant Juvenile petition before the petitioner’s 21st birthday. The AAO rejected an argument based on the precise hour of birth, showing why mailing a petition before the birthday is not enough.
Matter of A-W-M-K: Immigration Bond Denial Based on Flight Risk
The BIA upheld denial of bond where inconsistent statements and possible involvement in human rights abuses undermined the respondent’s prospects for relief. The decision also explains why a USCIS adjustment denial could be considered when evaluating flight risk.
Matter of Cervantes-Gonzalez: Extreme Hardship in Immigration Waivers
Matter of Cervantes-Gonzalez identifies key extreme hardship factors and explains why an approved family petition does not guarantee waiver eligibility.
Matter of Lamus: DHS Opposition to Reopening
Matter of Lamus requires immigration judges to assess DHS objections and marriage evidence independently when deciding a qualifying motion to reopen.
Matter of Velarde-Pacheco: Reopening Immigration Proceedings After Marriage
A pending marriage petition may support reopening immigration proceedings. Explore the Velarde factors and the later clarification on government opposition.
Sanchez v. Mayorkas: TPS and the Admission Requirement for a Green Card
TPS and admission answer different immigration questions. This summary explains the Supreme Court’s ruling and the importance of examining later authorized travel.
Matter of Pinzon: False Claims to U.S. Citizenship and Their Immigration Consequences
Matter of Pinzon explains why entry with a fraudulently obtained U.S. passport was not an admission and why a false-statement conviction barred cancellation of removal.
Matter of Quilantan: When a Wave-Through Entry Can Support Adjustment of Status
A wave-through entry may satisfy the admission requirement for adjustment of status. Learn what evidence matters and why other green-card requirements still apply.
Matter of Areguillin: A Wave Through at the Border and Adjustment of Status
A person permitted to pass through a port of entry may satisfy the inspection-and-admission requirement for adjustment of status without individual questioning. Areguillin explains why proving the circumstances of entry matters; the Board returned the case for further findings.
Monsalvo Velázquez v. Bondi: Voluntary Departure Deadlines on Weekends and Holidays
The Supreme Court held that the 60-day voluntary departure deadline extends to the next business day when its final day falls on a weekend or legal holiday. The ruling explains a timing issue that can affect later immigration filings.
Matter of Soriano: Missing Evidence and Appeals of I-130 Denials
When missing evidence leads to an I-130 denial, prior notice and the opportunity to respond can affect how new evidence is treated on appeal. Soriano explains when the BIA may return a case for consideration of that evidence.
Matter of Pak: Marriage Fraud Findings After an Earlier I-130 Denial
An earlier I-130 denial for insufficient marriage evidence does not prevent a later marriage-fraud finding. Pak explains how USCIS may apply the marriage-fraud bar to a subsequent petition when an independent review establishes substantial and probative evidence of fraud.
Matter of P. Singh: How the Marriage Fraud Bar Can Affect a Family Petition
A marriage-fraud finding can block a later family petition, including one filed by a U.S. citizen child. P. Singh explains the substantial-and-probative-evidence standard required to apply the bar and why the full evidentiary record matters.
Matter of Laureano: How to Prove a Bona Fide Marriage for Immigration
Evidence of shared finances, residence, and experiences can help establish that a couple intended to build a life together when they married. Laureano also explains the additional burden created by an earlier petition withdrawal accompanied by an admission of marriage fraud.
Matter of Chawathe: Understanding the USCIS Standard of Proof
Under the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard, applicants must show that their claim is more likely than not true. Chawathe explains how officers assess relevant, credible evidence and why some remaining uncertainty does not necessarily prevent approval when that standard applies.
Padilla v. Kentucky: Immigration & Criminal Law Impact
Criminal defense counsel must advise noncitizen clients about the deportation risks of a guilty plea. Padilla explains this constitutional duty and why proving deficient advice alone does not automatically entitle a person to relief from a conviction.