Recent Blog Posts
Can a Criminal Charge Affect Your Immigration Status in Virginia?
A criminal charge is serious for anyone. For immigrants, the consequences can go far beyond the courtroom. A single conviction, and sometimes even a guilty plea, can lead to deportation, block you from getting a green card, or put your ability to stay in this country at serious risk.
Under federal law, specifically 8 U.S.C. §1227, certain criminal convictions can make a noncitizen deportable, regardless of how long they have lived in the United States or whether they hold a green card. If you or someone you love is facing this situation in 2026, a Richmond, VA immigration lawyer can help you understand what's at stake before it's too late.
Can a Child With SIJS Apply for a Green Card?
If you are the guardian or caretaker of an immigrant child in Virginia, you may have heard about something called Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, or SIJS. It is one of the most important protections available to vulnerable children in the United States immigration system.
But getting SIJS is only part of the journey. Many families want to know whether SIJS can lead to a green card, especially when immigration laws in 2026 are so volatile. Our Stafford immigration attorney can help make sure the child in your care gets the protection they deserve.
What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Who Qualifies?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is a federal immigration protection created specifically for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It is not just for children in foster care. SIJS can apply to children living with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other guardian as long as a state court has made certain findings about the child's situation.
Does Virginia Have Sanctuary Cities?
People all over the world are watching ICE take action against immigrants in America in 2026. The Department of Homeland Security under the Trump Administration estimates that it has deported over 600,000 people already, and that nearly two million more have "self-deported," or left on their own.
If you or someone you love is undocumented and you worry about immigration enforcement, you may have heard the term "sanctuary city." You may want to know if Virginia has sanctuary cities where you might feel safer from deportation.
The short answer is no. Virginia does not have any official sanctuary cities. However, some areas in Virginia have policies that limit how much local police work with federal immigration agents.
Understanding these policies can help you know what to expect if you interact with police in your community. If you have questions about your immigration status or rights, our Woodbridge immigration attorney offers free consultations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Shorter Work Permit Validity: What Virginia Immigrants Face
Employment Authorization Documents will now be valid for a much shorter period under the current administration. This new rule will apply to asylees, refugees, and any other immigrants who are currently allowed to work in the U.S. under legal protection. The goal of the current administration has been to tighten immigration procedures, and this is yet another step in that process. Immigrants who currently have pending applications for permanent U.S. residency (green cards) or asylum will also be affected by the new shorter work permits.
These processes may already take years of waiting. There is a significant level of unresolved cases across the U.S. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will still issue EADs, but the new work permits will be for significantly shorter times than the current ones, which are typically five years. The permits may now be from one year to 18 months. The new policy applies to work permit applications filed after Friday, December 5, as well as those that are pending as of that date.
Can Virginia Hospitals Share Your Immigration Status?
A late-night trip to the emergency room is stressful for anyone, but for many immigrants across Virginia, the fear can go much deeper. Non-citizens often worry that a trip to the ER will expose their immigration status or that hospital staff will contact ICE. Particularly now, when ICE is actively seeking non-citizens across the nation, it can be an anxiety-inducing experience to go to the emergency room for medical treatment.
Fortunately, the rules are clearer than you might think. Virginia hospitals are required to treat you, and strict federal privacy laws prevent them from reporting immigration status in almost every situation. There are some narrow exceptions that every non-citizen should be aware of. If you are unsure about whether your situation might fit one of those exceptions, speaking to an experienced Reston, VA immigration lawyer can be beneficial.
Virginia ICE Raids and "Sensitive Locations" Explained
In the past, immigrants in Virginia have relied on the "quiet understanding" that there would be no ICE enforcement actions at "sensitive locations," including schools, churches, and hospitals. Unfortunately, recent immigration policy shifts and increased state-level cooperation with federal agencies have blurred those "understood" lines.
It is important for all non-citizens in Virginia and across the United States to understand what – if any – areas are actually protected, and how to respond if ICE appears near or in a sensitive location. It is equally important to consult a knowledgeable Woodbridge, VA immigration attorney who is familiar with immigration laws and stays up-to-date with changes to those laws.
Prior Federal ICE Policy
ICE traditionally avoided immigration enforcement at or near schools, churches, hospitals, and public demonstrations, although this was not a law. The policy was considered discretionary as a means of protecting humanitarian and community institutions. These discretionary protections were reinforced in 2021 through the Mayorkas Memo.
What Immigrants Should Know About Driver Privilege Cards
As of 2025, 20 states and the District of Columbia allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. In many cases, these licenses are marked with some variation of "Not for Federal Purposes," which means they are not valid for federal identification or air travel. Among the states that do allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license, each state sets its own requirements and provides licenses regardless of immigration status or Social Security Number.
In the state of Virginia, these licenses are known as "driver privilege cards." It can be extremely difficult for undocumented immigrants to work, take their children to school, and run necessary errands without a driver’s license. Those who drive without a license, in states that do not provide driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, live in fear of being stopped.
A simple traffic stop can have devastating consequences, including deportation. If you have questions about Virginia’s driver privilege cards or have other immigration issues, consulting with a knowledgeable Falls Church, VA immigration attorney can give you answers to your questions and the help you need.
Recent Changes to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
In recent years, more than 100,000 young people have gained approval for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Due to a backlog in green card processing, many of these juveniles are still waiting for their permanent residency, and lengthy delays are common. Under the new administration, on June 6, 2025, the USCIS ended Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) deferred action.
Youth with approved I-360s, waiting for visa availability, are no longer automatically considered for deferred action. Furthermore, the (c) (14) work authorization via deferred action, tied to that policy, is no longer available to new applicants. There are additional changes listed below. If you are a non-citizen wondering about SIJS or any other path to citizenship, it can be extremely beneficial to consult with an experienced Warrenton, VA immigration lawyer.
Immigration Consequences of a Virginia Protective Order
As an immigrant living in Virginia, if you are facing a temporary or permanent protective order, you could be facing serious immigration status consequences as well. Even when a protective order does not result in criminal charges, it may still raise red flags with immigration officials.
Whether you are renewing a green card or applying for a visa, a protective order can complicate your path to legal status in the United States.
If the issuance of a protective order raises questions about "good moral character" or suggests even minor criminal activity, deportation proceedings could be the result. A Henrico County, VA immigration attorney can assess your situation, answer your questions, and explain your options. Under certain circumstances, you could be eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-601) if you are attempting to re-enter the United States and have had a protective order filed against you.
Are Visas for Victims of Crime and Abuse Still Available?
Although virtually every aspect of immigration is on shaky ground right now, with misunderstandings regarding what is still allowed, victims of crime or abuse may continue to file for certain visas based on these characteristics. Unfortunately for many, an immigrant’s legal status may be dependent on an abusive spouse, or a non-citizen may fear deportation if he or she reports a crime of violence.
Historically, the United States has provided protection and relief for victims of violent crimes and abuse, offering options that allow the individual to seek safety and independence while working to obtain a Green Card. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse or has been a victim of a violent crime, it can be extremely beneficial to speak to a skilled Falls Church, VA immigration lawyer.
What Are Potential Visas for Those Who Are Victims of Crime or Abuse?
There are three types of visas for victims of abuse or crime. All of these visas are useful in obtaining Lawful Permanent Residency as well as eventual citizenship. The requirements can be complex and require the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney. These visas include:
