Practical guides on "Immigration and paperwork". Plain language, with examples for the Polish community in the USA.
Just arrived in the USA? A complete checklist for your first month: SSN, driver's license, bank account, housing, health insurance, phone, work, and Polish community spots in your city, step by step.
ICE knocking at your door? Workplace check? Traffic stop? A comprehensive guide to constitutional rights: 4th Amendment (home, warrant), 5th Amendment (silence, lawyer), difference between administrative warrant vs judicial warrant, what to SAY (and not say), how to verify an ICE officer, family emergency plan.
A comparison of the main pathways to permanent residency: family, work, asylum, investment, lottery — including waiting times and requirements.
USCIS for beginners: the difference between USCIS, ICE, and CBP, main forms (I-130, I-485, N-400), service centers, myUSCIS, processing times, when to consult an immigration attorney.
Poland joined the Visa Waiver Program — since 2019, Poles can travel to the USA on ESTA without a visa. Full comparison: ESTA (90 days, $21, online, 72h) vs B-2 visa (180 days, $185, interview, months). When ESTA is sufficient, when a visa is needed, who CANNOT use ESTA, how to apply, common denials.
Facing deportation? A comprehensive guide covering deportation vs removal vs expedited removal, ICE priorities, constitutional rights (4th and 5th Amendments), defense options, deportation from detention vs outside, life after deportation, bans (5/10/20 years / lifetime), and waiver of inadmissibility.
Who can apply for asylum, how to submit Form I-589, when you can start working, and the path to a Green Card.
A comprehensive guide to U.S. naturalization: eligibility after 5 years (3 for spouses of citizens), Form N-400, costs of $760, citizenship test (100 questions + civics), interview, oath ceremony, and common disqualifying mistakes.
The most common myth in the Polish community: each child has their own $10,000 limit. FALSE — the limit applies to the entire family collectively. What CBP says, why splitting is structuring (up to 5 years in prison).
Recovering money taken by CBP can be complicated; learn how to effectively file for remission and the steps to take to increase your chances of success.
Have you lost your Green Card? Was it stolen? Did it get damaged in the wash? This comprehensive guide covers reporting theft, Form I-90 (replacement), differences vs renewal (10-year card vs 2-year conditional), costs of $540, waiting time of 8-18 months, ADIT stamp as proof of status during the waiting period, and traveling without the card.
During the I-485 process, you cannot leave the USA without Advance Parole — leaving = abandonment of the case; a complete guide: who needs it, Form I-131, costs (free with I-485 from 2024), waiting times, emergency AP, traveling with AP, what to show at the border, when AP is insufficient (e.g., visa stamp needs renewal).