Immigration 101: How To Talk To Immigration About Past Arrests?

Talking about past arrests can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it is critically important to understand how to do it properly if you are applying for immigration benefits. In this video, attorneys Jennifer Walker Gates and Diego Nuñez step through their three-pronged approach on what and how to share about past arrests in your applications and interviews.
If you or a loved one need legal assistance with any immigration matter, contact us at 512-633-1785 or schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys here 👉 jlw.as.me/schedule.php
00:00 Introduction
01:43 3 tips to talk about past arrests
02:18 Not disclosing this information can messed up your USCIS appointment
03:43 What is an arrest
04:29 Always disclouse!
06:04 Stick to the facts!

[@RamiAzzedine]

Thank you

[@asfazrq]

Thank you for making this amazing video. If an arrest was made for a class-b misdemeanor and the case resulted in no conviction, should one self-incriminate saying that they committed a crime? This is Question 26 on the form I485

[@jlw.immigrationlaw]

Hello, This is the kind of specific question that requires a careful analysis of the facts and circumstances of one’s case. We recommend you contact us for a consultation so that we can review the documentation in your criminal matter and provide a thorough analysis. You can schedule with us directly at jlw.as.me/schedule.

[@alexmelendez4298]

Where are you guys based out of? Thanks!

[@chrisgabbidon7088]

How are you doing my name is Chris I came here in 1994 with my mom i did t get my green card till after my mother got married we came here legaly I didn't know the rules about getting in trouble if you would affect your green or your citizenship i did get my green card would immigration about to go back to 94 I was homeless in 2013 that's what I got in trouble so I was homeless I didn't know the laws or rules by still have a green card and I have to renew it the next two years p most of my misdemeanors were homeless crimes like drinking at the bus stop or things like that because I do have a mental issue when ots time?

[@jlw.immigrationlaw]

Hi, Chris, Thank you for reaching out. This is such an important question. In our experience, people who are renewing green cards who have misdemeanors are typically able to renew without problems. However, we do recommend consulting with a trusted attorney or accredited representative from a non-profit immigration services provider before you file for your renewal. In addition, we would recommend review of your case to determine if you can qualify for U.S. citizenship. That way, if in the future you have struggles with mental health or any other kind of encounter with the police or criminal justice system, you’ll be protected from deportation. If we can be of further assistance to you, please reach out to us at jlw.law.

[@chrisgabbidon7088]

@@jlw.immigrationlaw definitely will work on citizenship later on down a few years from now because I can't afford it my mother had got hers before she had died I have got my green card few times after few Mister meanors have had cuz I had a DWI in 2012 and a few other ones while I was homeless but I definitely will talk to somebody when I have a chance to be able to I'll talk to my case worker about that I have two more years on it I heard that even if it expire if you haven't left the country you can still be okay but I like to keep it up-to-date I can't afford citizenship right now thanks again

[@chrisgabbidon7088]

@@jlw.immigrationlaw yeah I agree I think my grandmother and God was looking out for me because there's plenty of times I only got threatened wants to be deported and it's hard being an immigrant cuz you come here so you know you're not really explain to very easily explained the law you know so you don't really understand it also I forgot to ask about name change cuz I will be changing my name in the near future due to my gender identity I was supposed to get my SSI unable to get it because it said I wasn't born here I don't have enough work credits so that's difficult but I have worked in the past and pay taxes right now I live in low-income housing for people with mental health issues but yeah that's another question I forgot to ask about gender changing your name if that's possible

[@camarojay7027]

Do you offer free case evaluation?

[@jenniferwalkergates5745]

Hello, At this time, we are not able to offer free case evaluation because proper assessment of a case, especially a complex case involving criminal issues, typically requires a substantial amount of attorney time. Non-attorneys in Texas are not allowed to provide legal advice, so we do charge for our case assessments so that we can dedicate the required time for providing a thorough and legally sound evaluation. We do hope to begin offering free case screenings in the near future, but this will simply screen for clear eligibility for certain benefits and will not involve provision of legal advice.