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Bringing your family to the United States is a very important step. However, immigration laws often raise many questions. Through family-based petitions, your loved ones may be able to obtain permanent residency, or a Green Card. In this article, we explain in simple terms who qualifies for this benefit and how the legal process works. Who Can Sponsor a Family Member in the United States? Not all immigration statuses allow you to sponsor a family member. Instead, the law reserves this right exclusively for two categories of people: U.S. Citizens: If you are over 21 years old, you can petition for the widest range of family members. In addition, your petitions for immediate relatives are not subject to annual visa caps, which avoids long waiting lists. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs): Green Card holders have more limited sponsorship rights. Furthermore, their relatives always fall into preference categories, so they must wait their turn according to the Visa Bulletin. Beneficiaries: Which family members can you sponsor? The…Leer más

Immigration enforcement operations in Florida continue to expand as state and federal authorities increase efforts to identify and detain individuals who lack legal immigration status. Recently, a large-scale operation conducted across South Florida resulted in the detention of 249 immigrants over a three-day period. The operation has raised concerns among immigrant communities throughout the state. Understanding how these enforcement efforts work is essential for individuals and families who may be affected by changing immigration policies. What Was Operation 9? Operation 9 was a joint enforcement effort involving more than 100 officers from multiple federal, state, and local agencies. Participants included the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol, and several local law enforcement agencies. According to officials, the operation focused on identifying individuals who were unlawfully present in the United States. Over the course of three days, authorities detained 249 people, who were later transferred to ICE custody for further immigration processing. Additionally, officials stated that many of those…Leer más

The process of Adjustment of Status for a Green Card has become a major concern for thousands of immigrants across the United States in recent months. A new immigration directive had required most permanent residence applicants to leave the country to complete their process abroad. However, the government recently announced a partial modification that could benefit certain applicants. This change is important because it may help prevent family separation and employment disruptions for individuals seeking lawful permanent residence. What Changed in the Adjustment of Status for a Green Card Process? First, it is important to understand what the previous rule required. The original directive stated that most immigrants applying for a Green Card would need to return to their home country to complete the immigration process. This policy affected many individuals who were legally present in the United States through temporary visas, humanitarian programs, or other immigration benefits. As a result, many families worried about being separated for months or even years while their applications…Leer más

At Serving Immigrants, part of our mission is to keep the immigrant community informed with real and verified updates. That’s why we are thrilled to share that on May 6th, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a game-changing ruling in favor of the rights of detained immigrants. The decision rejects the 'mandatory detention' policy that sought to keep thousands of people behind bars without bail. What does this mean for you and your family? If a loved one is arrested by ICE in Florida, Georgia, or Alabama, they can no longer be detained indefinitely without a judicial review. The court has made it clear that living in this country and having ties here grants the fundamental right to a bond hearing before an immigration judge. This legal victory opens the door for many people to await their cases in freedom, surrounded by their loved ones, and not behind the walls of a detention center. The Justice Bloc: Other Circuits that support this decision This…Leer más

We are proud to share a powerful success story. Our client was in detention and facing a very difficult situation, unsure of what the future would hold. Through dedication, legal strategy, and persistence, we were able to guide the case in the right direction. After a challenging process, our client was granted a 42B visa, allowing them to remain in the United States for 10 years. Today, they are reunited with their family, enjoying stability and a new beginning.  This approval represents more than just legal status,it means hope, opportunity, and being together again.Leer más

Florida is considering a rule to block undocumented immigrants from enrolling in public colleges, requiring proof of legal status. If approved, it would join states like Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina with similar restrictions. Federal law does not guarantee access to higher education for undocumented students, and Florida has already ended in-state tuition benefits for them. Supporters say they still contribute, while opponents argue public resources should prioritize citizens and legal residents.Leer más

Detention is one of the most difficult experiences an undocumented immigrant and their family can face in the United States. When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds a person in custody indefinitely or without justification, the country's legal system offers a recourse that can change their fate: a writ of habeas corpus. At Serving Immigrants, we understand that for a detained immigrant, their desire revolves around working on their immigration status while they are free. Below, we explain how this federal recourse can be the key to challenging a prolonged and unjustified detention. What is Habeas Corpus?      Regulated by the statute 28 U.S.C. § 2241 Habeas Corpus is a petition filed in a Federal District Court. Unlike appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), this remedy does not focus on whether the detained person is entitled to an immigration benefit, but rather on whether the government has the right to detain them and the constitutional right to keep him deprived of his liberty. When…Leer más

     Physical integrity and security are fundamental rights that apply in any interaction with federal authorities. However, recent events in Operations and arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raise questions about legal limits and the use of force. Such is the case of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen who died after being shot by an ICE agent during a raid in Minneapolis. The news has sparked a wave of protests and diverse opinions: while many have considered it an abuse of power, others, such as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, maintain that the agent acted in self-defense.      For Serving Immigrants, it is very important to be able to educate and inform the community about the protocols that govern the use of force, ensuring that any person residing in the United States (regardless of their immigration status) understands the legal framework that protects their well-being during an arrest or raid. What is ICE?      It is the agency responsible for both identifying criminal activities and eliminating…Leer más

Miami, FL – In a city like Miami, where stories and success are achieved through perseverance, hard work, and excellent service, Serving Immigrants has been recognized as the winner in the “Immigration Law Firm” category of the prestigious election.Miami-Dade Favorite in its 2025 edition. This recognition, obtained thanks to the vote and trust of the community, consolidates our firm as a benchmark of hope, renown and justice for hundreds of families in the south Florida.   Serving Immigrants: A commitment beyond the courts.   Founded with the goal of reuniting families seeking a better future in the United States, at Serving Immigrants we are committed to being a firm that goes beyond winning complex immigration cases; we strive to connect with our clients through a humanized and personalized approach. Led by attorney Magdalena Cuprys (who has personally experienced the immigration journey), attorneys Victor Martinez and Daniel Ortiz, and a dedicated team of various nationalities, we have built a legacy focused on excellence and integrity.  …Leer más

In the United States, immigration laws can be as complex as they are ever-changing. And in the midst of so much confusion, fear, and misinformation, there’s one truth every immigrant must keep in mind: You have rights, no matter your immigration status. Whether you’re a permanent resident, an asylum seeker, a DACA recipient, a temporary visa holder, or someone without defined status, the U.S. Constitution protects you. Knowing your rights isn’t just important, it’s essential. It’s your first line of defense to protect yourself and your family. What Rights Do You Have as an Immigrant? Your status may affect certain legal processes, but it does not take away your fundamental rights. Here are some of the most important ones: 1. The Right to Remain Silent You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, place of birth, or how you entered the country. You can politely say: “I choose to remain silent.” 2. The Right to an Attorney You have the right to…Leer más