Whistleblower vs. Qui Tam: The Critical Distinction
This guide helps to navigate the complex intersection of the Illinois Whistleblower Act (IWA) and the Illinois False Claims Act (IFCA). In 2026, the landscape of “blowing the whistle” in Illinois has changed significantly due to recent legislative expansions. Whether you are reporting a safety violation or state-wide financial fraud, understanding your specific legal path […]
How is Mediation Useful in Your Legal Battles
As an attorney and trained mediator practicing here in Illinois, I often tell my clients that the courtroom is a blunt instrument, while mediation is a scalpel. In litigation, a judge—who doesn’t know your business or your family—imposes a decision. In mediation, you retain the “power of the pen.” In Illinois, mediation is governed primarily […]
Forms available to file online
AR-11 | Alien’s Change of Address Card G-639 | Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status I-589| Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal I-765 | Application for Employment AuthorizationFiling under one of these categories:(c)(3)(A) […]
Important Agencies of US Immigration System
Department of Homeland Security (www.dhs.gov) The DHS’s first priority is to protect the nation against further terrorist attacks. Component agencies will analyze threats and intelligence, guard our borders and airports, protect our critical infrastructure, and coordinate the response of our nation for future emergencies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (www.uscis.gov) The USCIS is the government agency that […]
USCIS Highlights Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens
The May 2019 Presidential Memorandum on Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens emphasizes that certain requirements apply to you if you have sponsored (or will sponsor) an immigrant, or if you have otherwise agreed to make your income and assets available to help sponsor the immigrant, by filing: Since 1997, U.S. immigration law has required an alien’s […]
Application Pending Further Action (221g)
Refusal under Section 221(g) means that essential information is missing from an application or that an application has been placed on administrative hold. The consular officer who interviews you will tell you at the end of your interview if action on your case is being refused under 221(g) pending further information. The officer will either […]
H1B USCIS Update on H-1B Cap Electronic Registration System
H1B is a nonimmigrant, employment based visa that is granted to an eligible temporary worker. H1B must-have a US based, sponsor or employer who is ready to hire the applicant for specialty occupation. Employer must apply for your H1B visa petition with the US Immigration Department. Once approved, this petition is a work permit in the form […]
90 Day Fiance: What is the K1 Visa?
K1 visa, allows a US Citizen to bring their fiancé to the United States so that the couple can get married. In order to qualify for a fiancé visa, the couple must show that (1) they are legally free to marry one another; (2) they have met each other at least once within the last […]
Asylum Application Process
Individuals who are in the United States and are afraid to return to their home countries may qualify for asylum. Depending on whether the applicant is or isn’t in removal proceedings, he or she may apply for asylum either through the affirmative asylum process or the defensive asylum process. Under both processes, asylum seekers must indicate […]