At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, we recently helped a client whose path to permanent residency was nearly derailed by a past F-1 visa issue. Through careful review and a personalized legal strategy, our team guided him through the complex waiver process and helped him get back on track toward building his future in the United States.
Our client came to us after his U.S. citizen wife successfully filed an I-130 petition on his behalf. Although the petition had been approved, he was still placed in removal proceedings.
This occurred because his prior asylum application, originally filed with USCIS, had been referred to the Immigration Court. To address this issue, our legal team submitted a request for Prosecutorial Discretion (PD) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), seeking dismissal of the removal proceedings. DHS agreed with our request and joined our motion, and the Immigration Judge granted the dismissal.
With his court case dismissed, our client no longer needs to wait for an Immigration Court hearing. He can now proceed to apply for his green card directly with USCIS, moving one step closer to becoming a lawful permanent resident.
During our detailed review of the client’s immigration history in preparation for his I-485 adjustment of status application, our team identified a significant obstacle: a finding of visa fraud related to his previous F-1 student visa.
In his prior asylum application, the client had admitted that he obtained an F-1 visa overseas but never attended school after entering the United States. This admission rendered him inadmissible under U.S. immigration law, meaning he could not obtain a green card without first receiving a waiver.
Drawing on our extensive experience handling inadmissibility and waiver cases, our legal team prepared a compelling Form I-601 waiver, which we later filed concurrently with his I-485 application. We meticulously demonstrated the extreme hardship his U.S. citizen spouse would experience if the waiver were denied—emphasizing both the emotional impact of separation and the financial burden it would cause.
After patiently waiting more than two years for his I-485 interview, our client finally had his day before USCIS. Because of our team’s careful preparation, the interview was seamless and stress-free.
Just two weeks later, he received the life-changing news: both his I-485 adjustment of status and his I-601 waiver were approved.
Today, our client proudly holds lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
Led by founding attorney Sabrina Li, a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, our team has successfully guided countless clients through complicated inadmissibility issues, including fraud and misrepresentation findings. With deep knowledge and proven strategies, we are committed to helping families stay united and individuals achieve their dreams of lawful permanent residency.
If you or someone you know is facing a similar situation and needs the expertise of skilled professionals, the Law Offices of Sabrina Li is here to help. Reach out to us today at (213) 375-8096 or via email at info@sabrinali.law. Don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to support you.
Our attorneys possess diverse immigration experience and have an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between various immigration laws, policies, and regulations, ensuring accurate and comprehensive guidance. We offer a full range of immigration services, addressing all aspects of your case while identifying potential opportunities and challenges.
We provide a tailored approach to each client's case, ensuring that you receive individualized attention and a customized strategy for your unique situation. We adjust our strategy as your needs or circumstances change, guaranteeing a seamless transition between different phases of your immigration journey.
Our team is composed of immigrant and first-generation American professionals, along with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Many of us have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced during the immigration process. This allows us to provide guidance and advocacy rooted in authentic understanding.
