Author name: Rosina Stambaugh

Becoming a U.S. citizen remains the dream of many immigrants who have made a home here. But, the naturalization test inspires anxiety in many potential citizens. Throughout this article, we offer naturalization interview tips to help you prepare for and hopefully ace your interview. Preparation is key to a successful naturalization test. As you prepare, […]

Many people come to the U.S. seeking safety, but do not apply for asylum right away. Yet, to qualify for asylum, you typically have to request it within one year of your arrival in the U.S. If more than a year has passed since you entered the U.S., you may be wondering: Can I file

Serving in the U.S. military is one of the quickest ways for a noncitizen to become a U.S. citizen. The process moves faster than traditional naturalization, but how long does it take to get citizenship through military service? On average, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes citizenship applications for military personnel in approximately

After having a green card for a few years, lawful permanent residents (LPRs) often wonder how to apply for citizenship. Called naturalization, the process of applying for American citizenship begins with confirming that you qualify. Then, you submit an application, complete an interview and test, and, if you pass, take the Oath of Allegiance, which

U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents to live in the U.S. as lawful permanent residents (LPRs)—green card holders. To complete the process of sponsoring parents for a green card, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, prepare the correct paperwork, and follow the steps outlined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency that

Immigration law continues to evolve rapidly, and attorneys across practice areas are being called to respond to new enforcement patterns and detention challenges. On Friday, September 26, 2025, Attorney Rosina C. Stambaugh, Vice Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Immigration Law Committee, will be a featured speaker at the Lunch and Learn program: “Legal Challenges

Facing immigrant detention can be one of the most stressful experiences for a noncitizen and their family. An immigration bond hearing is a special court hearing where a judge decides whether to release a detained person while their immigration case is pending. At this hearing, the immigration judge reviews whether the person qualifies for bond

Understanding the difference between “unlawful presence” vs “out of status” designations is critical for anyone navigating U.S. immigration law. While the two terms may sound similar, they carry different meanings and consequences. Being “out of status” means a person violates the terms of their visa. “Unlawful presence” means the government counts time in the U.S.

Immigration detention is a complex and stressful process, especially since federal law requires the government to hold certain individuals without the possibility of release. The mandatory detention statute is a federal immigration law that directs immigration authorities to detain specific noncitizens during removal (deportation) proceedings without the option to be released on bond while the