Arizona Immigration Law Blog
From E-2 to EB-2 NIW: Building Your Case Without a PhD
On Behalf of Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC. Sep 22, 2025 | Immigration
Some entrepreneurs start with an E-2 visa to run a business in the U.S. but eventually want permanent residency. For those without an employer sponsor or without a PhD, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) offers a path forward. The NIW option lets founders self-petition for a green card by showing their work has national […]
READ MOREToo Long, Didn’t Process: Using Mandamus Lawsuits When Your Visa Application Is Stuck in Limbo
On Behalf of Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC. Aug 25, 2025 | Immigration
Immigration cases can take months, even years. But sometimes, the delay goes far beyond the normal processing window, leaving you with no updates and no clear next step. If your visa or green card application has been sitting untouched, a legal tool called a writ of mandamus may help move things forward. This court action […]
READ MORELaid Off on a Work Visa: Emergency Strategies for H-1B Holders and Other Visas After Job Loss
On Behalf of Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC. Jul 23, 2025 | Immigration
Losing a job is stressful enough, but for foreign professionals in Arizona on work visas, it can feel like everything is at risk. Your immigration status is directly tied to your employment, and a sudden layoff brings tough decisions. What Is Your Grace Period? If you are on an H-1B or O-1 visa, you have […]
READ MOREWhen USCIS Suspects Marriage Fraud: Handling Stokes Interviews and Proving Your Marriage Is Real
On Behalf of Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC. Jun 20, 2025 | Immigration
USCIS conducts a Stokes interview when it suspects that a marriage-based green card application may not be legitimate. This second interview happens only if there are concerns following the first meeting or if your documents raise red flags. It is part of a process created after the Stokes v. INS case to give applicants a […]
READ MORECriminal Convictions and Deportation: How to Leverage Post-Conviction Relief and Hardship Waivers
On Behalf of Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC. May 27, 2025 | Immigration
In Arizona, a single criminal conviction can do more than bring fines or jail time. It can also lead to deportation, especially for noncitizens. Even old convictions or minor offenses may trigger removal proceedings or block your chance to become a lawful permanent resident. Post-conviction relief and hardship waivers can offer a second chance for […]
READ MOREBorder Security Tech Workers: TN Visa Challenges for Cybersecurity Professionals
On Behalf of Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC. Apr 21, 2025 | Immigration
Cybersecurity jobs are growing fast across Arizona and the Southwest, especially near the border, where secure infrastructure is critical. However, for Canadian and Mexican tech professionals applying for TN visas, getting past Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is often harder than expected. That’s because “cybersecurity” isn’t clearly listed under the TN visa job categories. This […]
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