Immigration-related questions show up everywhere and in everyday life, often without warning. These moments spark urgent questions as time is of the essence in most cases.
When the stakes involve legal status, family, or deportation, clarity becomes non-negotiable. That’s why we track pressing questions from real people navigating the U.S. immigration system; people who don’t have time for guesswork.
This week, we’ve unpacked the top five immigration questions people asked online, offer straight answers, and help you better understand your rights, risks, and next steps.
#1. I’m filing an I-130 for my child, but he wasn’t issued an I-94 when he crossed by land. Should I use his expired I-94 from last year or leave that section blank since it doesn’t show in the system?
When filing an I-130 for your child who crossed by land and was not issued an I-94, do not provide an expired I-94 from last year. Instead, leave the I-94 number section blank if there is no valid, current I-94 available in the system.
The USCIS only wants the current and valid I-94 information; providing an expired one can create confusion or processing issues. If your child was paroled or otherwise legally admitted but did not receive an I-94, explain this in a cover letter with your application.
Always include all other relevant travel documents and proof of entry, if available, and check the official instructions for Form I-130 to ensure you meet updated requirements.
#2. My stepfather filed an IR2 petition before I turned 21, but the embassy recently reclassified it as F11 and told me not to attend my interview. Does this usually happen, and can it be fixed before or during the interview?
Petitions for stepchildren filed before age 21 and after the stepparent legally married the biological parent before age 18 should remain in the IR2 category under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
If the embassy changes IR2 to F11 and cancels your interview, it’s not just you; it happens to other people as well. The mistake sometimes comes from miscalculating CSPA age or misunderstanding eligibility.
This situation can sometimes be resolved before the interview by submitting evidence of timely filing and CSPA eligibility: screenshots, supporting documents, and USCIS guidelines.
If the issue persists, you may be able to raise it during the interview, but consulting an immigration attorney can help expedite correcting the visa classification before you attend.
#3. I received a green card through marriage after being paroled and getting an NTA, but my case later appeared in EOIR with a backdated docket. Should I file a motion to terminate now or wait and ask the judge at the hearing?
If you obtained a green card after being paroled and issued a Notice to Appear and later found your case on the EOIR docket with a backdated entry, it’s best to consult with an immigration attorney and consider filing a motion to terminate removal proceedings as soon as possible.
Motions can be presented in writing before your first court date or orally during the initial hearing. Early filing is generally advisable, especially if USCIS has already granted your lawful permanent resident status, as this may provide grounds for termination.
The judge has discretion and may require supporting documentation or schedule further hearings, so be prepared with records.
#4. If a green card holder has multiple domestic violence arrests and a restraining order but no convictions, can that still lead to deportation? And if they missed a USCIS request for records during naturalization, how serious is that?
Multiple arrests or restraining orders, especially without convictions, typically do not result in automatic deportation for a lawful permanent resident. However, a conviction for a domestic violence-related crime or violation of a protective order can make someone deportable under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Immigration authorities look at convictions rather than arrests, but patterns of repeated arrests can cause additional scrutiny or denial of future benefits, including citizenship.
Missing a USCIS request for records during the naturalization process should be remedied promptly; ignoring such requests can delay or trigger denial of your application, so respond or request more time as needed.
#5. My husband was naturalized in 2023, but was once arrested at the border as a minor asylum seeker from El Salvador. If citizenship laws change, would our marriage offer any extra protection for him, or not matter at all?
Once your husband has naturalized as a U.S. citizen, he generally cannot be stripped of citizenship solely based on prior minor arrests as a juvenile, especially for non-criminal immigration matters.
Changes to immigration law usually do not retroactively affect previously granted U.S. citizenship unless there was fraud or material misrepresentation in the original naturalization process.
Marriage to a citizen does not provide additional “protection” after naturalization, as he is now a full citizen in his own right. If laws were to be changed in the future, revocation of citizenship still requires grounds such as fraud, and would not be based solely on marital status.
Get Immigration Help Now
When immigration problems knock, you don’t want to be misinformed. Accurate legal advice can make all the difference, especially when your future in the U.S. is on the line. If you’re facing a tough decision, confusing notice, or just want peace of mind about your case, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Visit ImmigrationQuestion.com to ask licensed immigration attorneys your most pressing questions. You may even qualify for a free consultation. The answers you need might be one click away. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
