If you are wondering how long it takes to get a green card, the honest answer is that it depends on your specific situation, and in 2026, the range is wider than it has been in years. Whether you are applying through a spouse, a family member, an employer, or a humanitarian program, the timeline is shaped by your category, the agency processing your case, your country of birth, and a significant policy shift that took effect in May 2026. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand where your case fits within these timelines, and a green card lawyer who knows the current processing...

If you are applying for a green card and have a criminal record, you are right to be concerned. Whether a criminal record affects green card approval is one of the most common questions in immigration law, and the answer depends on the type of offense, the immigration benefit you are seeking, and how the issue is presented to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand exactly where you stand, and a green card lawyer who understands how criminal and immigration law overlap can make the difference between a denial and an approval.  If...

With the 2026 midterm elections underway and voter registration drives running across Massachusetts, green card holders are understandably asking whether they can participate. The short answer is that the question “can green card holders vote locally” carries far more risk than most people realize.  Under federal law, lawful permanent residents cannot vote in any federal or state election, and in Massachusetts, there is currently no local exception either. If you have a green card and are unsure about your rights or worried that you may have already registered or voted by mistake, talk to an...

If you are exploring how to get a green card in the USA without marriage, you are not alone, and you have more options than you may realize. Thousands of people become lawful permanent residents every year through employment, family relationships that have nothing to do with a spouse, humanitarian protections, and other specialized categories. The right path depends on your background, your circumstances, and how your case is presented.  For instance, if you have overstayed a visa or are present in the United States without lawful status, your options are more limited than they are for someone...

If you or your spouse have a green card interview coming up, the reports about ICE detaining people during their green card interviews are real, and the fear you may be feeling is completely understandable. Before you skip your appointment or try to navigate this alone, call Brooks Law Firm at (617) 245-8090 for a free consultation. An experienced immigration lawyer can review your case beforehand and help you understand whether you may be at risk, so you walk into that interview prepared, not blindsided. Since November 2025, immigration attorneys across the country have confirmed what once...

If you’re a permanent resident in the US, green card holder ICE detention is a risk you need to understand. Lawful permanent residents as well as noncitizens without status and even people applying for status are being detained at airports, during routine check-ins, at courthouses, and during community operations. Whether you are worried about a past conviction, an upcoming trip abroad, or a pending application, speaking with an experienced green card lawyer now is the best way to understand your risk and protect your status. The enforcement shift that began in 2025 has been significant. ICE...