Crimmigration refers to the intersection of criminal law and immigration law. For non-citizens, criminal charges — even minor ones — can have serious immigration consequences including visa denial or revocation, inability to adjust status to permanent residence, deportation or removal proceedings, and permanent bars to reentry.

 At BB&C, our criminal attorney Kyle Cray and immigration attorney Elaine Griffin work together on these cases. Kyle focuses on minimizing or eliminating criminal charges, while Elaine addresses immigration consequences and protects your path to citizenship. This coordinated approach gives you the best chance at both a favorable criminal outcome and preserving your immigration status. 

A DUI or OWI charge can seriously impact your immigration status, but it doesn’t have to end your American dream. The consequences depend on your current status, whether you’re applying for a green card or citizenship, the severity of the charge, and whether there were aggravating factors like injury or controlled substances.

With proper legal representation that addresses both the criminal charge and immigration implications, you can minimize the impact. Our crimmigration team works to achieve criminal outcomes that protect your immigration goals. Don’t let one mistake derail your future — get experienced legal help immediately.

Yes, but with restrictions. F-1 students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the school year (full-time during breaks), participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for work integral to your degree, and apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing your degree.

Working without authorization violates your F-1 status and can result in status termination and future visa denials. Before accepting any job, consult with an immigration attorney to ensure you’re maintaining legal status.

The most common paths for students are employment-based immigration where an employer sponsors you for an H-1B visa, then later for a green card, or family-based immigration through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

The employment path typically takes years and requires finding an employer willing to sponsor you. The family-based path timeline varies based on the relationship and your country of origin. Both require careful timing and compliance with visa regulations throughout the process.

After obtaining your green card (lawful permanent residence), you typically must wait 5 years before applying for citizenship (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). 

Before you can apply, you must maintain continuous residence in the U.S., demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests, and meet all other naturalization requirements. Recent updates to naturalization guidelines affect how these requirements are interpreted.

Immigration applications have strict deadlines and precise requirements. Missing a deadline or filing incorrect paperwork can result in denial of your application, loss of legal status, accrual of unlawful presence (which triggers bars to reentry), and in some cases, removal proceedings.

If you’ve already missed a deadline or received a denial, contact an attorney immediately. Some situations can be corrected, but time is critical. Prevention is always better — having an attorney prepare your applications from the start ensures everything is done correctly the first time.

Technically, you can file immigration applications yourself — USCIS doesn’t require you to use an attorney. However, immigration law is complex and constantly changing. A single mistake can result in denial, loss of status, or permanent bars to immigration benefits.

An attorney ensures your applications are complete and accurate, advises you on the best immigration pathway for your situation, identifies potential problems before they become denials, and represents you if complications arise. The cost of fixing a denied application or lost status far exceeds the cost of doing it right the first time.