November NIPNLG Removal Defense Webinar: Responding to Smuggling Allegations

November NIPNLG Removal Defense Webinar: Responding to Smuggling Allegations

Thursday, November 21, 2024  1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (ET) / 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (PT)

90 minutes of instruction (1.50 CLE credits)

Zoom Webinar

Program Description

In recent months, practitioners have reported an increasing number of allegations from USCIS in the context of Temporary Protected Status applications that the applicant has engaged in smuggling of other noncitizens. Smuggling findings raise a variety of concerns for noncitizens. A smuggling finding can render a noncitizen removable from the United States and, in some cases, ineligible for immigration benefits. While it is possible to waive smuggling inadmissibility for some immigration benefits, including TPS, waivers for different benefits have different standards and some of these standards are strict. Noncitizens may thus be barred from immigration benefits because a waiver for smuggling does not exist or they do not qualify for a waiver. It is therefore crucial for practitioners to avoid erroneous smuggling findings and, if a smuggling allegation arises, to assess possible rebuttals, if the facts offer this opportunity. 

During this webinar, the faculty will discuss:

• Recent USCIS adjudication trends in the Temporary Protected Status context that prompt smuggling concerns 

• The definition of smuggling under immigration law and how smuggling inadmissibility allegations commonly arise in the context of immigration benefits adjudications

• How smuggling impacts eligibility for immigration benefits 

• The relief-specific inadmissibility waivers that cover smuggling

• Tips for gathering relevant facts and assessing whether there is a potential smuggling issue in light of those facts

• Tips for responding to the smuggling question on the TPS application, responding to a smuggling-related Request for Evidence, Notice of Intent to Deny, or Notice of Intent to Withdraw, and filing a request for a waiver of smuggling inadmissibility for a TPS applicant

Faculty

• Michelle N. Mendez, Director of Legal Resources and Training, NIPNLG
• Rebecca Scholtz, Senior Staff Attorney, NIPNLG
• Hasan Shafiqullah, Consultant, Immigration Law Unit, The Legal Aid Society

CLE Credits 

The Washington State Bar and the State Bar of Texas approved this CLE for 1.50 CLE credits.  

Uniform Certificates of Attendance will be available for attorneys to request CLE credits in other states. NIPNLG is also prepared to provide proof of registration/attendance upon request.

Registration Fees 

• $75.00  -  General Admission
• $40.00  -  NIPNLG Member
• $20.00  -  Student

CLE Sponsored by 

National Immigration Project

Questions? 

Please send inquiries about the CLE to events@nipnlg.org