What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status is the process used by certain people already in the United States to apply for a green card without having to leave the country. It allows an applicant to move from a temporary nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent resident status inside the U.S., instead of completing the process through a U.S. consulate abroad, which is known as consular processing.

EWI stands for “Entry Without Inspection.” It describes entering the United States without going through an official port of entry or being inspected by an immigration officer. Even if a person later encounters or is processed by border officers, the original entry is still considered EWI. This is a specific legal concept and is not the same as simply saying someone entered the country “illegally.”

What is Consular Processing?

Consular processing is the procedure used when a person applies for U.S. permanent residency through a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States. A qualifying family member or employer files a petition, and once it is approved and a visa is available, the applicant completes the immigrant visa process at the consulate in their home country. After entering the United States on that immigrant visa, the person becomes a lawful permanent resident.

Why Do I Have to Consular Process?

Some applicants must complete their green card process outside the United States because of how they entered the country or their immigration status at the time they apply. People who entered without inspection and certain individuals who are out of status on the filing date are often required to leave the U.S. and apply at a consulate in their home country. There are limited exceptions, such as qualifying for relief under section 245(i), that may allow processing inside the United States.

What is the Ten-Year Bar?

The ten-year bar applies to individuals who accrue more than one year of unlawful presence in the United States and then depart. Once they leave, they become inadmissible and are generally barred from returning for ten years. In some cases, a waiver may be available. If the applicant can show that a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent would suffer extreme hardship if they had to remain outside the country, they may qualify for a waiver such as Form I-601 or I-601A.

What are PERM Applications?

PERM is the employment-based labor certification process that many U.S. employers must complete before sponsoring a foreign national for permanent residence. The employer first obtains a prevailing wage determination from the Department of Labor and then conducts specific recruitment steps to see if there are qualified U.S. workers available for the position. If no qualified U.S. workers are found and all requirements are met, the employer can file a PERM application. An approved PERM allows the employer to move forward with sponsoring the employee’s green card.

Habeas, short for Habeas Corpus, is a legal procedure used to challenge unlawful or excessively long detention by the government. In the immigration context, it is often used for people who have been detained for a long time, frequently after receiving a removal order, when the government has not carried out the deportation. Through a Habeas Corpus petition filed in federal court, a judge reviews whether there is legal justification for continued detention and can order the person’s release if the detention is found to be unreasonable.

What Are Removal Proceedings?

Removal proceedings are the formal court process in which the Department of Homeland Security seeks to deport someone it believes is in the United States in violation of immigration law. During these hearings, an immigration judge decides two main questions: whether the person is removable and, if so, whether they qualify for any form of relief that would allow them to stay in the United States. The judge hears evidence and arguments from both sides and issues the final decision.

What is a Master Calendar Hearing?

A master calendar hearing is the first hearing in most immigration removal cases. It is a preliminary hearing where the immigration judge handles scheduling and procedural issues, such as confirming the charges, taking pleadings, identifying any applications for relief, and setting future hearing dates. The judge may also make important decisions at this stage, including whether to schedule an individual merits hearing, deny certain applications, or in some cases order removal if appropriate.

What is Writ of Mandamus?

A writ of mandamus is a lawsuit filed in federal court asking a judge to order a government agency or official to perform a legal duty that has been unreasonably delayed. In immigration cases, it is often used when an application or petition has been pending for a long time without a decision. To succeed, the applicant must show that the agency has a clear duty to act, that the applicant has a right to a decision, and that the delay is not reasonable. If the court agrees, it can order the agency to make a decision on the case.

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Erin C. Cobb

Phone

312-332-2550

Email Address

ecobb@krilaw.com

200 W Adams St. Suite 2211
Chicago, IL 60606

1870 Winchester Rd. #148
Libertyville, IL 60048

707 Skokie Blvd. Suite 600
Northbrook, IL 60062

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Biography

Erin Cobb is a member of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, where she practices immigration law exclusively. She focuses her practice on asylum, family-based immigration, complex naturalization, removal defense, appeals, and federal court litigation. She was previously Chair of the Chicago Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, a professional immigration bar association of over 700 attorneys in the greater Chicagoland region, and served on the Executive Board for six years. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University College of Law, teaching Immigration and Nationality Law. Erin practices before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth and Seventh Circuits. She is a frequent speaker on immigration law at local, regional, and national events. She was previously an attorney with a major legal services organization in Chicago, Illinois, and continues to perform pro bono work through a number of community-based organizations.

Prior to her career as an immigration lawyer, Erin taught English as Second Language classes to immigrants and intending immigrants both in Chicago and abroad.

Speaking Engagements

Panel Discussion, Depaul University College of Law, Access to Justice Program, “Immigration Related Cases Now Pending before the Supreme Court”, 2024
Annual Conference, Discussion Leader, “Effective Writing Before the Agencies and the Court” 2024, Chicago, IL, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Midwest Regional Conference, Panelist, “Managing an Ever-Shifting Docket in Immigration Court,” 2023, Chicago, IL, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Guest Lecturer, DePaul University College of Law, “INA Section 204(l): Surviving Relatives of Deceased Petitioners or Principal Beneficiaries,” 2022, Chicago, IL
Panelist, “How to Respond when the Government Says NO,” 2018, Chicago, IL, Chicago Bar Association
Annual Conference, Panelist, “Removal 102: Procedures, Rights, Obligations, & Rules” 2017, New Orleans, LA, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Midwest Regional Conference, Discussion Leader, “Practice Skills in Immigration Court,” 2016, Chicago, Illinois, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Fall Family & Litigation Conference, Panelist, “Litigation Tools to Win the Case: Asylum & Beyond,” 2015, Chicago, Illinois American Immigration Lawyers Association
Guest Lecturer, DePaul University College of Law, Asylum & Immigration Clinic, “Consular Processing,” 2015
Fall Litigation Workshop, Panelist, “Getting Prepared for Trial,” 2013, Chicago, Illinois, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Spring Ethics Conference, Panelist, “Ethics in Removal Proceedings,” 2012, Chicago, Illinois, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Reframing Reform: Immigration As the Solution, Panelist, DePaul University College of Law, 2011, Chicago, Illinois
Annual Conference, Panelist, “Mexican Asylum Claims,” 2011, San Diego, California, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Immigration & Nationality Law Committee Seminar, Organizer, “Strategies for Representing Survivors of Domestic Violence and Crime Victims,” 2011, Chicago, Illinois Chicago Bar Association
Midwest Regional Conference, Panelist, “My Case Was Denied, Now What Do I Do?” 2011, Chicago, Illinois, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Midwest Regional Conference, Discussion Leader, “Ethical Issues in Immigration Practice,” 2009, Chicago, Illinois, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Midwest Regional Conference, Discussion Leader, “Litigation for the Business Immigration Practitioner,” 2008, Chicago, Illinois, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Awards

Top 50 Women Illinois Super Lawyers – 2020 & 2022
Super Lawyers – 2017 – 2025
Super Lawyers – Rising Stars – 2016
Leading Lawyer – 2020 – 2021

Top 50 Women lawyers badge for professional immigration lawyer in Chicago Loop.

Professional Associations

Board Member, New America College, Aurora CO, 2023 – present
Planning Committee, AILA Annual Conference, 2024, Chicago, IL
Online Course Review Committee, American Immigration Lawyers Association, 2021 – 2022
Planning Committee , AILA Fall Conference & Webcast, 2022, Maui, HI
Executive Board, Chicago Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, 2015 – 2021
Conference Chair, Midwest Regional Conference, 2019, Chicago, IL
Board of Governors, American Immigration Lawyers Association, 2019 – 2020
American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2007 – present
Co-Chair, ICE Office of Chief Counsel Liaison Committee, 2013 – 2015
Co-Chair, Asylum Office Liaison Committee, 2010-2011
Member, USCIS District Director Liaison Committee, 2010-2013
Member, Legal Services for Detainees Committee, 2010 – 2014
Member, Midwest Regional Conference Planning Committee, 2009-2010, 2014 – 2015
Chicago Bar Association, Member, 2010 – present
Co-Chair, Immigration & Nationality Law Committee, 2010-2011

Bar Admissions

State of Illinois
Northern District of Illinois
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Education

J.D., DePaul University College of Law, summa cum laude, 2006
B.A., University of Missouri, summa cum laude, 1999

Published Decisions

Karroumeh v. Lynch, 15-2198 (7th Cir. 2016)
Hamdan v. Mukasey, 528 F.3d 986 (7th Cir. 2008)
Rama v. Holder, 607 F. 3d 461 (7th Cir. 2010)
DIAZ GONZALEZ v. SWEARINGEN et al

What Our Clients Say

5-Star Rating | Based on 200+ Satisfied Customer Google Reviews

Outstanding Immigration Attorney – Worth Every Penny I cannot recommend Justin highly enough as an immigration attorney. My case was extremely difficult and complex, and from the very beginning, Justin demonstrated an exceptional level of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication. He took the time to fully understand every detail of my situation and explained the entire legal process clearly and honestly, which gave me confidence during a very stressful time. While…

Hoffman

I highly recommend this law firm! They are always honest right from the initial consultation. They don't take cases just for the money. My family member was a victim of an ICE raid in Michigan on November 17th and returned home on December 30th. It could have been faster, but everything happened during the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas). Maya Flores was recommended by another lawyer, and the entire team has…

Iris A.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your help and professionalism throughout my green card and citizenship process. Your guidance has made everything much easier to understand, and I truly appreciate how patient, thorough, and responsive you’ve been with every question I had. I’m very grateful for your support and the quality of your work. I would gladly recommend your services to anyone who needs…

Boyan S.

My experience with Kriezelman Burton & Associates was excellent. We worked with Jennifer Peyton, for removal proceedings due to being detained by ICE. Jennifer worked diligently and was responsive. Jennifer was supportive throughout the whole process and showed compassion. With the help of Jennifer and the help of the firm, we were able to get the removal proceedings stopped and received permanent residency. I am so thankful for Kriezelman Burton…

Sarah P.

The Best human being to have your back when you really need it!!! Mr Burton's professionalism and sharpness saved my family....!!!!!

Jordan K.

I cannot say enough amazing things about Kriezelman Burton & Associates and Attorney Jennifer Peyton. They are truly a godsend. Jennifer worked day and night on my brother’s case, and her dedication never wavered for a single moment. She consistently communicated with my sister-in-law and me, making sure we understood every step of the process and always keeping us informed. She built an incredibly structured and solid case for my…

Daniel P.

I recently had the privilege of working with Attorney Brittni Rivera of Kriezelman, Burton & Associates on a habeas corpus case. From the very beginning, she demonstrated exceptional knowledge, integrity, and attention to detail. She was consistently responsive—always just an email away—and made me feel supported through every step of the process. Her guidance brought clarity during a very difficult time, and I am truly grateful for her dedication and…

Angie S.

So many immigration firms in Chicago who do you choose? I can tell you with certainty this is the place to go for you and your loved ones. My wife came over across the border under the Biden years. Our application was sent in, in May and by November we got approved for her 485. This law firm handles many cases of all different kinds so they just know what…

Amit G.

My God, if I could give 10 stars, I would. My family and I are so grateful, first and foremost to God and to attorney Brittni Rivera, who helped us free my husband. He was detained by ICE in Chicago and transferred to Michigan. The process after hiring attorney Brittni Rivera took only 15 days, when I was given about a month. It was incredibly fast and effective.

Carmen H.

Our family is sincerely grateful to attorney Nicole M. Provax from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC for her professionalism, dedication, and support, as she guided us through every step with care and understanding. Thanks to her guidance, our case reached a positive outcome. We truly appreciate everything she has done for our family and highly recommend her and the firm.

Lesia B.

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