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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Nov 21, 2025

By Kriezelman Burton and Associates

How to Maintain Dual Citizenship

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Holding citizenship in more than one country offers a world of opportunities, but it also comes with a unique set of responsibilities. As trusted professionals in U.S. immigration and nationality law, Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, advises clients on the nuances of dual citizenship. Understanding how to maintain this status is crucial.

Key considerations for maintaining dual citizenship include:

Understanding the laws of both countries regarding dual nationality.
Fulfilling all legal obligations, such as taxes and military service, for each country.
Using the correct passport for travel.
Staying informed about any changes in nationality laws.

What is Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality or multiple citizenship, is the status of being a citizen of two countries at the same time. This can be acquired through various means, such as birth, marriage, or naturalization.

Maintaining dual citizenship requires careful attention to legal obligations and potential changes in nationality laws. Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to loss of one’s second citizenship or even legal consequences.

What are the benefits of dual citizenship?

Clients often ask about the advantages of holding two citizenships. The benefits can be significant and impact various aspects of your life. Dual citizenship allows you to live, work, and study in two different countries without needing a visa. You gain the right to vote and participate in the political life of both nations. Perhaps most importantly, it provides you with two passports, which can offer greater freedom of travel and enhanced security when you are abroad. This status can also open doors to business opportunities and property ownership in both countries, providing a level of flexibility that is highly valuable.

How can I avoid losing my original citizenship?

A common concern is whether becoming a U.S. citizen will jeopardize one’s original nationality. The United States generally permits dual citizenship. However, the critical factor is the law of your country of origin. Some countries do not recognize dual nationality and will automatically revoke your citizenship if you naturalize elsewhere.

To avoid unintended loss of citizenship, it is essential to:

Research Your Home Country’s Laws: Before beginning the U.S. naturalization process, you must verify your home country’s stance on dual citizenship. Contact its embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.
Avoid Actions That Forfeit Citizenship: The U.S. can revoke citizenship under specific circumstances, such as committing treason or serving in the armed forces of a hostile foreign state. Similarly, your other country of citizenship will have its own rules. Be aware of these actions and avoid them.
Fulfill All Obligations: To maintain your standing as a citizen in both countries, you must adhere to all legal duties. This often includes filing taxes, even if you reside outside the country, and complying with any military service requirements.

Maintaining dual citizenship requires careful planning and a clear understanding of two different sets of laws. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, we provide our clients with the professional guidance needed to make informed decisions about their citizenship status. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals while protecting your legal rights.

If you have questions about U.S. naturalization or maintaining dual citizenship, contact our office for trusted legal support.

Lo que dicen nuestras clientas

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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.

I am grateful for the guidance and support we received from Kriezelman Burton & Associates. Attorney Andrea was AMAZING, always helpful, responsive, and kept us updated with every new development(even at late hours). We first reached out to her when someone close to us was detained by ICE while working construction inside a friend’s house. Andrea immediately stressed the importance of filing a habeas corpus petition as soon as possible,…

Kristina T.

We are incredibly grateful for the guidance and support we received from Kriezelman Burton & Associates during our family’s Green Card petition process. We had a very complicated case that several other lawyers could not take on, but that was not the case with Kriezelman Burton & Associates. From the beginning, our Attorney Mr. Kevin Raica made us feel heard, supported, and confident that our case was in good hands.…

Joe B.

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How to Maintain Dual Citizenship

Looking for A Specific Post? Search Below

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What is Dual Citizenship?

What are the benefits of dual citizenship?

How can I avoid losing my original citizenship?