New York Legal Blog

How do women fare in family law matters like divorce?

On behalf of Palacios Law Group posted in family law on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

One of the biggest issues women worry about after divorce is their finances. This is a valid concern that can make it difficult for some women in New York to pursue divorce, even when it is otherwise the best option for their situation. However, no one should put off ending an unhappy marriage because of financial worries. Here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with this sensitive family law matter.

While there are always exceptions to the rule, women generally earn less than men. During 2018's fourth quarter, men employed full-time or on salary earned an average of $991 per week. Women in the same situation earned only $796. As such, women tend to see a far greater reduction in household income than men do. Debt is another complicating factor when it comes to post-divorce finances.

How can I stop a deportation under immigration law?

On behalf of Palacios Law Group posted in immigration on Thursday, April 11, 2019.

Immigrants in New York who are facing deportation may be feeling overwhelming confusion and sadness about their futures. Many of these individuals wish to stay in the United States but are unaware of their options for doing so. Here are just a few ways that immigration law addresses avoiding removal.

In some cases, qualifying lawful permanent residents or nonpermanent residents can apply for a cancellation of removal. An application for a cancellation of removal must be made during a hearing in front of an immigration judge. It is then up to the judge's discretion to adjust the applicant's status from being listed as deportable to lawfully admitted.

Gang involvement need not be proven to affect immigration

On behalf of Palacios Law Group posted in immigration on Friday, March 15, 2019.

Many people who are living in America but are not yet citizens would likely agree that immigration is a complex matter. Your process of getting into the United States may have been long and complicated. And now that you reside in the States, you probably will do everything within your power to remain.

However, many noncitizen New Yorkers face trouble with immigration authorities. This might include being accused of gang membership. Especially for those seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), such allegations could significantly alter the course of kids' lives.

Multitasking drivers at risk of causing personal injury accidents

On behalf of Palacios Law Group posted in personal injury on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

New York drivers tend to be in a hurry. With a lot of things to accomplish in a short amount of time, many of these people are multitasking most of the day, even when they are behind the wheel. Unfortunately, it is not possible to safely multitask and drive, and distracted drivers place everyone on the road at an elevated risk of suffering injuries in a personal injury accident.

Distracted driving is often associated with cellphone use, including talking or texting. However, there are many things that can distract a person while he or she is behind the wheel, including eating, talking to a passenger, trying to reach something or even adjusting the radio. Any behavior besides giving full attention to the road is not necessary.

21 Savage dealing with immigration issues

On behalf of Palacios Law Group posted in immigration on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.

Music fans in New York are probably familiar with rapper 21 Savage for his popular music. However, recent headlines featuring the rapper have addressed a very different topic -- immigration. The musician was recently taken into custody by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials, who claimed he did not have the correct legal documents to be in the country. The rapper recently posted bond.

Born in the United Kingdom, 21 Savage -- real name She'yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph -- was brought to the United States when he was only 7 years old. Although he and his family originally traveled here legally, the rapper's H-4 visa expired only a short while later. Like millions of other children, he was left without any type of immigration status through no fault of his own. He has since filed for a U Visa, which is available to victims of certain crimes. His application is still pending.

Requisitos y proceso para obtener la ciudadanía

By Palacios Law Group posted in immigration on Friday, February 22, 2019.

Sin lugar a dudas, Nueva York es una de las ciudades más pobladas de Estados Unidos. Hasta el año 2017 y según las previsiones de crecimiento poblacional que se han realizado desde el último censo (2010) la población sería un total de 8.55 millones de habitantes, de los cuales 4.5 millones serían inmigrantes.

Los principales países de origen de los inmigrantes que viven en Nueva York son República Dominicana con un 11.2 por ciento, China con un 8.7 por ciento, Jamaica con un 5.2 por ciento, México con un 5.2 por ciento y Ecuador con 4.2 por ciento.

Thousands show up for fake immigration court dates

On behalf of Palacios Law Group posted in immigration on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

New York immigrants face dozens of worries on a daily basis. These worries are often compounded by what might feel like constant changes to immigration law and policy. However, these individuals generally try their very best to comply with orders and requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Unfortunately, ICE does not always have the best interests of immigrants at heart.

In Jan. 2019, thousands of immigrants across the United States showed up for court hearings. These individuals had all received Notices to Appear -- NTAs -- from ICE officials with the exact same court date. After many people traveled hours from their homes, they were given upsetting news -- the court dates were all fake.

Fake university set up to catch immigration fraud

On behalf of Palacios Law Group on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

Many immigrants to the United States find that one of the most exciting opportunities they can have is to receive an education from specialty school or university. A completed degree can create a path to longtime employment and even a life of personal fulfillment.

Many international students looking to learn a trade can study in American universities on F-1 Visas once they are accepted into a school. To keep this status however, the student needs to stay enrolled full-time and the school must be legitimate. However, recently at the University of Farmington in the state of Michigan, neither of these requirements were being followed. The university had been set up as a sting operation to apprehend students who were using the fake University as a means of staying in the country.

Real estate: Can I change the zoning for my property?

On behalf of Palacios Law Group posted in real estate on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

Owning property is an exciting experience, and many landowners have lofty goals for their future land use. Unfortunately, zoning laws tend to get in the way of some of the best plans. Although it may feel impossible to get around these types of real estate restrictions, many people in New York are pleased to discover they have options for moving forward with their plans.

Governments regulate how certain lands can be used through zoning. Zoning certainly has its benefits and is widely touted as being an essential aspect of orderly growth that ultimately serves the interests of the public. Zones often focus on advancing the health, safety and general welfare of the community. However, the broad application of zoning laws does not always take into account the various nuances that go into growth, and owners whose plans coincide with the well-being of the community might find that they are blocked from moving forward.

Wait times for immigration hearings growing longer by the day

On behalf of Palacios Law Group posted in immigration on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

Perhaps one of the most frustrating things to deal with is simply waiting for more information about something important. Those hoping to immigrate to New York might be facing a whole new round of frustrations as the waiting time for immigration hearings reaches a historic high. Although there are many different factors at play, here are a few issues contributing to this growing backlog.

Over the past several years, many immigration courts have not received adequate funding. This translates into a lack of resources that make it difficult to carry out all of the necessary processes of an otherwise functioning government office. In 2018, the number of backlogged cases hit one million.