Sam Nelson
@immlaw.bsky.social
Author of "Immigration Law Explained" https://samsramblingss.substack.com/
Pinned
Catch-22 x5
Many paths to legal status, all foreclosed.
samsramblingss.substack.com
My latest post is out -- the sad, unjust story of Philip Myers. Free on Substack.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/catch-22-x5
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/catch-22-x5
Reposted by Sam Nelson
NEW: I spent a week in Connecticut’s only immigration court, where thousands of people each year learn if they can stay in the United States.
The court doesn’t allow photography, so I took an illustrator.
My latest for @ctinsider.bsky.social —
www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
The court doesn’t allow photography, so I took an illustrator.
My latest for @ctinsider.bsky.social —
www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
A week inside the opaque court where CT immigrants learn their fate
The courtroom often resembles an assembly line, with many cases taking less than five minutes.
www.ctinsider.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:27 PM
NEW: I spent a week in Connecticut’s only immigration court, where thousands of people each year learn if they can stay in the United States.
The court doesn’t allow photography, so I took an illustrator.
My latest for @ctinsider.bsky.social —
www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
The court doesn’t allow photography, so I took an illustrator.
My latest for @ctinsider.bsky.social —
www.ctinsider.com/news/article... #nutmegsky
Reposted by Sam Nelson
“Why, then, would Congress have thought it necessary to specifically add a provision making those noncitizens subject to mandatory detention if they are charged with certain crimes?” wrote Liman, a Trump appointee in the Southern District of New York. “The government has no answer.”
NEW: Judges around the country are citing an unexpected source to free ICE detainees:
The Laken Riley Act
They're finding ICE's mass detention agenda is SO broad it could actually "nullify" the controversial law.
cc @courthousenews.bsky.social
The Laken Riley Act
They're finding ICE's mass detention agenda is SO broad it could actually "nullify" the controversial law.
cc @courthousenews.bsky.social
How the Laken Riley Act is working against ICE to free some noncitizens
Judges around the country are citing the GOP-backed immigration law, designed to detain more noncitizens, to free them instead.
www.courthousenews.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:05 AM
“Why, then, would Congress have thought it necessary to specifically add a provision making those noncitizens subject to mandatory detention if they are charged with certain crimes?” wrote Liman, a Trump appointee in the Southern District of New York. “The government has no answer.”
Reposted by Sam Nelson
apnews.com/article/trum... tosses DOJ lawsuit challenging a New York law barring immigration agents from state courts
Judge tosses DOJ lawsuit challenging a New York law barring immigration agents from state courts
A judge has dismissed a Trump administration lawsuit challenging New York's policies that block immigration officials from making arrests at state courthouses. U.S.
apnews.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:30 AM
apnews.com/article/trum... tosses DOJ lawsuit challenging a New York law barring immigration agents from state courts
Reposted by Sam Nelson
Asylum grant rates were lowering w/ Biden, but now cut in 1/2 with Trump. TRAC receives data from the Exec Office of Immigration Review each year. Full report: tracreports.org/reports/766/ To understand how the system can be manipulated, see our NSF funded research ungated here: tinyurl.com/y9rhuz4b
November 19, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Asylum grant rates were lowering w/ Biden, but now cut in 1/2 with Trump. TRAC receives data from the Exec Office of Immigration Review each year. Full report: tracreports.org/reports/766/ To understand how the system can be manipulated, see our NSF funded research ungated here: tinyurl.com/y9rhuz4b
Reposted by Sam Nelson
A Border Patrol agent who took $20k per load to wave cartel vehicles through an Arizona checkpoint will now serve 6.5 years in federal prison. Undercover agents caught him ignoring suspicious cars.
Read more: myfox8.com/news/border-...
Read more: myfox8.com/news/border-...
Ex-Border Patrol agent who took cartel bribes is going to prison
A former Border Patrol agent will spend 78 months in prison for taking bribes from drug traffickers.
myfox8.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:09 AM
A Border Patrol agent who took $20k per load to wave cartel vehicles through an Arizona checkpoint will now serve 6.5 years in federal prison. Undercover agents caught him ignoring suspicious cars.
Read more: myfox8.com/news/border-...
Read more: myfox8.com/news/border-...
Reposted by Sam Nelson
“There are just no guarantees, especially with how law enforcement is intertwined in enforcing immigration law.”
ICE Crackdown Heightens Barriers for Immigrant Domestic Violence Victims - KFF Health News
Immigrant victims of domestic violence have long encountered hurdles when seeking help from police and courts. The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has made victims without legal status ev...
kffhealthnews.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:30 PM
“There are just no guarantees, especially with how law enforcement is intertwined in enforcing immigration law.”
Reposted by Sam Nelson
For further context to understand the inevitable impact of this policy change, you should know that USCIS only permits people to apply for work permit renewals 6 months before they expire — yet the average processing time for some types of work permits is higher than 6 months!
October 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
For further context to understand the inevitable impact of this policy change, you should know that USCIS only permits people to apply for work permit renewals 6 months before they expire — yet the average processing time for some types of work permits is higher than 6 months!
Really interesting article: "The Lozada rule is a chimera of justice, a means not to cure attorneys’ mistakes but to weaponize attorneys against their clients and separate
lawyers from a population who critically need representation"
Not sure I'm convinced, but a fascinating take.
lawyers from a population who critically need representation"
Not sure I'm convinced, but a fascinating take.
What's The Matter With Lozada: How The Board Of Immigration Appeals Coerces Immigration Lawyers To Breach Legal Ethics papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
What's The Matter With Lozada: How The Board Of Immigration Appeals Coerces Immigration Lawyers To Breach Legal Ethics
In general, if an attorney makes a mistake, they can cure it by notifying the forum and filing the appropriate remedy. Immigration law, by contrast, stands alon
papers.ssrn.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Really interesting article: "The Lozada rule is a chimera of justice, a means not to cure attorneys’ mistakes but to weaponize attorneys against their clients and separate
lawyers from a population who critically need representation"
Not sure I'm convinced, but a fascinating take.
lawyers from a population who critically need representation"
Not sure I'm convinced, but a fascinating take.
Matter of A-C-M- has been overruled, at least in the Fourth Circuit:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/where-do-t...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/where-do-t...
November 18, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Matter of A-C-M- has been overruled, at least in the Fourth Circuit:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/where-do-t...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/where-do-t...
The 10-year visa scam -- let's all be careful out there. Here's a good explanation.
An example of the "10-year visa" scam
I happened across a case today that I wanted to share as a perfect example of the "ten-year visa" scam.
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:20 PM
The 10-year visa scam -- let's all be careful out there. Here's a good explanation.
Reposted by Sam Nelson
When DHS dared to call its anti-immigrant racial profiling weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” I knew I was going to have to write about it.
Tonight, at Law Dork, here it is: www.lawdork.com/p/gregory-bo...
Tonight, at Law Dork, here it is: www.lawdork.com/p/gregory-bo...
November 17, 2025 at 12:41 AM
When DHS dared to call its anti-immigrant racial profiling weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” I knew I was going to have to write about it.
Tonight, at Law Dork, here it is: www.lawdork.com/p/gregory-bo...
Tonight, at Law Dork, here it is: www.lawdork.com/p/gregory-bo...
Celery: the dimensional lumber of vegetables.
November 16, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Celery: the dimensional lumber of vegetables.
Reposted by Sam Nelson
Gary Malphrus strikes again: the Board of Immigration Appeals rules that immigration judges should generally NOT grant administrative closure to children who are eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, simply because the backlogs are lengthy and it might take 4-5 years to get the visa.
November 14, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Gary Malphrus strikes again: the Board of Immigration Appeals rules that immigration judges should generally NOT grant administrative closure to children who are eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, simply because the backlogs are lengthy and it might take 4-5 years to get the visa.
A fortnight and a day -- what does it really take to write a compelling asylum claim, and how long should it take to write it?
A Fortnight and a Day
How long would it take you to write your life story?
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:03 PM
A fortnight and a day -- what does it really take to write a compelling asylum claim, and how long should it take to write it?
Reposted by Sam Nelson
Honestly these bloody migrants - makes my blood boil the way they gave me my flu jab, delicately, no pain at all and with a thorough explanation of the possible side effects beforehand. I tell you: they come over here, helping prevent avoidable deaths...
November 15, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Honestly these bloody migrants - makes my blood boil the way they gave me my flu jab, delicately, no pain at all and with a thorough explanation of the possible side effects beforehand. I tell you: they come over here, helping prevent avoidable deaths...
I monitor the federal courts for immigration-related decisions. Six months ago, it was almost all Circuit Court rulings on things like asylum. But recently it's over 50% District Court habeas petitions -- mostly granted.
Keep it up!
Keep it up!
November 15, 2025 at 3:19 PM
I monitor the federal courts for immigration-related decisions. Six months ago, it was almost all Circuit Court rulings on things like asylum. But recently it's over 50% District Court habeas petitions -- mostly granted.
Keep it up!
Keep it up!
The nexus requirement in asylum law -- "subordinate" motives can still be "central".
Why did the Bolsheviks kill St. Nick?
Two Circuits reaffirm that subordinate motivations may be central
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:39 PM
The nexus requirement in asylum law -- "subordinate" motives can still be "central".
Reposted by Sam Nelson
Discretion in immigration proceedings is fundamentally incompatible with due process. Meet every requirement Congress set, but get denied because of the arbitrary animus of the executive, making an inherently legislative determination on what requirements exist.
p.s.: Asylum is also discretionary.
p.s.: Asylum is also discretionary.
The Trump admin is planning to say that being from Cuba (or any other travel ban country) is a "significant negative factor" that could lead to a denial of any of several discretionary immigration benefits (like green cards).
Seriously; national origin discrimination as official government policy.
Seriously; national origin discrimination as official government policy.
November 14, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Discretion in immigration proceedings is fundamentally incompatible with due process. Meet every requirement Congress set, but get denied because of the arbitrary animus of the executive, making an inherently legislative determination on what requirements exist.
p.s.: Asylum is also discretionary.
p.s.: Asylum is also discretionary.
Reposted by Sam Nelson
You can sign up to be a court observer in immigration proceedings through Witness 4 Justice, a program of @acaciajustice.bsky.social.
Anyone can bear witness.
Be present for those who are being snatched from their lives, families, and our communities.
Reach out to [email protected]
Anyone can bear witness.
Be present for those who are being snatched from their lives, families, and our communities.
Reach out to [email protected]
October 26, 2025 at 7:20 PM
You can sign up to be a court observer in immigration proceedings through Witness 4 Justice, a program of @acaciajustice.bsky.social.
Anyone can bear witness.
Be present for those who are being snatched from their lives, families, and our communities.
Reach out to [email protected]
Anyone can bear witness.
Be present for those who are being snatched from their lives, families, and our communities.
Reach out to [email protected]
Reposted by Sam Nelson
Applicants for any immigration benefit would be required to submit biometric data under a DHS proposal released Friday, regardless of age or benefit sought.
Data collected could include facial imagery, finger prints, ocular imagery, and DNA.
Data collected could include facial imagery, finger prints, ocular imagery, and DNA.
US Plan Requires Biometrics From All Immigration Benefit Seekers
The Department of Homeland Security plans to require applicants for any immigration benefit to submit biometric information that could include DNA, facial imagery, and voice prints.
news.bloomberglaw.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Applicants for any immigration benefit would be required to submit biometric data under a DHS proposal released Friday, regardless of age or benefit sought.
Data collected could include facial imagery, finger prints, ocular imagery, and DNA.
Data collected could include facial imagery, finger prints, ocular imagery, and DNA.
Reposted by Sam Nelson
Fourth Circuit publishes an opinion to make a point that otherwise would go unseen.
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/...
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/...
November 13, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Fourth Circuit publishes an opinion to make a point that otherwise would go unseen.
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/...
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/...
My latest post is out -- the sad, unjust story of Philip Myers. Free on Substack.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/catch-22-x5
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/catch-22-x5
Catch-22 x5
Many paths to legal status, all foreclosed.
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:50 PM
My latest post is out -- the sad, unjust story of Philip Myers. Free on Substack.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/catch-22-x5
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/catch-22-x5
Reposted by Sam Nelson
It would mean a lot to me personally if you would participate in this boycott. A few posts down is a link where you can register to receive updates such as when the consumer boycott is over.
As of this morning, Starbucks workers across the country are officially ON STRIKE. And we're prepared for this to become the biggest and longest ULP strike in Starbucks history.
Say #NoContractNoCoffee with us: DON'T BUY STARBUCKS for the duration of our open-ended ULP strike! $SBUX
Say #NoContractNoCoffee with us: DON'T BUY STARBUCKS for the duration of our open-ended ULP strike! $SBUX
November 13, 2025 at 12:58 PM
It would mean a lot to me personally if you would participate in this boycott. A few posts down is a link where you can register to receive updates such as when the consumer boycott is over.
Reposted by Sam Nelson
Green card holders have certain rights protected under the U.S. Constitution.
If you're a green card holder, make sure you know your rights and the risks you may face under the current Trump administration.
Learn more: www.nilc.org/resources/gr...
If you're a green card holder, make sure you know your rights and the risks you may face under the current Trump administration.
Learn more: www.nilc.org/resources/gr...
November 6, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Green card holders have certain rights protected under the U.S. Constitution.
If you're a green card holder, make sure you know your rights and the risks you may face under the current Trump administration.
Learn more: www.nilc.org/resources/gr...
If you're a green card holder, make sure you know your rights and the risks you may face under the current Trump administration.
Learn more: www.nilc.org/resources/gr...
Reposted by Sam Nelson
BREAKING: JACKIE MERLOS IS FREE!
After four months in immigration detention, ICE finally released Jackie on Monday night. Here is the moment she reunited with her children. ❤️
After four months in immigration detention, ICE finally released Jackie on Monday night. Here is the moment she reunited with her children. ❤️
October 28, 2025 at 7:53 PM
BREAKING: JACKIE MERLOS IS FREE!
After four months in immigration detention, ICE finally released Jackie on Monday night. Here is the moment she reunited with her children. ❤️
After four months in immigration detention, ICE finally released Jackie on Monday night. Here is the moment she reunited with her children. ❤️