News & Updates

More Health Care Sooner for Veterans Exposed to Toxins

The Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (“PACT”) Act Act of 2021 (“PACT Act”), became law on August 10, 2022, and provides eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care to Veterans.  Effective March 5, 2024, Veterans in three recently-created cohorts are eligible to enroll in VA health care on an expedited

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USCIS to Increase Filing Fees on April Fools Day!

Two days ago, on January 30th, USCIS announced an increase of up to 26% for certain filing fees, especially those associated with family-based immigration benefit applications (e.g., I-130, I-485, I-751, etc.).  The fees will be applied to certain forms that are postmarked on or after April 1, 2024. For instance, the filing fee for a

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Advance Directives: Plan for the Unexpected

By Marc Smith, J.D. You, a close friend, or a family member may have experienced or may know someone who has experienced a loved one unable to make end-of-life decisions for him or herself.  In most cases, the parents, spouse, children, or siblings must make those health care decisions instead all the while wondering if

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Estate Planning

Spendthrift Clause: Benefitting You and your Family!

By Marc A. Smith, J.D. Spendthrift Clause – What is it? First, let us explain what a trust is. A trust is a legal contract drafted by an attorney to specify the duties of a named trustee, who will ensure that your assets are managed according to your wishes both during and after your lifetime.

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Family-Based Immigration

Marriage Fraud Hurts All Immigrants

Recently, a JBER Soldier and his foreign national wife were found by the DOJ to have engaged in a fraudulent marriage scheme that involved applying and obtaining dependent and immigration benefits from the federal government.  The couple fabricated evidence to show they were in a real marriage and misrepresented their relationship in forms submitted to

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Ask USCIS

Don’t be afraid to ask . . . USCIS to expedite your immigration case!

In the past six months, we’ve been successful getting our clients’ cases moved ahead of the pack by asking USCIS for expedited processing and providing strong evidence to support the agency’s approval of this discretionary action. Many immigration lawyers in Alaska and the Lower 48 discourage clients from seeking “expedited adjudication” of their cases arguing that it’s a waste of time because it’s never granted. But, you have nothing to lose by asking! 

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