I still remember when I first started law school, the summer camp session. I was introduced the concept of which state is within which circuit court.
Back then I was completely new in a sense that I am learning English and studying law at the same time.
Also, the United States for me is kind of everywhere is the same and I did not know where I got that idea from.
It can be because the suburb, you still feel advance when you seriously have visited villages in China.
I also did not understand until today that why the state does not follow the other circuit court’s decision since all the decisions for me are explainable.
Now, it is such an interesting coincident that I attended law school during Trump No.1 era and I had my part-time law clerk job and started my own firm, Zhang & Ding Law Office.
For me, Trump administration gave me one impression, as long as the case is well done, no liability issue. The decision is up to the USCIS. In another word, I feel putting hard lawyering work, even the client is not very eligible beyond a reasonable doubt, I am still safe. In another word, not putting myself to jail.
It is also very interesting when I first moved back to the U.S. in 2021 and resumed my business immigration law practice while attending hearings.
Indeed, California was friendly. I won my 3 first Individual Hearings, one by one. It was Biden No.1 era.
Again, same concept, if I put hard work into business immigration law practice, as long as I do not intentionally misrepresent the factual information, I am safe.
During the Biden No.1 era, I learnt “PD”, “Motion to Reopen”, “Federal Appeal”, etc.
In 2024, with my pre-tax saving, I decided to move to DMV area, Virginia especially. It was because I feel if I am based in New York, even I take Texas cases, I might not able to know why “Circumvention Lawful Pathway” has been strictly implemented in Texas, during that time.
Indeed, I was shocked when in New York during that time I still believed that asking for “PD” is very insincere. It basically felt I did nothing and client’s future is not certain, until it became a benefit in Virginia.
I had Zero IH approval during that time and I realized indeed when in New York I wear Shirt + Tie is appropriate enough to attend Master Hearing, a VA judge asked me to wear my suit.
Also, one Virginia judge gave me a key to a new gate, asking for PD and then refile asylum for EWI clients. I do believe my practice style is very open. I seriously do not care if my client is a criminal or a prostitute. However, one thing I always do not do is to commercialize the trick which I do not believe can last long.
Think about it, today when the judge said it is ok. Tomorrow you apply the same strategy caused more human trafficking or more contracts which should not have been entered.
That cannot happen.
Now Trump era No.2, NO PD Offered.
It makes sense. Since the past few years, PD + Affirmative Asylum definitely gave USCIS a toll. I was kind of wondering, if Biden has his era No.2, whether everything will remain the same?
New rule: EWI clients cannot apply 601 or at least, I cannot recommend.
New rule: strict briefing standard is reimplemented as the past three years, I was only required to draft brief which client seriously pays for that product only.
Why? When the excuse is lawyering work may be misleading, then the lazy ones with marketing skill may take too much. That includes me.
I still remember I had one BIA case pending for 2 years with new briefing schedule.
I have one case Dec. we while BIA appeal notice. May this year, we got denial decision plus after we submitted an OK standard brief.
When I looked at the contract, I found out, ok now it is new game.
It was very interesting when I seriously doubt whether DHS or the Immigration judge have their First Amendment right.
“Voluntary Departure is a form of PD!”
“Mom, please, I am not four year old no more.”
Yes, sometimes it is very interesting when I seriously knew what she meant. Surprisingly, now Voluntary Departure itself worth $ 8,000.
Oh, I answered myself the question I asked 9 years ago. Yeah, people in New York may welcome someone but in Minnesota, those people may not.
Welcome to Trump Era No.2, you may not miss it.