Cross Law Blog

Starting March 9, 2026 , the way people appeal immigration judge decisions to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) will look very different, and many advocates are warning these changes could make it much harder to fight deportation orders and denials of relief like asylum. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing, what it means for you, and how to prepare. 1. Appeals Deadlines Are Getting Sharply Shorter Under the new rule from the U.S. Department of Justice, you now ha

The term “sanctuary city”  is often misunderstood—and sometimes intentionally misrepresented. For immigrants and their families, the confusion can create unnecessary fear. For local governments and police departments, it can raise questions about what the law actually requires. In Massachusetts, one of the most important legal decisions shaping so-called “sanctuary” policies is Lunn v. Commonwealth  (2017) . Understanding this case helps clarify what local authorities can—and

When immigration policy makes headlines, it can sometimes feel too focused on legal arguments and government authority, but behind every policy are real families. Recently, five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was detained by federal agents along with his father outside their Minnesota home after returning from preschool, drawing national attention and outrage. Their arrest and a federal judge’s subsequent order for their release came at a moment of growing concern about enforceme

In early 2026, Minnesota emerged as the focal point of a large-scale federal immigration enforcement effort that has drawn national attention, legal challenges, and widespread concern among immigrant communities. At the heart of the controversy is Operation Metro Surge, a coordinated initiative led by federal immigration authorities that significantly increased enforcement activity in and around the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. Federal officials have described the operation a

Recently, the U.S. Department of State released official guidance regarding the processing of immigrant visas for certain nationalities considered to be at “high risk of public benefits usage.” This update took effect on January 21, 2026, and has raised many questions and concerns among individuals planning to immigrate to the United States. What has changed? According to the Department of State, there is now a pause on the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of certain