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Brooks Law Firm Injury & Immigration Attorneys
Protecting immigrant families & injured workers 💼⚖️
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A Federal Judge in Massachusetts Just Blocked a Major Student Visa RuleOn September 14, 2026, a federal court in Massach...
10/15/2026

A Federal Judge in Massachusetts Just Blocked a Major Student Visa Rule

On September 14, 2026, a federal court in Massachusetts blocked a DHS rule that would have ended "Duration of Status" for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. The rule was set to take effect the very next day. The order applies nationwide.

What Duration of Status means, and what would have changed:
Under D/S, F-1 and J-1 holders may stay as long as they remain enrolled and maintain status, not until a fixed date.
The rule would have set a fixed stay tied to the program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019, capped at four years.
Extra time would have required an I-539 extension request, with no right to appeal a denial.
The F-1 grace period to depart would have dropped from 60 to 30 days.
Transfers, program changes and second degrees would have been restricted.

What the injunction means right now:
Duration of Status remains in place nationwide.
No new I-539 requirement, and the 60-day F-1 grace period still applies.
Stay enrolled, keep your I-20 or DS-2019 current and follow your school's international office.

What to watch as litigation continues:
The government appealed to the First Circuit on September 30. The appeal alone does not put the rule into effect.
The court postponed the rule but did not strike it down.

DHS could try to issue a new version of the rule.

The rule is paused, not dead. For students, scholars and the families and schools supporting them, staying informed is staying protected.

Questions about your F-1 or J-1 status, OPT or a change of status? Send us a DM and our team will help you understand your options.

General information only, not legal advice.
Source: Presidents' Alliance v. DHS (09/14/2026) | NAFSA | https://hubs.la/Q04Bc9w50

10/14/2026

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible cultures and communities that make it so special!🎉

This past week, we partnered with Rumba 97.7 and El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill to celebrate with our community through music, giveaways, games, prizes, and more!🎶

We’re proud to stand alongside the Hispanic community and celebrate the cultures, stories, and traditions that bring us together. This month is a reminder of why we do what we do, and we’re committed to supporting immigrant families all year long💙🙌

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated with us🙌✨

October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month: Know Your Rights Before Something HappensOctober is National Pedestrian Saf...
10/13/2026

October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month: Know Your Rights Before Something Happens

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and in Massachusetts the risk is rising: 78 pedestrians were killed in 2024, up 16% from the year before, even as deaths fell nationally. Fall makes it worse. Days get shorter, clocks fall back on November 1, and more people walk home in the dark, when drivers see less.

Who has the right of way (Massachusetts):
Marked crosswalk, no signal: drivers must yield once you’re on their half of the road or within 10 feet of it
At a signal: cross with WALK. Even on green, a driver can’t enter the crosswalk while you’re in it
No marked crosswalk: you generally yield to traffic, but drivers must still slow down and take care to avoid you

Comparative negligence and your compensation:
The insurer may argue you were partly at fault
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault
Your compensation drops by your share: 20% at fault on $100,000 = $80,000
More than 50% at fault = nothing

Crossing outside a crosswalk can be used against you, but it doesn’t automatically end your claim

What to document right after being hit:
Call 911 and get a police report
Get medical care, even if you feel fine
Photos of the scene, signals, lighting, car, plate and injuries
Driver’s name, license, plate and insurance
Witness names and phone numbers
Nearby cameras (footage is often erased within days)
No recorded statement to the driver’s insurer before talking to a lawyer

The law protects pedestrians, but only if you know how to use it.
Most cases are lost in the first days, with no police report, photos or witnesses. You generally have 3 years to file in Massachusetts, but evidence disappears much faster.

Were you hit by a car while walking? Send us a message or call to schedule a consultation.

10/13/2026

🎉WE HAVE A WINNER🎉

Our Hispanic Heritage Month giveaway winner is officially here!💙

Thank you to everyone who participated and celebrated with us as we continue to honor the culture, contributions, and communities that make Hispanic Heritage Month so special✨

Congratulations to our winner!🥳 Stay tuned and join us at our community events for another chance to win and connect with us🫶🏼

No Dia dos Povos Indígenas reconhecemos e homenageamos sua história, cultura e contribuições duradouras. Sua resistência...
10/12/2026

No Dia dos Povos Indígenas reconhecemos e homenageamos sua história, cultura e contribuições duradouras.
Sua resistência faz parte essencial da história desta nação.
Na Brooks Law acreditamos que reconhecer a verdade e respeitar diferentes histórias é um passo em direção à justiça.
Hoje refletimos com respeito e reafirmamos nosso compromisso com a igualdade.

On Columbus Day, we recognize a moment that shaped the course of history.This day invites reflection on exploration, cul...
10/12/2026

On Columbus Day, we recognize a moment that shaped the course of history.
This day invites reflection on exploration, cultural encounters, and the complex history that followed.
We acknowledge the importance of understanding our past as we continue working toward op

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize and honor the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Indigenous commun...
10/12/2026

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize and honor the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Indigenous communities.
Their resilience and heritage remain an essential part of this nation’s story.
At Brooks Law, we believe that acknowledging truth and respecting diverse histories are steps toward justice and inclusion.
Today we reflect with respect and reaffirm our commitment to dignity and equality for all.

Fire Prevention Week: What Happens If You're Injured in a Workplace FireFire Prevention Week runs October 4–10, 2026, an...
10/08/2026

Fire Prevention Week: What Happens If You're Injured in a Workplace Fire

Fire Prevention Week runs October 4–10, 2026, and this year's focus is lithium-ion battery fires. These batteries power phones, e-bikes, power tools and forklifts, and at work they are often charged all day in shared spaces. For many workers, the job is where the risk is highest.

What your employer is legally required to have (OSHA):
An emergency action plan with evacuation routes and a way to account for everyone (in writing if more than 10 employees)
An alarm system that warns everyone to evacuate
Marked exits that are unlocked and never blocked
Fire extinguishers inspected monthly and serviced yearly
Extinguisher training when hired and every year after

What to do immediately if you're injured:
Get to safety and get medical care right away, even if it seems minor
Tell the doctor you were hurt at work
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, in writing if you can
Write down what happened and the names of witnesses
Keep every medical record and bill

How a fire injury becomes a workers' comp claim (Massachusetts):
If you miss 5 or more days of work, your employer must report the injury to its insurer and the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA)
Workers' comp covers medical care and, if you can't work, 60% of your average weekly wage
If the insurer denies your claim, you can file a claim with the DIA
Your employer cannot legally fire you for filing

Your immigration status does not affect your right to file.

In Massachusetts, workers' comp covers injured employees regardless of immigration status. The law asks whether you were hurt on the job, not where you're from.

Were you injured at work? Send us a message or call to schedule a consultation.

Immigration enforcement activity has increased in communities across Massachusetts.If ICE approaches you, knowing your r...
10/06/2026

Immigration enforcement activity has increased in communities across Massachusetts.

If ICE approaches you, knowing your rights can make all the difference.

Here are 7 things to remember:
1. You have the right to remain silent. Use it.
2. Do not open the door unless ICE has a warrant signed by a judge.
3. Do not sign any documents without an attorney.
4. Memorize or write down your attorney's phone number.
5. If arrested, say: "I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want to speak to an attorney."
6. Contact a family member immediately.
7. In Massachusetts, the PROTECT Act limits civil immigration arrests without a judicial warrant at courthouses, schools, and hospitals.

Stay calm. Do not run or resist. Never lie or show false documents.

Save this post so you have it when you need it, and share it with someone who should know their rights.

Questions about your situation? Call us at (617) 245-8090 or DM us to book a free consultation.

General information only, not legal advice.

10/04/2026

An exciting day for justice, community & connection🏁🏃🏽‍♀️💨

Our BLF team had such a great time at today’s 5K for Justice hosted by Brazilian Worker Center !💙

A day filled with community and support for social justice, immigrant communities, and health🫶🏼

Special thank you to the Brazilian Worker Center and everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, and supported!

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Medford, MA
02155

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