Law Offices of Sabrina Li

Law Offices of Sabrina Li The Law Offices of Sabrina Li is a top-rated immigration law firm practicing U.S. immigration law.

Law Offices of Sabrina Li helps immigrants, refugees, and corporations by providing guidance on immigration, visas, naturalization, and citizenship.

09/25/2026

Nearly Five Years Waiting on an I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence — Approved Seven Weeks After We Sued USCIS in Federal Court

Case Background: Five Years of Silence ⏳
Our client, a conditional permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, filed Form I-751 in 2021. She attended two biometrics appointments, filed two formal "outside normal processing time" inquiries, and did everything USCIS asked. For nearly five years, she received nothing in return — only extension letters.

The Strategy: Mandamus Lawsuit ⚖️
USCIS has discretion to approve or deny — but not to simply never decide. We filed a writ of mandamus lawsuit under the Mandamus Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. Barely three weeks later, USCIS called to schedule the interview she had been waiting years for.

The Hidden Obstacle 🔍
The interview revealed what USCIS had never disclosed: her fingerprints were unclassifiable, meaning the background check was never completed despite two appointments. We guided her through the RFE process, obtaining certified police clearances and preparing a sworn affidavit. She hand-delivered the complete response within two weeks.

The Result 🎉
Just seven weeks after we filed suit, her I-751 was approved. Her 10-year permanent green card followed by mail. A petition untouched for almost five years was interviewed, documented, and approved in under two months.

USCIS's silence is not neutral. Long delays often hide undisclosed issues that will never resolve on their own. If you or a family member are facing indefinite delays, do not wait passively. Contact the Law Offices of Sabrina Li to evaluate your case.

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096
📞 Chinese Hotline: (626) 800-4820
📱 WeChat: sabrinaliesq
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Sabrinali.law

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified immigration attorney.

09/22/2026

Travel Guide for Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S., What You Should Know Before You Travel
Traveling within the U.S. while undocumented? Distance isn't the risk — enforcement is.

In this guide, we break down 6 things every undocumented immigrant should know before traveling: ✅ How to actually assess your travel risk ✅ When you should speak with an attorney before your trip ✅ Why you shouldn't keep everything on your phone ✅ What to do if you encounter ICE or law enforcement ✅ Why you should never sign a document you don't understand ✅ How to help your family prepare for an emergency

Preparation isn't expecting the worst — it's protecting yourself and your family.

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096 🌐 Visit: sabrinali.law 📍 Offices in Pasadena, Santa Ana, San Jose, and Dallas — serving clients nationwide in English, Chinese, and Spanish.

This video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your individual situation.

09/18/2026

USCIS just changed how it handles incomplete filings — and it could cost you your case.

As of August 5, 2026, a new policy allows USCIS officers to deny immigration applications on first review, without ever issuing a Request for Evidence. Missing documents, thin filings, or incomplete records can now result in an outright denial — no warning, no chance to fix it.

In this video, we break down:
✅ What changed under the new evidence policy
✅ Why your first filing may now be your only filing
✅ What this means if you have a pending or upcoming USCIS case

If you're filing soon — or already have a case pending — don't take the risk of an incomplete application. Our team can review your case and help you file it right the first time.

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096
🌐 Visit: sabrinali.law
📍 Offices in Pasadena, Santa Ana, San Jose, and Dallas — serving clients nationwide in English, Chinese, and Spanish.

This video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your individual case.

09/16/2026

Setting Sail: How Our Team Balances Advocacy with Celebration

Setting down the case files and stepping away from the courtroom, our team set sail this weekend to celebrate two of our core members, Catsandra and Miguel.

On the yacht, we were friends raising a glass to another year of life and growth. Back at the office, we are a team fighting side-by-side for our clients’ futures. This getaway wasn't just about relaxation—it was about recharging and strengthening the bonds that make our team so resilient.

The attention to detail we bring to our cases was reflected even in the birthday cake. Decorated with a gavel, a scale of justice, a green card, and a big green "APPROVED" stamp, it perfectly captures our daily pursuit of justice and professional excellence. It’s a sweet reminder of the victories we win for our clients.

We firmly believe that only a cohesive, supportive, and happy team can truly carry the heavy weight of every client's trust. As our guiding principle states: "Every client's journey matters to us."

We are deeply grateful to every team member for their dedication and hard work. Moving forward, we will continue to stand side-by-side, bringing our best selves and top-tier professional expertise to help more families achieve their American Dream.

If you share our vision, need expert legal support, or are looking to join a team with warmth and heart, reach out to us. We’d love to chat!

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096
📞 Chinese Hotline: (626) 800-4820
📱 WeChat: sabrinaliesq
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Sabrinali.law

09/14/2026

ICE Arrests at U.S. Airports — Expired Visas, Pending Applications ✈️🚨

You have a work permit. You have a pending green card or asylum case. You think that means you're safe to book a domestic flight. As of August 2026, that assumption can get you detained.

I'm Elizabeth Luevano, Managing Attorney at Law Offices of Sabrina Li's Dallas office.

What's Happening 🛫

Airlines share passenger info with TSA, and TSA shares it with ICE. That system was built to catch people with final deportation orders — now it's expanded to anyone whose visa has technically expired, even if you filed on time, hold a valid work permit, or have a case pending for years.

In recent weeks, plainclothes agents have made arrests at more than a dozen airports — at check-in counters, gates, and jetways. The New York Times broke the story on July 28, 2026.

The Alarming Part ⚠️

These are not people who broke the rules. They filed their paperwork, passed background checks, and got work authorization directly from the government. They were detained anyway — an engineer waiting on a visa extension, spouses of U.S. citizens, a young woman who worked lawfully for years.

Doing everything right is no longer a guarantee.

Why This Matters ⚖️

A pending application does not automatically protect you from being treated as "out of status." Whether you're protected depends on the type of application, when you filed, and what stage it's in.

This Is Nationwide 🌎

AILA has confirmed detentions in CA, CO, FL, IL, KS, MI, NJ, TX, and VA — involving people with no criminal record, valid work permits, and advance parole.

What To Do 🛡️

If your status has expired and you have any application pending, don't assume you're covered. If you or someone you know is detained, how fast you act can determine the outcome.

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096
📞 Chinese Hotline: (626) 800-4820
📱 WeChat: sabrinaliesq
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Sabrinali.law

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not legal advice.

09/11/2026

Accused of Falsifying Records, an Investor Almost Lost His Green Card: How an I-829 Petition Won in Immigration Court After USCIS Said No

❓ Can an I-829 denial based on alleged falsified records be reversed?
❓ What happens when USCIS denies an I-829 and places you in removal proceedings?
❓ Does the burden of proof shift to the government in immigration court?
❓ Can a dismissed motion to reopen still lead to a green card?
❓ How do you rebuild a financial record when USCIS distrusts the documents?
❓ What does independent review by an Immigration Judge mean for EB-5 investors?

Our client invested $500,000 in a regional-center EB-5 project that built and opened a charter school. USCIS later concluded that the project's records had been falsified, denied his I-829, and placed the family in removal proceedings. A motion to reopen was dismissed. On paper, the record appeared to support the denial.

We disagreed. In immigration court, we rebuilt the financial record from the ground up and proved the investment met every EB-5 requirement. The Immigration Judge removed the conditions on the client's and his family members' green cards. The decision was final – both sides waived appeal.

Key takeaway: An I-829 denial – even one invoking "falsified" records – is not the end. In immigration court, the burden shifts to the government, and a properly built record can overcome a denial that looks fatal.

At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, we represent EB-5 investors nationwide in I-829 denials, removal defense, and complex immigration matters.

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096
📞 Chinese Hotline: (626) 800-4820
📱 WeChat: sabrinaliesq
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Sabrinali.law

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Each case is unique.

09/07/2026

USCIS Can Now Send Asylum Cases to Court Without an Interview – What the New Rule Means for You

If you have a pending asylum application, listen carefully – the rules just changed.

On July 28, 2026, DHS published an interim final rule allowing USCIS to refer certain affirmative asylum cases straight to immigration court – without ever interviewing the applicant.

What this means: USCIS officers can now review your written application and decide to refer your case to an immigration judge without giving you a chance to sit across from them and tell your story in person. Your paper file may be the only thing the government ever looks at.

What you should do now: Make sure your address is current with USCIS. Monitor both USCIS and immigration court systems. If you filed past the one-year deadline, ensure your application clearly explains any exceptions – you may not get an interview to clarify.

This rule rewards preparation and punishes waiting. Our team is already reviewing pending asylum files against this new rule, strengthening records, and preparing clients before a referral ever happens.

This is the Law Offices of Sabrina Li – a nationwide immigration law firm handling asylum, removal defense, and complex USCIS cases. Offices in Pasadena, Santa Ana, San Jose, and Dallas – serving clients nationwide in English, Chinese, and Spanish.

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096
📞 Chinese Hotline: (626) 800-4820
📱 WeChat: sabrinaliesq
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Sabrinali.law

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified immigration attorney.

09/05/2026

Asylum Rule Just Changed – USCIS Can Now Skip Your Interview and Send Case to Court

If you have an asylum application pending with USCIS, listen carefully — the rules just changed.

On July 28, 2026, DHS published an interim final rule allowing USCIS to refer certain asylum cases straight to immigration court — without ever interviewing the applicant.

No interview. No chance to tell your story in person. Your written application may be the only thing the government ever reviews.

What you should do now:

Make sure your address is current with USCIS
Monitor both USCIS and immigration court systems
If you filed past the one-year deadline, ensure your application explains exceptions clearly
This rule rewards preparation. If you have a pending asylum application, don't wait for a notice in the mail.

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096
📞 Chinese Hotline: (626) 800-4820
📱 WeChat: sabrinaliesq
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Sabrinali.law

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not legal advice.

09/02/2026

He Told the Truth and Almost Lost His Green Card: How a Form I-602 Waiver Overcame an I-485 Notice of Intent to Deny

If you are an asylee or derivative asylee who received a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) on your I-485 based on a prior visa application, this case may be critical to your immigration strategy.

Sabrina Li is certified by the State Bar of California as a Legal Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law – an honor held by less than 1% of attorneys. In today's video, we share a success story that shows how a Form I-602 waiver can overcome a misrepresentation finding and secure green card approval.

❓ Can a derivative asylee adjust status and file an I-602 waiver?
❓ What happens if USCIS issues a NOID for misrepresentation under INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(i)?
❓ Can an honest answer at a green card interview trigger a fraud accusation?
❓ What is a Form I-602 waiver and how does it help asylees?
❓ How do you prove hardship to overcome a misrepresentation finding?
❓ Is a Notice of Intent to Deny the end of the road for a green card case?

How an Honest Answer Became an Accusation of Fraud

Our client and his family fled religious persecution and found refuge in the U.S. His wife was granted asylum as the principal applicant; he received protection through her as a derivative asylee. Years earlier, he had entered on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa listing "tourism" – but the truth was he feared persecution and hoped to remain here safely.

During his I-485 green card interview, he answered every question honestly. When asked why he had come, he told the truth: he had feared persecution and had not disclosed that intention on his visa application. USCIS treated that candor as misrepresentation and issued a Notice of Intent to Deny under INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(i).

Why the Stakes Reached Far Beyond a Single Application

Our client was the anchor of the household. A denial would not simply close a file – it would jeopardize his status, strain a family that depended on him, and leave him stranded between a country he could not safely return to and a system preparing to send him back. He had weeks to respond.

The Form I-602 Waiver Strategy That Won

The NOID itself revealed the path forward. USCIS acknowledged that a waiver existed for this situation under INA § 209(c), filed on Form I-602. We prepared a complete waiver package that conveyed the persecution the family had fled, the asylum lawfully granted, his wife's health and reliance on him, and the young child whose stability depended on a secure home. We placed the entire record before the officer ahead of the deadline.

Result: USCIS approved his green card in just days!

A Notice of Intent to Deny Is Not a Denial

Even a misrepresentation finding under INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(i) – one of the most feared grounds in immigration law – can often be overcome with the right waiver, a thorough evidentiary record, and an attorney willing to tell your story in full.

Nationwide Green Card and Waiver Representation

At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, we represent clients nationwide in adjustment of status, asylee-based green cards, Notices of Intent to Deny, and I-602 waivers. If you have received a NOID or are concerned about a prior visa application, contact us before the deadline passes.

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096
📞 Chinese Hotline: (626) 800-4820
📱 WeChat: sabrinaliesq
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Sabrinali.law

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. For personalized legal guidance, please consult a qualified immigration attorney.

08/27/2026

I-601 Denied, Then Approved on Second Try – Green Card Won, Family Kept Together

❓ Can you file a second I-601 waiver after a denial?
❓ What happens if USCIS finds misrepresentation on a tourist visa from years ago?
❓ Can a U.S. citizen child strengthen an extreme hardship case?
❓ What does "extreme hardship" actually mean for an I-601 waiver?
❓ Can a second waiver filing succeed where the first one failed?

If your I-601 waiver was denied and you are facing a marriage-based green card case involving misrepresentation, this case may be critical to your immigration strategy.

Sabrina Li is certified by the State Bar of California as a Legal Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law – an honor held by less than 1% of attorneys.

Our client entered the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa in 2014 and later married a U.S. citizen. Years earlier, her tourist visa application misstated her marital status – presenting her as still married when that marriage had already ended. USCIS found her inadmissible under INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(i). Her first I-601 waiver was denied in 2020.

We refiled her green card application in 2023 and rebuilt the waiver from the foundation. Crucially, circumstances had changed: after years of fertility struggles, the couple now had a U.S. citizen child. That reality transformed the hardship picture.

USCIS approved the I-601 waiver on April 30, 2026. Her I-485 was approved on May 20, 2026 – green card granted. The family stayed together.

Key takeaway: A denied I-601 waiver is not the end. A second filing with the right strategy can succeed.

📞 Call: (213) 375-8096
🌐 Sabrinali.law
📧 [email protected]

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not legal advice.

Address

388 Cordova Street, #100C
Pasadena, CA
91101

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12133758096

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Law Offices of Sabrina Li posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Law Offices of Sabrina Li:

Shortcuts

Share

Category