Swedish-American Immigration Lawyer Sofia Hassander

31/08/2026

An important reminder as fall elections approach — ONLY U.S. Citizens may register to vote, or vote, in federal, state, and county elections. This applies no matter what a friend, family member, or well-meaning volunteer might tell you at a registration drive or a DMV visit. The same caution applies to political donations: nonimmigrant visa holders are prohibited from donating, even to state or local candidates.

Unlawful voting or registration to vote can carry very serious immigration consequences including removability, inadmissibility with no waiver available, and a bar to applying for citizenship. Voter registration forms typically require an attestation of U.S. citizenship, so registering to vote can constitute a false claim to U.S. citizenship.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please do not register to vote or vote — even if your name somehow appears on a voter roll due to an error at the DMV or elsewhere. If you have any concern about your registration status, speak with an immigration attorney before taking any action.

Some cities do allow noncitizens to vote in certain local municipal elections — that is a separate and distinct situation from federal, state, or county elections, where citizenship is required. Even where local noncitizen voting is permitted, be very careful to confirm the specific election, since local and federal or state contests are sometimes combined on the same ballot.

28/07/2026

Important update for anyone traveling domestically within the US with a pending immigration case: Over the past few days, immigration attorneys across the country have reported an increase in clients being detained by DHS at US airports during domestic travel — note this is NOT international travel, but domestic flights within the US. This has been reported in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia.

Those affected include individuals whose lawful status has technically expired but who have timely filed extensions or adjustment of status applications that should place them in a period of authorized stay. Some of those detained have no criminal record and hold valid work authorization or advance parole documents.

If your current status has expired and you are waiting on a decision for an extension or adjustment of status, speak to your immigration attorney before any air travel at this time. It is also important to always carry complete documentation of your pending status such as receipt notices, EAD, advance parole, and any other proof of your filing at all times.

10/07/2026

Electronic Device Searches at US Borders — Know Before You Go

With increased scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry, many travelers are asking what their rights are when it comes to electronic device searches. In summary, CBP has very broad authority to search phones, laptops, and tablets at borders, airports, and even preclearance locations abroad like Dublin and Toronto. This flyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association breaks down what you need to know before you travel to the United States. Worth a read regardless of your visa status. As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions about your specific situation.

01/07/2026

The Supreme Court's Decision on Birthright Citizenship -

In a 6-3 decision on the last day of June, the Supreme Court struck down Executive Order 14160, reaffirming over 150 years of settled constitutional law and confirming that children born on US soil are citizens, regardless of their parents' immigration status (Trump v. Barbara). This is the law as it has always been understood under the Fourteenth Amendment, but having it confirmed by the Court matters for the millions of people who have lived with uncertainty since January matters. Working with families directly impacted by the uncertainty this Executive Order created, I know today's decision brings much needed relief!

25/06/2026

USCIS has proposed a significant increase to the N-400 naturalization application fee from $640 to $1,330 for paper filings and from $625 to $1,280 for online filings. The proposal, published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026, would also eliminate fee waivers and reduced fees for low-income applicants. For anyone who is eligible and considering applying for citizenship, it may be worth considering filing before the new fees take effect.

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.

30/04/2026

This week the American Immigration Lawyers Association reported that members nationwide were experiencing a new hold on USCIS adjudications, seemingly tied to a new unannounced security vetting process requiring resubmission of fingerprints for many pending cases. Early reports suggest impacts across adjustment of status and asylum cases, though the scope may be broader and could affect most USCIS adjudications.

🔥 On April 30, Sweden 🇸🇪 welcomes spring with a cherished celebration known as Valborg in Swedish. Bonfires are lit across the country and with choral singing, the brighter days ahead are welcomed.

Originally a pagan tradition to scare off witches and evil spirits, Valborg (Walpurgis Night) has evolved into a beloved cultural event with local community gatherings that combines folklore and student traditions.

Glad Valborg - Happy Walpurgis Night! 🎊


📸: Henrik Montgomery/TT/imagebank.sweden.se

08/04/2026

Viktig information. Man kan nu bara ansöka om samordningsnummer på Ambassaden i Washington,DC eller konsulaten i New York och San Francisco. Att ansöka om ett samordningsnummer är ett nödvändigt första steg till att skaffa ett svenskt pass till barn födda utomlands.

ATTENTION! There are new rules regarding how to apply for coordination numbers for Swedish citizens in the USA.

The application must now be made in person at one of the following three locations:
📍Embassy of Sweden in Washington, D.C.
📍Consulate General of New York
📍Consulate General of San Francisco

The Honorary Consulates can no longer accept applications. We understand that this may cause inconveniences to the Swedish community in the USA.

The Consulate General in Houston cannot yet accept applications but expects to be able to do so starting in the fall of 2026.

You must schedule appointments for coordination numbers online. All information can be found on our website.

30/03/2026

https://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/article/20260313-how-to-prepare-for-europes-new-travel-entry-rules

As the continent completes its rollout of a new biometric entry system for non-EU residents, many destinations are bracing for long airport queues. Here's how to avoid the worst of it.

19/12/2025

Green Card Lottery Suspended -
Many news outlets are reporting this morning that the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (commonly known as the Green Card Lottery) has been suspended. The decision was reportedly announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at the direction of President Donald Trump, following the recent shooting near Brown University, in which the suspect was reported to have previously obtained U.S. residency through the diversity visa system. If accurate, this likely means that the long-awaited announcement for this year’s Green Card Lottery will not take place. This is deeply disappointing, as the program represents one of the few options for U.S. permanent residence for many.

16/12/2025

Are you (unlike me...) one of the lucky ones who secured tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and wondering what paperwork you need to travel to the U.S.? The State Department has created a dedicated guide for visitors coming to watch or volunteer during the World Cup. Learn more here:

This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America. And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe. Donald J. TrumpPresident of the United States If you need a U.S. visa and don’t have one yet, NOW is the time to apply! […]