What happens when your immigrant spouse misses a critical court hearing? It sets off years of fear and uncertainty for the entire family.
That became the reality for one of our clients for over a decade. He entered the United States from Pakistan in May 2001 on a visitor visa and married a U.S. citizen in 2007. An I-130 petition was filed, but when his spouse failed to appear for the required Stokes interview, USCIS denied the case in September 2009.
By March 2010, he was unknowingly placed in removal proceedings. Without ever receiving a Notice to Appear or hearing notice, he was ordered removed in absentia by the Immigration Judge in New York. To make matters worse, his marriage ended in divorce in 2011, leaving him without a path forward.
In 2019, his life began to take a new turn when he met and later married his current U.S. citizen wife. Together they built a stable home and family, and a new I-130 petition was approved in September 2022. Still, his adjustment of status application was denied because of his removal order, keeping him in legal limbo.
In February 2024, he sought help from McBean Law. We knew that our client was in a very complex situation and wanted more than anything to be free of his long pending immigration problems.
After obtaining all of his records from USCIS and studying his background carefully, our firm submitted a Joint Motion to Reopen and Terminate Removal Proceedings to ICE/DHS. Our joint motion was supported by his approved I-130 and bona fide marriage to his U.S. citizen wife.
In January 2025, an immigration judge granted the motion! This victory meant that USCIS once again had jurisdiction over his green card case.
We quickly filed the I-485 adjustment of status application in March 2025. With thorough preparation and representation at his adjustment interview in New York City, USCIS approved his green card in August 2025 — just five months after filing!
After 14 years of living under a removal order, he is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Today he continues to provide support and stability as a devoted husband and stepfather to his U.S. citizen family.
If you or someone you love has faced denials, removal, or other complex immigration challenges, we might be able to help. Call McBean Law at (914) 898-9488 to schedule a consultation. We’ll meet you where you are — with strategy, clarity, and care.
P.S. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Always consult with a licensed immigration attorney about your specific case.
