News and Updates from Amaryllis Law

Welcome Austen Soare: Experienced Immigration Attorney Joins Amaryllis Law

August 27, 2024 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Amaryllis Law is excited to welcome attorney, Austen Soare, to our team of dedicated attorneys. Austen comes to Amaryllis with extensive prior experience. He has represented clients in various immigration matters, including employment-based, famil…

Update on President Biden’s Policy Announced on June 18, 2024

June 27, 2024 | Mary Sirmans | Blog, Immigration, News

President Biden recently announced a new proposed executive order that would attempt to provide certain immigrants here in the United States with relief. As of now, this policy has not taken effect, and no applications can be filed for any immigra…

A Response to Recent Questions about the Florida Bill

May 19, 2023 | Mary Sirmans | Blog, News

The Florida law proposals have been a huge question and many have inquired regarding the specifics. While many of the specifics may still be unknown as to how it will be carried out, the general provisions are explained below. As of May 2, 2023, F…

PTL Attorney Betty Stevens recognized by Federal Bar Association

September 19, 2022 | Mary Sirmans | Awards, News

Congratulations to Amaryllis Law attorney Elizabeth “Betty” Stevens who was recognized by the national Federal Bar Association at their annual meeting for her hard work on legislation creating an Article I Immigration Court. Betty has worked tir…

Scam Callers! Protect yourself from fraud! Read our latest blog post…

August 16, 2022 | Mary Sirmans | Blog

The Executive Office for Immigration Review today announced that scammers are calling individuals and pretending to be an employee of the Arlington Immigration Court as part of a fraudulent scam. The scammers will even use the Immigration Court’…

Updates for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Recipients

May 27, 2022 | Mary Sirmans | Blog, Immigration, News

There has been a lot of movement with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Several changes are important and noteworthy: DEFERRED ACTION/WORK AUTHORIZATION: On March 7, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it…

Local immigration lawyers push for separate immigration court to combat case backlog

March 21, 2022 | Mary Sirmans | Immigration, News

ROANOKE, Va. – Congress is weighing in on a bill that could drastically change the nation’s immigration system. The nation has hit a record, with a backlog reaching nearly 1.6 million immigration cases. Read Full Article: https://www.wsls.com/new…

2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in American recognizes PTL Attorneys

September 2, 2021 | Mary Sirmans | Awards, News

Congratulations to our attorneys who were recognized for the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for Immigration! Christine Lockhart Poarch (Best Lawyers) Jaime McGuire (Ones to Watch)

COVID-19 Vaccinations Required for Applicants Applying for LPR Status in US & Abroad

August 26, 2021 | Mary Sirmans | Blog, Immigration, News

Starting October 1, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) and the U.S. Department of State will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all applicants applying for lawful permanent residence with a few exceptions. All applicants who …

Actualización de las Reglas de Visa U: Proceso de Determinación de Buena Fe para Víctimas de Delitos Cualificados, y Autorización de Empleo y Acción Diferida para Ciertos Peticionarios

June 24, 2021 | Mary Sirmans | Immigration, News

Resumen. El 14 de junio del 2021, USCIS emitió una regla que finalmente permite a los peticionarios de Visa U obtener autorización de empleo mientras están esperando (¡por años!) la adjudicación de sus peticiones. La actualización completa de la r…

U Visa Policy Update: Bona Fide Determination Process for Victims of Qualifying Crimes, and Employment Authorization and Deferred Action for Certain Petitioners

June 24, 2021 | Mary Sirmans | Immigration, News

Overview. On June 14, 2021, USCIS issued a new policy which ultimately permits U Visa petitioners to obtain work authorization while waiting (for years!) for their petitions to be adjudicated. The full policy update is available here: https://www….

DHS Limits ICE and CBP Civil Enforcement Actions In or Near Courthouses

April 30, 2021 | Mary Sirmans | Blog, Immigration, News

This week, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to place new limits on civil immigration enforcement actions in or near courthouse…

How has President Biden changed immigration?

April 9, 2021 | Mary Sirmans | Blog, Immigration, News

How has President Biden changed immigration? I’ve been asked that question dozens of times by family and friends. Immigration has been such a hot topic during the 2016 and 2020 elections and many individuals are curious about what has changed b…

USCIS Designates Venezuela for TPS and Gives Information for DED-related employment authorization

March 10, 2021 | Mary Sirmans | Blog, Immigration, News

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from March 9, 2021 through September 9, 2022. The reason for this designation is due to the severe politi…

How has President Biden changed immigration?

January 28, 2021 | Mary Sirmans | News

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Recent Changes With DACA

December 17, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

On December 4, 2020, a U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of New York ordered that the July 2020 Memorandum is vacated. Thus, on December 7, 2020, USCIS and DHS updated their websites to comply with the court order. The notices state that…

Poarch Thompson named Legal Elite

December 4, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Awards, News

Congratulations to Christine Poarch for being named Legal Elite in Immigration by Virginia Business Magazine. The Legal Elite polls lawyers licensed to practice in Virginia and asks them to name top attorneys in a variety of legal specialties. Fo…

Recent Bars to Asylum Eligibility

November 10, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

On October 20, 2020, the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security announced a new rule that bars certain immigrants from obtaining asylum. This rule will prevent certain immigrants from obtaining asylum based on their criminal…

City of Roanoke partners with United States Immigration Services for citizenship week

September 30, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | News

Joy Hepkins was featured in USCIS’ lunch and learn celebrating citizenship during citizenship week. Gaston Araoz-Riveros of Senator Kaine’s office and Tiffany Bradbury of the City of Roanoke were in attendance. Joy spoke about her path to the Unit…

PTL Attorney Jaime McGuire Recognized by the Federal Bar Association

September 14, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Awards, Blog

Amaryllis Law attorney Jaime McGuire has been recognized by the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section with the Younger Lawyer of the Year award. Jaime is on the FBA-ILS Younger Lawyers Division committee and has done outstanding work org…

Joey Poarch Case Study – Toggle Magazine

September 8, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, News

Amaryllis Law CIO Joey Poarch has been recognized in a case study by Toggle Magazine. Take a look at the recent article highlighting his experience and the transition of the business to remote work due to COVID-19. Joey Poarch – Amaryllis Law

Employers can use I-797 to complete I-9 verification

September 1, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

Due to USCIS delays in production of certain employment authorization documents, USCIS announced that employees may use Form I-797, Notice of Action to complete I-9 verification with the following caveats: the notice date on the I-797 must be on…

USCIS avoids furlough; warns longer wait times

September 1, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

USCIS announced that it will not furlough approximately 13,400 employees but at the cost of increased USCIS delays. This year, USCIS processing times have increased substantially, including for work authorization. This decision, by USCIS’ own adm…

2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in American recognizes PTL Attorneys

August 31, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Awards, News

Congratulations to our attorneys who were recognized for the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America! Christine Lockhart Poarch (Best Lawyers) Jaime McGuire (Ones to Watch)

Department of State COVID-Related Guidance on Student Visas

August 11, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

Department of State COVID-Related Guidance on Student Visas On March 9, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ICE’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) instituted a temporary exemption regarding the online study policy for the 2020 spring a…

USCIS DELAY SENDING RECEIPT NOTICES

August 6, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

Practitioners nationally have reported significant delays in receiving receipt notices form USCIS service centers after properly filing applications. While the canceled check sent with the application may provide evidence of receipt and a possible…

HOW WILL USCIS FEE INCREASE AFFECT YOU?

August 6, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

As we already published, USCIS published a Final Rule on August 3 significantly altering certain commonly used immigration applications Key takeaways from the final rule include (but are not limited to): Adjustment of Status – Family & Employ…

USCIS Fee Increase Effective October 2, 2020

August 3, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

On August 3, 2020, USCIS published a Final Rule altering the USCIS fee schedule by a weighted average increase of 20 percent, including adding a new fee for asylum applications, establishing multiple fees for nonimmigrant worker petitions, and lim…

Possible USCIS Layoff: Latest News & Impact

August 3, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

The Migration Policy Institute recently issued a report on how the anticipated USCIS furlough of more the 70% of its workers, scheduled to commence August 30, 2020, will impact current immigration processing. (See Impending USCIS Furloughs Will Co…

Update on Public Charge

August 3, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

On July 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York enjoined the government from enforcing, applying, implementing, or treating as effective, the USCIS Final Rule on Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds (84 FR 41292…

US Department of State Guidance on Visa Ban Exemptions

July 27, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

On July 22, 2020, the Department of State (DOS) issued guidance regarding the application for exemptions to the June 2020 proclamation banning certain non-immigrant visa holders from entering the U.S. The DOS identified the following exemptions by…

What Non-Immigrant Visa Holders Need to Know About the Trump Visa Ban

June 27, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Current through July 27, 2020. While we will try to update this advisory as these policies develop, please do not rely on this information without consulting with immigration counsel. Citing the economic impact of COVID-19 and the need to limit fo…

PTL Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine

May 14, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Awards, Blog, News

Amaryllis Law attorney Christine Poarch was selected as a Super Lawyer by the Virginia Super Lawyers Magazine. Our firm was recognized for our excellence in the practice area of immigration. Super Lawyers selects attorneys using peer nominations, …

COVID-19: Preguntas frecuentes sobre estímulo económico y desempleo

April 27, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

Los abogados de inmigración han recibido muchas preguntas sobre los beneficios de desempleo, el paquete de estímulo y lo que podría significar para ellos. Este blog contesta las preguntas más comunes sobre el paquete de estímulo como resultado de …

COVID-19: Stimulus & Unemployment FAQs

April 24, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Immigration, News

Immigration attorneys have been getting many questions about unemployment benefits, the stimulus package and what it might mean for them. This blog discusses the most common questions regarding the stimulus package as a result of COVID-19. 1: Do …

COVID-19 UPDATE CURRENT THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

March 27, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | News

Please note that our staff and attorneys will be working remotely effective Tuesday, March 17 until further notice to encourage self-quarantine and social distancing as recommended by governmental agencies and scientific authorities. While certain…

COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 19

March 19, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | News

USCIS UPDATE: As of March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has suspended routine in-person services until at least April 1 to help slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This includes any scheduled appointments, inter…

COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 16

March 16, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | News

At Amaryllis Law, our staff and attorneys will be working remotely effective Tuesday, March 17 to Tuesday, March 31 to encourage self-quarantine and social distancing as recommended by governmental agencies and scientific authorities. While certai…

COVID-19 UPDATE

March 12, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | News

At Amaryllis Law, protecting the health and well-being of our clients, employees, and community is our top priority. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to bein…

The MCLE Board’s Continuing Education

March 5, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | News, Uncategorized

Christine Lockhart Poarch, collaborated on an article with Virginia Supreme Court Justice Stephen R. McCullough on Virginia’s Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Board’s intention to seek feedback from lawyers and CLE providers to better i…

Amaryllis Law presents on Business Immigration Hot Topics at Roanoke Valley SHRM event

February 26, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Uncategorized

In any office, the human resources department has to stay current on everything involving employment law, which includes business immigration. These past few years, we have seen a significant change in policies and laws regarding business immigrat…

Amaryllis Law attends VWAA’s Success Project Luncheon

January 31, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, Uncategorized

Amaryllis Law attorneys, Christine Poarch and Jaime McGuire, attended Virginia Women’s Attorney Association’s (VWAA) Success Project Luncheon last Wednesday, January 29th 2020. The main speakers for the Success Project Luncheon event were Roanoke…

Adios 2019 and Hello 2020!

January 21, 2020 | Jaime McGuire | Blog, News

The new year brings new office roles & growth. Last year brought exciting changes, confirmed and tested our faith, strengthened our unity as a tribe and offered opportunities for gratitude for each other and the clients and communities we serv…

Poarch Law está encantado de dar la bienvenida a nuestro nuevo pasante de verano.

November 3, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | News

Estamos encantados de dar la bienvenida a nuestra nueva pasante de verano, Ana Barrios. Durante las próximas seis semanas, Ana aprenderá todo sobre la ley de inmigración y adopción mientras hace sombra a los abogados de la firma y ayuda con la in…

Siete datos sobre inmigración en Roanoke

November 3, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | Immigration

El Roanoke Times acaba de publicar un gran artículo sobre “Siete hechos sobre la inmigración en Roanoke”. En el artículo editorial, el Times hace referencia a un informe publicado por New American Economy, una organización sin fines de lucro con …

Christine Poarch, seleccionada como “Líderes en la Ley” para 2019.

November 3, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | News

Nuestra propia abogada de inmigración y adopción, Christine Poarch, ha sido seleccionada por Virginia Lawyers Media, la editora de Virginia Lawyers Weekly, como parte de la clase 2019 de “Líderes en la Ley”. Después de una cuidadosa revisión, Virg…

Christine Poarch, selected as a “Leaders in the Law” for 2019.

October 24, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | Uncategorized

Our own, Immigration and Adoption Attorney, Christine Poarch, has been selected by Virginia Lawyers Media, the publisher of Virginia Lawyers Weekly, as part of the 2019 class of “Leaders in the Law.” After careful review, Virginia Lawyers Media an…

Seven facts about immigration in Roanoke

July 1, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | Uncategorized

The Roanoke Times just published a great article on “Seven facts about immigration in Roanoke”. In the editorial piece, the Times references a report published by the New American Economy, a New York-based non-profit whose stated aim is to “raise…

Poarch Law is thrilled to welcome our new summer intern.

June 17, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | News

We are thrilled to welcome our new summer intern, Ana Barrios. For the next six weeks, Ana will learn all about immigration and adoption law as she shadows the firm’s attorneys and helps out with case research. After being with us for a co…

Seeing All Sides at the Federal Bar Association’s 2019 Immigration Law Conference.

May 28, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | Uncategorized

Seeing All Sides at the Federal Bar Association’s 2019 Immigration Law Conference. 2 minute read Earlier this May, our Poarch Law attorneys traveled to Austin, Texas to attend the Federal Bar Association (FBA) Immigration Law Section Conference. F…

Upcoming Webinar for immigration attorneys on U Visas & VAWA consular processing.

May 23, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | Uncategorized

At the recent Federal Bar Association Immigration conference in Austin TX earlier this month, our own Jaime McGuire along with Lauren McClure from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC and Danielle Fritz from Immigration Center for Women and Chi…

The Annual Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys Conference 2019.

May 14, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | Uncategorized

Earlier this year our own Christine Poarch was named a fellow of the prestigious Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA or “Quad-A”). Fellows of AAAA are considered legal thought leaders and are a highly vetted, experienced …

Christine Poarch Recognized As One of the Top Adoption Attorneys in US

February 22, 2019 | Jaime McGuire | Uncategorized

Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys recognizes Christine Poarch as a legal thought leader with Fellow designation. Salem-based Immigration and Adoption Attorney, Christine Poarch, has been named a Fellow of the prestigio…

Poarch Included in 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America

August 21, 2018 | Jaime McGuire | Uncategorized

Poarch Law Attorney Christine Lockhart Poarch was selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for her work in Immigration Law. Christine is also a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation and is rated AV Pr…

Attorney Christine Poarch Speaks on Good Day Virginia

January 11, 2018 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Analyzing immigration reform: Christine Poarch breaks it down on Good Day Virginia Virginia First: 1/11/2018 The original article can be viewed here.

SOMOS Virginia Articulo

January 10, 2018 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

“Ayúdame, Estoy Detenido: Determinación De Fianzas”

Client Review Series: Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs

January 9, 2018 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Former Rail Yard Dawgs Head Coach Sam Ftorek talks briefly on Roanoke’s SPHL club team, its players and the impact of Poarch Law and their legal services.

SIJS Practice Advisory Post-Canales

July 14, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

This practice advisory, written by Legal Aid Justice Center, Ayuda and the Poarch Law Firm, helps advocates make persuasive arguments to keep the courthouse doors open for immigrant children statewide. LAJC-Ayuda-Poarch-SIJ-Practice-Advisory-Post-…

Tutor o Tutora de Reserva

June 29, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Hemos recibido varias solicitudes para un documento que permitirá al TUTOR o TUTORA DE RESERVA que ayude si ICE detuviera a uno o dos de los padres o guardia. Preguntamos a uno de los abogados locales que crea un documento que nombrara a un Tutor …

Standby Child Form

June 29, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

We’ve received a number of requests for a document that would permit a “standby” guardian to step in should ICE detain a child’s parent or guardian. We asked one of our local attorney colleagues to devise a form that would at least indicate paren…

PLF Attorney Christine Lockhart Poarch receives best lawyer Recognition

June 15, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Christine is also a Virginia Law Foundation Fellow and rated AV Preeminent by her peers in Martindale-Hubbell.

Poarch Law Welcomes Newest Member to their Staff

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Poarch Law welcomes Ryan Carroll to their staff. He is the new Marketing and Advertising Manager. He is recent college graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Poarch Law Paralegal Zulmaire Gonzalez Cegarra Works on Behalf of Venezuelan Political Prisoners

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Poarch Law Paralegal Zulmaire Gonzalez Cegarra has worked vigorously on behalf of Venezuelan political prisoners. Read more here: http://accionlibertad.org/almagro-dialogo-los-presos-politicos-accion-libertad/

Attorney Christine Poarch Speaks at Central Church of the Brethren

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Attorney Christine Poarch spoke at Central Church of the Brethren’s congregation this morning, April 30, 2017, about why lawful immigration options fall short and to share some important facts about removal and deportation.

An Essay by Poarch Law Attorney Christine Poarch

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

“Our ‘nation of immigrants’ has never been a seamless garment but rather, a disruptively-fashioned coat of many colors. And what made the quilted whole, what keeps all those rough edges together is the brutally painful cutting away of not only the…

Attorney Christine Poarch Guest on Good Day Virginia

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Attorney Christine Poarch was a guest on this morning’s Good Day Virginia to discuss yesterday’s immigration stakeholder meeting held at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. See the story here: http://www.virginiafirst.com/news/local-news/immigration-…

Poarch Law Winter 2017 Stakeholder Event Schedule

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Theory to Practice: Leading Change on Immigration Wednesday, February 15th | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM The Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall 541 Luck Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Sponsors: Poarch Law, Strickland Diviney Segura, Roanoke Spanish, and t…

Attorney Christine Poarch Guest on WFXR News

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Attorney Christine Poarch is a guest this morning, November 7, 2016, on WFXR News to present a 4 minute crash course from on the importance of immigration for economic growth and to launch their Scholar of the Month initiative.

Immigration Court Reform Article by Attorney Christine Poarch

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Poarch Law Attorney Christine Poarch wrote an article on immigration court reform published in the Federal Lawyer. (Oct. 2016) It can be accessed here: https://www.fedbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Imm-Law-pdf-1.pdf

Somos Virginia Magazine: July Edition

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

We invite you to read the July edition of Somos Virginia Magazine, where you can read the article What did the Supreme Court decide about DAPA and DACA? written by Attorney Christine Poarch.

Attorney Christine Poarch Speaks before Congress

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Attorney Christine Poarch is at the United States Capitol, discussing immigration court reform with United States House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security and others for Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section.

Somos Virginia Magazine: June Edition

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

We invite you to read the June edition of Somos Virginia Magazine, where you can read an article written by Attorney Christine Poarch about Special Juvenile Immigrant Status.

Basic Immigration Law and Procedure Training

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Critical training opportunity for staff and volunteers of non-profit, religious, social service and charitable organizations who want to become accredited representatives and provide immigration legal services to qualified immigrants. Provided by …

Attorney Christine Poarch to be on MSNBC

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Attorney Christine Poarch speaks about border patrol abuse cases on MSNBC. See the video here: Clash at the Border MSNBC

Total Action for Progress Domestic Violence Services Christmas Celebration

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Poarch Law joins Total Action for Progress Domestic Violence Services in their Christmas Celebration at their location on Williamson Road.

Attorney Christine Poarch to be featured in Telemundo Story

May 25, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Telemundo will present a special about the abuses of the border patrol. Attorney Christine Poarch will be featured in the series.

Christine Poarch to Speak at the AILA Texas, Oklahoma & New Mexico Chapter Conference

May 24, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Attorney Christine Poarch will be speaking at the AILA Texas, Oklahoma & New Mexico Chapter Conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on recent case law involving visa denials, plenary power and consular nonreviewability.

SIJ Presentation

May 24, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Attorney Christine Poarch will be speaking today, October 21, 2015, on special immigrant juveniles with Nicholas Marritz of Legal Aid Justice Center at the Virginia State Bar Access to Legal Services Committee’s Pro Bono Conference.

Stakeholder Meeting Media Coverage

May 24, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Nuevas Raíces published an article on the Poarch Law Fall Stakeholder meeting.

#AILACOImmigrationAltitude

May 24, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Attorney Christine Poarch will be speaking in Denver at #AILACOImmigrationAltitude.

Opening of Strickland & Diviney and Poarch Law Public Education Project

May 24, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Poarch Law held the Fall Stakeholder meeting Friday morning at the new space for Strickland & Diviney and Poarch Law Public Education Project next to La Bodeguita Hispana Mini Market. Special thanks go to Secretary Rodrigues (Governor of Virgi…

Roanoke’s CityWorks (X)po

May 24, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Attorney Christine Poarch will be speaking at Roanoke’s CityWorks (X)po on these sorts of issues: “We have been here years…have kids here…bought houses…We consider ourselves future Americans, not temporary workers.”

Fall Stakeholder Meeting

May 24, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

On October 9th, Nancy Rodrigues, Secretary of the Administration for Governor McAuliffe, led Poarch Law’s Fall Stakeholder Meeting. It was co-sponsored by Roanoke Spanish and the Roanoke Chamber (Global Business Owners Committee).

Christine Poarch to present national AILA webinar

May 22, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Poarch Law attorney Christine Poarch will be presenting a national AILA webinar today on Representing Unaccompanied Alien Children in Immigration Court.

Total Action for Progress and the Attorney General of Virginia Partner with Poarch Law

May 22, 2017 | Jaime McGuire | Blog

Total Action for Progress and the Attorney General of Virginia partner with Poarch Law to give a presentation to community providers about cultural competency.

Why #ImmigrationAction Fails

November 22, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Immigration

Executive orders are either mind-numbingly boring or quintessentially political and divisive. Along this spectrum, a President may act within his constitutional authority or he may stretch the limits of constitutional propriety. In the immigration…

Poarch Law Public Education Initiative Immigration Stakeholder Meeting 2014

November 11, 2014 | Christine Poarch | News

Make time for this important, free symposium about immigration enforcement priorities in the Roanoke Valley and opportunities to protect victims of crime. Sponsored by Poarch Law Public Education Initiative.

Christine Poarch Speaks at Virginia State Bar Justice Conference

October 24, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch spoke on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at the Virginia State Bar Access to Justice Conference on small firm innovations to permit broader pro bono client access.

VA Lawyer Magazine Features Article by Christine Poarch

October 22, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

The October 2014 issue of the VA Lawyer Weekly Magazine features Christine Poarch’s article titled, “When Federal Immigration Law is a State Issue: Special Immigrant Juveniles in Virginia.” In the article, Christine clarifies why the special immig…

Christine Poarch to Speak at the Virginia Employment Commission

October 21, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch will be presenting at the Virginia Employment Commission on October 21, 2014 in Roanoke. She will be giving an overview of the immigration system and how that system intersects with employer’s interests.

The Federal Lawyer Features Immigration Article by Christine Poarch

October 14, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

The October/November 2014 issue of the Federal Bar Association’s magazine The Federal Lawyer features Christine Poarch’s article titled “Immigration Options for Undocumented Children: Moving from Technical Solutions to Adaptive Change.” In the art…

Christine Poarch Receives the Women of Achievement Award

October 9, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Poarch Law is pleased to announce that Christine Lockhart Poarch received the Women of Achievement Award for Law at the 12th Annual DePaul Community Resources Luncheon. The award recognizes and celebrates Christine’s dedication to our clients and…

Poarch Law Attorney to Speak at Roanoke Regional Immigration Community Meeting

October 3, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

A Poarch Law attorney will speak on a panel at the Roanoke Regional Immigration Community Meeting on October 4, 2014. She will be providing information on how individuals can protect themselves against notario fraud and make sure they are receivin…

Christine Poarch to Present to Society for Human Resource Management

October 1, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch will be giving a presentation at the Society for Human Resource Management on October 1, 2014 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Her presentation will cover worksite enforcement, including a broad view of compliance issues for employers.

Poarch Law Attorney to Speak at the Virginia Employment Commission

September 16, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

A Poarch Law attorney will be presenting at the Virginia Employment Commission on September 16, 2014 in Roanoke. She will be giving an overview of the immigration system and how that system intersects with employer’s interests.

Christine Poarch Appointed to the Virginia Latino Advisory Board

September 12, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Lockhart Poarch was appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe to serve on the Virginia Latino Advisory Board. The Virginia Latino Advisory Board advises the Governor regarding the development of economic, professional, cultural, educational,…

Poarch Law Attorney to Volunteer in Roanoke’s No Bills Night

June 23, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

A Poarch Law attorney will be one of many volunteers on July 24, 2014 for the “No Bills Night” program. The program’s purpose is to pro bono legal advice to our local community and those most in need.

Christine to Present Webinar Regarding International Adoption

May 21, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch will co-host with J. McLane Layton, Attorney and President of Equality for Adopted Children (EACH), on Wednesday, May 28th, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. Her presentation will be regarding the perils and pitfalls of international adoption and…

Christine Poarch to Speak at the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section 2014 Conference

May 15, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch will serve on four panels at the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section 2014 Conference in Memphis, Tennessee. The panels will address a variety of topics, such as the impact of the Intercountry Adoption Act, EOIR hot to…

The Federal Lawyer Features Immigration Law Update by Christine Poarch

April 17, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

The April 2014 issue of the Federal Bar Association’s magazine The Federal Lawyer features Christine Poarch’s article entitled “The FBA’s Proposal for the Creation of a Federal Immigration Court.” In the article, Christine discusses the FBA’s prop…

Mark Your Calendars: Poarch Law and VWAA CLE April 16, 2014

March 20, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Practitioners are invited to attend a seminar, “The Truth About Immigration Law: What Non-Immigration Lawyers Need to Know,” hosted by the Virginia Women Attorneys Association (VWAA) on April 16th, 2014. Our speaker, Christine Lockhart Poarch, wil…

Washington Post on Immigration Court Reform

February 3, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Insightful article on immigration court process involving our own Arlington Immigration Court. Washington Post on Immigration Court Reform

USCIS Issues Guidance Pertaining to Applicants for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers

January 28, 2014 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

USCIS issues helpful guidance in reference to applicants for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers. In certain circumstances, USCIS officers should not find a reason to believe that the individual may be subject to inadmissibility under INA sectio…

Christine Poarch to Speak at W&L Law

December 3, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch will give a lecture on December 3, 2013 to the Immigrant Rights Clinic at the Washington & Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. Her presentation will touch on different aspects of managing an immigration practice i…

Christine Poarch to Present at LGA Conference

October 25, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch will present at the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia’s Fall 2013 Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. In her lecture, Christine will discuss immigration options for children. LGA Fall 2013 Conference Schedule

Poarch Law in Valley Business Front Magazine

October 4, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

The October 2013 edition of Valley Business Front Magazine features an article on Christine Poarch and Poarch Law. The article discusses Christine’s background as well as the diverse range of immigration services Poarch Law provides to its equally…

Christine Poarch Nominated for Women of Achievement Award

September 16, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Poarch Law is pleased to announce that Christine Lockhart Poarch has been nominated for the Women of Achievement Award. Click on the link to read more about the 11th Annual Women of Achievement Award. 11th Annual Women of Achievement Award Nominees

Poarch Law Successful on Appeal in Board of Alien Labor Certification Case

August 2, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Poarch Law was successful on appeal in Matter of Seven Oaks Landscapes, where the Board of Alien Labor Certification held that 20 CFR 656.10(d) does not require proof of the posting dates of the notice of filing and stated that the affirmation reg…

June/July Virginia Lawyer Magazine Includes Christine Poarch’s Article on the Unauthorized Practice of Law

July 23, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

The June/July 2013 Virginia Lawyer magazine recently published Christine Poarch’s article on the importance of agency collaboration in preventing the unauthorized practice of law. The Virginia Lawyer magazine is one of the official publications o…

Christine Poarch to Present at Roanoke City Division of Social Services

July 17, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch will be giving a presentation at the Roanoke City Division of Social Services on July 17, 2013. She will lecture on an overview of immigration law and what options are available to immigrants in need – especially young immigrants…

Poarch Law Attorney to Speak at Radford University

July 17, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

A Poarch Law attorney will be presenting back-to-back seminars at the Virginia Institute for Lifelong Learning conference at Radford University on July 10, 2013. VAILL is a staff development opportunity funded by the Office of Adult Education and…

Poarch Law Attorney to Present at the Roanoke Police Academy

June 5, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

A Poarch Law attorney will be giving a presentation on June 5, 2013 at the Roanoke Police Academy on domestic violence for the Family Violence Coordinating Council Conference this Friday. Her presentation will include how U Visas and VAWA (Violenc…

FBA’s Immigration Law Section Newsletter features Christine Poarch’s Article on Adoptions in Uganda

April 25, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

The current issue of the Federal Bar Association Law Section’s Newsletter, The Green Card, features Christine Poarch’s article “A Personal Essay—Challenges in Immigration: Ugandan Orphans.” In the article, Christine discusses her twelve-day trip t…

Poarch Law Attorney to Serve as Interim Director of W&L Law Immigration Clinic

April 1, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

A Poarch Law attorney will serve as the Interim Director of the pro bono Immigration and Citizenship Clinic at Washington & Lee University School of Law. The attorney will help the clinic’s clients and cases throughout the summer until the new di…

Poarch Law Attorney to Speak on Panel at Washington & Lee University School of Law

March 23, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

A Poarch Law attorney will be sitting on a panel entitled “Legal Research in the Real World” on March 23, 2013. The attorney will speak alongside Judge Bumgardner of the Virginia Court of Appeals and Chris Russell, Commonwealth’s Attorney in Buen…

Christine Poarch to Speak at the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section 2013 Conference May 18, 2013.

February 18, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch will serve on two panels at the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section 2013 Conference in Memphis, Tennessee. One of the panels will be on non-LPR cancellation and the other regarding Special Immigrant Juveniles.

Poarch Law Attorney to Judge at William Spong Moot Court Competition.

February 18, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

A Poarch Law attorney will be re-living their law school moot court days as a quarterfinal judge at the William Spong Moot Court Competition on February 18, 2013. The competition will be hosted at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, V…

Poarch Law Deferred Action Clinic at Roanoke College

February 18, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Roanoke College in conjunction with Poarch Law will host a pro-bono Deferred Action Clinic at Roanoke College. Student volunteers from Roanoke College will help undocumented immigrants prepare and mail applications for Deferred Action for Childhoo…

Christine Poarch to Speak on Panel at Roanoke College

February 18, 2013 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Roanoke College will host a panel entitled “Living the DREAM: Deferred Action and Other Immigration Options for Children.” Panelists, including our own Christine Poarch, will discuss recent developments in immigration law including the effects of …

Poarch selected Roanoke’s top immigration attorney

December 7, 2011 | Christine Poarch | Blog, Uncategorized

Christine Poarch selected Roanoke’s top immigration attorney by Roanoker Magazine (October 2011).

Christine Lockhart Poarch to speak at Roanoke Bar Association CLE October 25, 2011.

September 30, 2011 | Christine Poarch | News, Uncategorized

On Tuesday, October 25, 2011, Christine will present a two-hour seminar on “Common Immigration Myths & FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Legal and Illegal Immigration.” The CLE Conference is sponsored by the Roanoke Bar Association and is op…

Poarch Selected âRising Starâ by Virginia Super Lawyers Publication

September 25, 2011 | Christine Poarch | News, Uncategorized

Christine Lockhart Poarch was selected as a “rising star” in immigration law by Super Lawyers Magazine (Virginia 2010). Superlawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third p…

What Our Clients Are Saying

“Christine was absolutely fantastic. We had 1 on the phone consultation and we knew she would be our immigration attorney for life”.

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