In the tapestry of American identity, the story of Puerto Ricans occupies a unique and significant thread. Born from a complex history of colonialism and political evolution, Puerto Ricans hold a distinct status as both citizens of the United States and bearers of a rich cultural heritage. The legal foundation for this dual identity was established in 1917 with the passage of the Jones-Shafroth Act, granting Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a journey intertwined with the broader narrative of American immigration, labor, and civil rights. Understanding ..read more

In this interview, we gain insight into the career journey of SHG paralegal Maria Cecilia Herrera, a former United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Field Officer, whose path into humanitarian work unfolded unexpectedly yet purposefully. Originating from Ecuador and with law degrees from Ecuador and the United States, Maria shares a candid conversation about her transition from disillusionment with the legal system to finding fulfillment in refugee protection and immigration and nationality law. Her experiences shed light on the realities of working on the front lines of humanitaria ..read more

We recently interviewed our friend and colleague David Moscow, an American lawyer who has embarked on a remarkable journey of relocating 2500 miles from bucolic Chester County, PA to the dynamic metropolis of Medellin, Colombia, to start a new life there.  In this insightful conversation, David shares his firsthand experiences, challenges, triumphs, (and even where to find a taste of Philadelphia in the Andes Mountains) as he navigates the intricacies of living abroad. From cultural adjustments to embracing a different way of life, join us as we delve into the motivations behind David’s b ..read more

Our office has had the pleasure to partner with the Mexican Consulate of Philadelphia for nearly a decade.  During our time as attorneys in the Consulate’s PALE program, we have helped many Mexican nationals in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware with their immigration issues.  We have also had the opportunity to meet and work with many wonderful Mexican diplomats.  We recently had the pleasure to interview one of our diplomatic partners, Sebastián Galvan Duque Covarrubias, who serves as the Consul for Protection and Legal Affairs at the Consulate.  We asked him a serie ..read more

Nestled on the rugged coast of the Atlantic, Portland, Maine, is a city with a rich and diverse history shaped by waves of immigration. From its early days as a bustling seaport to its current status as a vibrant cultural hub, Portland has been a welcoming home for people from all corners of the globe. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey through time to explore the fascinating immigration history that has shaped the unique tapestry of this coastal city. Author Thomas Griffin at the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center Early Settlement and Indigenous Peoples: Before the arrival of ..read more

The history of the Jewish people is marked by a series of profound and often tumultuous events. Among these, the three Roman-Jewish Wars (66-73 CE, 115-117 CE, and 132-136 CE) stand out as pivotal moments in Jewish history, setting in motion a chain of events that ultimately led to the dispersion of Jewish communities across the world, known as the Jewish Diaspora. In this blog post, we will explore these wars and their far-reaching consequences on Jewish life and identity. I. The First Jewish-Roman War (66-73 CE) The First Jewish-Roman War was a significant conflict between the Jewish populat ..read more

A Roman Amphitheatre in Malaga, Spain. The Roman Empire: Evolving Immigration Laws With the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire in 27 BCE, the management of immigration underwent significant changes. Augustus, the first Emperor, introduced various policies to maintain control over the vast territories and populations. One of his key contributions was the Lex Julia de Civitate in 18 BCE, which regulated the granting of Roman citizenship to non-citizens residing in specific regions. Under the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability, the Roman Empire saw increased ..read more

Roman Forum, Rome, Italy. Photo taken from the Palatine Hill.   A current trend is the surprising notion that many men think frequently about the Roman Empire– something that speaks to the enduring appeal of a society that thrived over 2000 years ago.  I am also a big fan of Roman History, and this trend inspired me to explore Roman immigration laws and how they were used to develop Roman society, first under the early Roman Republic, and later as it transitioned to an Empire.   The Roman Republic and the Roman Empire are renowned for their enduring influence on the co ..read more

The 50th anniversary of hip-hop marks a momentous milestone in the cultural tapestry of the world, commemorating five decades of rhythmic innovation, storytelling prowess, and social influence. From its humble beginnings in the Bronx, New York, to becoming a global phenomenon that transcends borders and languages, hip-hop has evolved into a powerful platform for expression, activism, and unity. This milestone not only celebrates the genre’s musical achievements but also recognizes its role in shaping conversations around race, inequality, and self-empowerment. The United States has long been c ..read more

The United States has long been a destination for individuals seeking better opportunities and a brighter future. For many immigrants, the prospect of reuniting with their loved ones is a significant motivating factor. However, navigating the complex immigration system can be daunting, especially when there are legal barriers that can separate families for extended periods. One such obstacle is the requirement for undocumented immigrants to leave the country for an extended period to obtain lawful permanent residency. Fortunately, the 601A waiver provides a potential solution for eligible indi ..read more