Blog

Immigration Bond Hearing in Nevada: How Bond Works, What Evidence Helps, and Where Families Usually Post Bond

Mar 27, 2026

When a loved one is taken into ICE custody, families in Nevada are often left scrambling for answers. One of the first questions is where the person is being held, whether release may be possible, and what families can do to help. Because bond procedure can depend on the detention location and custody classification, the correct court and available options are not always determined only by where the family lives. At Smit Law Group, we...

Can You Fix Your Immigration Status If You Entered the U.S. Without a Visa?

Feb 27, 2026

Many people living in the United States today entered the country without being inspected and admitted or paroled (often called “entry without inspection” or EWI). Some crossed the border years ago to reunite with family, escape dangerous conditions, or pursue better opportunities. Others arrived as children and grew up here, building lives, careers, and families in the United States. If this describes your situation or the circumstances of a loved one, especially if you entered...

Got a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Immigration Court?

Jan 23, 2026

What Happens at the Master Calendar Hearing (and What to Do First) Opening an envelope and seeing the words Notice to Appear can feel terrifying. You likely have immediate concerns: Are you being deported? Will you have to leave the United States right away? What happens if you miss a hearing notice or don’t understand what the court is asking? If you received a Notice to Appear, often called an NTA, it usually means the...

Divorce and Child Custody for Immigrants in Nevada

Dec 15, 2025

Understanding Your Rights and Options When Family and Immigration Law Overlap Divorce is never easy, and for immigrants living in Nevada, it can feel even more complicated. At Smit Law Group in Reno, we often help clients facing divorce and worried about how it might affect their immigration status, custody rights, and long-term future in the United States. If you or your spouse is not a U.S. citizen, it’s important to understand how Nevada’s divorce...

The New Citizenship Test of 2025: What Reno Immigrants Need to Know

Nov 19, 2025

If you are considering applying for U.S. citizenship and live in Nevada, it is vital to understand that the civics portion of the naturalization process has changed. At Smit Law Group, based in Reno and serving clients throughout Washoe County and Western Nevada, we guide individuals and families through these complex immigration matters. With the 2025 civics test now in effect for most applicants, staying informed and preparing thoroughly is more important than ever. What’s...

How 2025 TPS Changes Affect Immigration Status and Work Authorization for Nationals of Venezuela and Syria

Oct 17, 2025

If you are a national of Venezuela or Syria and currently hold, or previously held, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), upcoming policy changes in 2025 could affect your right to remain or work in the United States. At Smit Law Group, our Reno-based immigration team advocates for individuals and families in Washoe County and throughout Western Nevada. We understand how changes in immigration laws and policies can deeply affect your ability to work, support your family,...

How 2025 Immigration Policy Changes Are Affecting Green Card Timelines for Reno Applicants

Sep 26, 2025

If you are applying for a Green Card in the Reno or Western Nevada area, you likely had an idea of how long it would take. As of October 2025, national policy shifts and record-high backlogs have substantially reshaped that timeline. Your wait may now be significantly longer, and you may also face additional complexities you did not anticipate. At Smit Law Group in Reno, led by immigration attorney Greta Smit, we want to help...