Learn: the news explained, guides and community
What changed, what it means for a family, and who helps near you. Written in Spanish and English by Oliva, Advocasí's co-founder. Not legal advice.
News, explained
One immigration story, in plain words, with the primary source and who helps.
A Houston immigration attorney was indicted over cases clients thought were filed. What the DOJ says
On September 9, 2026, federal prosecutors in Houston announced mail fraud and false statements charges against an immigration attorney accused of taking payments for applications she allegedly never filed. Here is what the Justice Department release says, what it does not say, and what USCIS’s own pages say about receipt numbers and who may represent you.
DACA and immigration court: what the Board's Santiago-Santiago decision actually says
On April 24, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals ruled that a judge cannot close a removal case for the sole reason that the person has DACA. Here is what the decision held, and what it did not take away.
The $70 billion Secure America Act is law: what the text actually pays for
In June the Senate passed about $70 billion for ICE and Border Patrol. The House passed it too, and it was signed on June 10, 2026, as Public Law 119-98. Here is what the law's own text funds, and what it does not change.
Deportation to a third country: what the appeals court ruled, and what the Supreme Court did next
On September 18, 2026, a federal appeals court largely upheld a ruling against DHS's policy for removing people to countries not named in their removal orders. On September 29, the Supreme Court paused that ruling and agreed to hear the case on December 9. Here is what the court papers say.
Proving a child born abroad is a U.S. citizen: what USCIS's rules say, and where DNA comes in
A short on this channel was about a boy whose lawyer said he was a U.S. citizen while the government said the proof was not enough. Since then, on August 5, 2026, USCIS changed its guidance on when officers suggest DNA testing. Here is what USCIS's own documents say about proving a child born abroad is a citizen, and what they do not say.
ICE body cameras: a federal watchdog asked for automatic recording, and DHS said no
A Government Accountability Office report made public on October 14, 2026 recommended that ICE add controls such as cameras that turn on by themselves. DHS agreed with six of GAO's seven recommendations, but not that one. Here is what the report says and what it does not mean.
Guides
What to expect, what to bring, and how to tell help is legitimate.
How to find a DOJ-accredited representative near you
Accredited representatives can give immigration legal help at low cost, without being lawyers. Here's who they are, what they can do, and how to check that one is real.
Notario fraud: how to tell legitimate help from a scam
Every year families lose money and cases to people who promise papers they can't deliver. Five checks that take ten minutes.
Going to a family violence shelter: what to expect and what to bring
Shelters help regardless of immigration status. What happens when you call, what to bring if you can, and what to do if you have nothing.
Free English classes: where to look in any city
Adult education centers, libraries and churches run free or nearly free ESL classes almost everywhere. How to find one, what levels mean, and how to register.
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