More Than 20 Years, an Unknown Removal Order, and Finally—a Green Card

Success Story: More Than 20 Years, an Unknown Removal Order, and Finally—a Green Card

Our client entered the United States more than two decades ago. What he did not know was that an old removal order stood between him and the future he hoped to build.

In 2024, he applied for adjustment of status—the process of obtaining permanent residence from inside the United States. Instead of an approval, he received a denial because of that outstanding order.

After so many years, his past had become an obstacle he could no longer avoid.

Before we could move his green card case forward, we had to address the removal order.

Our office worked to reopen his immigration court proceedings. We then secured their termination in early 2025, clearing a critical obstacle to pursuing adjustment of status before USCIS.

That was a major victory. But the journey was not over.

With the change in administration came new uncertainty. We could not promise our client how the next stage would unfold. We carefully evaluated the path forward and proceeded with his adjustment of status case before USCIS.

Then came another interview.

For our client, preparing meant more than reviewing documents and anticipating questions. He was stressed about the possibility of detention. An appointment that represented an opportunity to secure his future also brought fear about what might happen when he walked through the door.

We prepared, moved forward, and ultimately secured approval of his adjustment of status.

After more than 20 years in the United States, our client finally became a lawful permanent resident.

An unknown removal order. A denied application. Reopened proceedings. Termination of the court case. Another application, another interview, and an anxious wait.

Finally, the approval he had worked toward for so long.

This result required more than submitting another set of forms. It required identifying the obstacle, addressing it in immigration court, and then carrying the case through the next stage before USCIS.

For our client, this was a 20-plus-year journey toward freedom—and the security of finally holding permanent resident status.

If an old removal order or a previous denial is standing in the way of your immigration plans, schedule a consultation to understand your options.

Law Office of Alena Shautsova
New York Immigration Lawyer
📞 917-885-2261
🌐 shautsova.com

Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.