The ImmiGreat Podcast by Wilner & O'Reilly

Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC

Hosted by Richard Wilner and brought to you by the immigration law experts at Wilner & O’Reilly, this podcast is dedicated to the dreamers, the doers, and the resilient souls who redefine what it means to be American.What to Expect:- Trending Topics: Stay up-to-date with the latest shifts in immigration policy and law.- Informational Segments: Deep dives into the "how-tos" and "must-knows" of navigating the U.S. legal system.- Powerful Guest Stories: Over the years, Richard has walked alongside countless individuals who arrived with nothing but grit and a refusal to fail. Subscribe to join the conversation and gain a clearer perspective on the legal and human sides of immigration.Connect With UsWebsite: https://www.wilneroreilly.com/Consultations: https://calendly.com/richardmwilnerimmigrationlawyer/initial-consultation-richardSocial Media: https://linktr.ee/wilneroreilly?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn2gsjEU2Bs13GtgXwAyDIppxj4sbcqXPiSP0F5mFj74DXH2VzchCYviXZDXA_aem_6R2EIgIp8-msN3KzEK8i2Q

  1. 1d ago

    Why 95% of Asylum Cases Are Being Denied in Immigration Court

    In immigration court, asylum is not an application. It’s a defense to removal. Right now, many asylum cases end before the applicant ever gets a full hearing on their story. In this episode, immigration attorney Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, explains how defensive asylum works once you’re in removal proceedings, why the national grant rate has fallen to as low as 5%, and how cases get thrown out before a trial on the merits. Topics covered: How asylum works as a defense to deportationThe one-year filing deadline and its narrow exceptionsWhat asylum requires: past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution based on race, religion, national origin, membership in a particular social group, or political opinionPretermission: how judges deny applications before a hearingWhy generalized violence alone isn’t a basis for asylumHow incomplete applications can get deniedAsylum cooperative agreements and removal to third countriesThe annual asylum fee and what happens if you miss itWhy credibility and preparation decide casesWithholding of removal and its limitsKey takeaways: Plead every element on your form and declaration, including the protected ground and the nexus to your fear.Submit individualized evidence on any third country DHS names.Pay the annual fee on time and file proof with the court.Prepare extensively so your testimony is credible.If you’re in removal proceedings, or worried you may end up there, consult an immigration lawyer experienced in these defenses. For more information, contact Wilner & O’Reilly at wilneroreilly.com. This video is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Watching it does not create an attorney-client relationship. #Asylum #ImmigrationCourt #ImmigrationLawyer #RichardWilner #WilnerOReilly

    Why 95% of Asylum Cases Are Being Denied in Immigration Court

  2. 6d ago

    Green Card Holders: Don’t Vote on Nov 3rd

    Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, the most important thing you can do that day is nothing. In Episode 25, we explain why green card holders and other lawfully present non-citizens cannot vote, and why simply registering to vote can trigger serious immigration consequences. That includes registering while getting a driver’s license or checking the wrong box on an I-9 for a new job. It can be treated as a false claim to U.S. citizenship, prosecuted criminally, and lead to removal (deportation) proceedings. In this episode: 00:00 Why non-citizens should not vote on Election Day 00:58 How registering to vote can come back to haunt you 01:58 What happens on your N-400 naturalization application 03:06 Removal proceedings and cancellation of removal 04:06 Can you still become a citizen later? If you’ve registered to vote or voted in the past, there may still be a path forward. Talk to a knowledgeable immigration lawyer before you file your N-400. 📞 Contact Wilner & O’Reilly: https://wilneroreilly.com This video is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Consult an immigration attorney about your specific situation. #ImmigrationLaw #GreenCard #Naturalization #ElectionDay #Citizenship

    Green Card Holders: Don’t Vote on Nov 3rd

  3. Oct 14

    The Immigration Story Behind Cris Cyborg’s Legendary Career

    Before the belts, the knockouts, and the record no other fighter has matched, Cris Cyborg had to win a different kind of battle: proving to U.S. immigration authorities, time and again, that she belonged here. In Episode 24, Richard Wilner of Wilner & O’Reilly sits down with the Brazilian champion he first picked up at the airport before her U.S. debut. Together they unpack her path from a temporary athlete visa to a green card earned on her own merits, to taking the citizenship oath in December 2016. In this episode: Why every trip home meant another stop at the U.S. consulate during fight campHow a promotional contract helped her qualify as a visiting athleteWhat it means to sponsor yourself for a green card as an athlete with extraordinary abilityThe tax mistake that quietly derails citizenship applications for many fightersHer advice for anyone dreaming of building a career in the U.S.Life beyond the cage: faith, family, her farm project in Brazil, and planning for retirementEvery case is different. If you’re an athlete, artist, or professional exploring your options, send us your question or learn more at https://www.wilneroreilly.com

    The Immigration Story Behind Cris Cyborg’s Legendary Career

  4. Oct 7

    What Happens to Your Home, Car & Bank Account After Deportation

    What happens to your house if you get deported? Your mortgage, car loan, and business debts stay with you, but the right documents can let someone you trust keep things running. In Episode 23 of ImmiGreat, Richard Wilner covers three tools more families are asking about: Power of attorney: lets a trusted person handle your bank accounts, bills, and property for youRevocable trust: lets the trustees you choose manage or sell your homeBusiness succession plan: names who can sign checks and run payroll for your company The key is to set these up early, while you can still choose who’s in charge. If you’re unsure what your situation means for your home, family, or business, our team can help you understand where you stand and what to think about next. www.wilneroreilly.com

    What Happens to Your Home, Car & Bank Account After Deportation

  5. Sep 30

    The 2 Immigration Risks Nobody Warns Sponsors & H-1B Workers About

    When most people think about immigration enforcement, they picture deportation. But some of the biggest legal risks we're seeing right now have nothing to do with removal. They show up in a sponsor's finances and an employer's payroll. In Episode 22, we break down two areas where people get caught off guard: The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): Sponsoring a spouse means signing a legally enforceable financial promise, and it doesn't disappear when a marriage ends. We explain who can enforce it, why a prenup won't erase it, and what to do if you've been served with a federal lawsuit by a former spouse.H-1B worker protections: Your employer made sworn promises about your job title and your pay. If you were hired for a professional role but are being asked to do something entirely different, or you're being underpaid, there are paths to hold that employer accountable through the Department of Labor, and in some serious cases, possible U visa eligibility.Every situation is different. If you're a sponsor facing an I-864 claim, or an H-1B worker who believes your employer isn't keeping its promises, send us your question at https://www.wilneroreilly.com This video is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Watching it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

    The 2 Immigration Risks Nobody Warns Sponsors & H-1B Workers About

  6. Sep 17

    VAWA, U Visas & More: The Immigration Options Abuse Survivors Don't Know They Have

    Staying in an abusive marriage because you think your immigration status depends on it is one of the most common (and most painful) misconceptions our attorneys see. It's not true, and Congress built more than one way out. In this episode, we break down the relief options available to abuse survivors married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, including: The VAWA self-petition: how you can sponsor your own green card without your abuser's knowledge or cooperationThe I-751 waiver: removing conditions on your residency without a joint filing if your marriage was rocky due to abuseSpecial rule cancellation of removal: a path to residency for survivors already in removal proceedingsThe U Visa:  for survivors whose abuser has no immigration status, and who cooperate with law enforcementThese aren't the same process, even though they're often grouped under one label. Each applies at a different stage, for different people, with different requirements, and understanding which door applies to you matters. If you or someone you know is navigating this, you don't have to figure it out alone. Visit wilneroreilly.com to schedule a consultation. This video is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized legal advice.

    VAWA, U Visas & More: The Immigration Options Abuse Survivors Don't Know They Have

  7. Aug 12

    The Right Way to Immigrate: Alex Dos Santos on L-1A, EB-1C, and Building a Life in America

    On this episode, immigration attorney Richard Wilner sits down with Alessandre "Alex" Dos Santos, a Brazilian entrepreneur who built his career as an exclusive distributor for action sports brands like Arnett, Globe, and Electric before doing things the right way: filing an L-1A visa, then an EB-1C, to bring his business and family to the United States. Alex shares the full journey: from childhood trips to Disney that sparked his connection to America, to growing his distribution business across multiple brands, to the moment his son Eric's autism diagnosis pushed him to explore relocating the family for better support and resources. He opens up about the sacrifices of the immigration process — including the year-plus stretch without being able to visit family in Brazil — and the emotional path to citizenship, including Eric's unforgettable citizenship interview where he refused any accommodations and studied to pass on his own. Topics covered: Building a distribution business in Brazil across multiple action sports brandsWhy Alex chose the L-1A → EB-1C path instead of shortcutsHow a son's autism diagnosis shaped the decision to relocate the familyThe reality of the green card process (including travel restrictions during the wait)Eric's citizenship interview and choosing not to waive the civics/English testFinding school resources and IEP support for a child with special needs in the U.S.Advice for entrepreneurs and professionals considering their own path to AmericaThinking about your own immigration path? Contact us at wilneroreilly.com 📞   Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.

    The Right Way to Immigrate: Alex Dos Santos on L-1A, EB-1C, and Building a Life in America

  8. Aug 5

    Divorced But Still Liable: The I-864 Support Contract That Won't Let Go

    You signed the I-864 to bring your spouse to the United States — but did you know that contract survives even after your marriage ends in divorce? Think signing Form I-864 is just a formality? Think again. In this episode, immigration attorney breaks down why the Affidavit of Support isn't a moral gesture, it's a legally binding contract with the U.S. government AND the immigrant you sponsored. Learn why:  ✅ Your I-864 obligations can outlive your marriage — even after divorce  ✅ Sponsored immigrants can sue U.S. citizens for breach of contract  ✅ Prenups and family court support orders do NOT override I-864 obligations  ✅ There's a dollar-for-dollar credit that can reduce what you owe  ✅ Plaintiff's lawyers are now advertising these lawsuits on contingency Practicing immigration law exclusively since 1999, our attorneys have seen a sharp rise in I-864 breach of contract lawsuits over the past year. If you've been served with one of these lawsuits, or you're a sponsor who wants to understand your risk, this episode is for you. Contact us at wilneroreilly.com! 🔔 Subscribe for more on immigration law, sponsorship obligations, and family-based immigration issues. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. ⚖️ Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.

    Divorced But Still Liable: The I-864 Support Contract That Won't Let Go
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About

Hosted by Richard Wilner and brought to you by the immigration law experts at Wilner & O’Reilly, this podcast is dedicated to the dreamers, the doers, and the resilient souls who redefine what it means to be American.What to Expect:- Trending Topics: Stay up-to-date with the latest shifts in immigration policy and law.- Informational Segments: Deep dives into the "how-tos" and "must-knows" of navigating the U.S. legal system.- Powerful Guest Stories: Over the years, Richard has walked alongside countless individuals who arrived with nothing but grit and a refusal to fail. Subscribe to join the conversation and gain a clearer perspective on the legal and human sides of immigration.Connect With UsWebsite: https://www.wilneroreilly.com/Consultations: https://calendly.com/richardmwilnerimmigrationlawyer/initial-consultation-richardSocial Media: https://linktr.ee/wilneroreilly?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn2gsjEU2Bs13GtgXwAyDIppxj4sbcqXPiSP0F5mFj74DXH2VzchCYviXZDXA_aem_6R2EIgIp8-msN3KzEK8i2Q

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