Strategies for Undocumented Persons

Persons who come to the U.S. without inspection at the border (entered illegally) are labeled EWI by the BCIS (formally the INS). EWI means "entered without inspection." The U.S. government has made certain provisions available that enable persons who are undocumented to gain permanent residence by marriage, asylum or other means (including 241(I) amnesty relief at certain times). The process is complicated and we strongly advise persons who are undocumented to work with an experienced immigration attorney before applying for any form of relief in order not to expose themselves to deportation.