Immigration Updates

By: Norka M. Schell | July 1, 2026 On June 30, 2026, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its highly anticipated decision in Trump v. Barbara, striking down Executive Order No. 14160 and firmly protecting the constitutional right to birthright citizenship. For immigrant communities across New York and global citizens with ties to…

By: NORKA M. SCHELL, ESQ. | JUNE 19, 2026 1. Introduction: The Power of Place In the architecture of International Private Law (Direito Internacional Privado), the determination of applicable law hinges upon the “connecting factor.” While many jurisdictions traditionally adhered to the nationality of the individual, the Brazilian legal system underwent a foundational shift. As…

By: Norka M. Schell, Esq. | June 19, 2026 If you are a Brazilian expatriate or dual citizen filing for divorce in New York State, you are likely facing a critical question: Can a New York judge divide the apartment I own in São Paulo, my investments in a Brazilian bank, or the inheritance I…

By: Norka M. Schell, Esq. | June 07, 2026 Moving money between the United States and Brazil is a routine process for expats, investors, and families. However, both the IRS and the Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central do Brasil, or Bacen) monitor international capital flows closely to prevent tax evasion and money laundering. The…

By: Norka M. Schell, Esq. | May 23, 2026 Navigating USCIS policies can often feel overwhelming, but understanding the legal reality of your options is the first step toward securing your future. If you are deciding how to apply for your green card, you must understand how the government views your application. Applying for lawful…

By: Norka M. Schell | June 7, 2026 The New York Dream Requires a Concrete Legal Strategy New York City is the financial and cultural capital of the world. For foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, establishing a presence in Manhattan is the ultimate milestone. But what many ambitious individuals don’t realize is that one misstep…

By: Norka M. Schell, Esq. | May 30, 2026 If your child traveled from Brazil to the United States for a “temporary visit” and the other parent refuses to return them, you are not just facing a family disagreement—you are dealing with international child abduction. Here is what you need to know to get your…

By: Norka M. Schell | Maio 23, 2026 Repensando o Acordo Pré-Nupcial: Uma Prova de Amor e Transparência Ficar noivo é, sem dúvida, um dos momentos mais mágicos na vida de um casal. Entre a escolha do local perfeito, a degustação de bolos e a elaboração da lista de convidados, os meses que antecedem o…

By: Norka M. Schell | May 23, 2026 Getting engaged is one of the most exciting milestones in a couple’s life. Between picking out venues, tasting cakes, and drafting guest lists, the months leading up to a wedding are filled with joyful planning. However, there is one crucial conversation that many couples avoid until the…

By: Norka M. Schell, Esq. | Published on May 14, 2026 The H-1B visa has long been the gold standard for high-skilled professionals in the U.S. However, as of May 2026, the “standard” has shifted. With recent reporting from Forbes highlighting a wave of upcoming restrictions for 2026 and 2027, the margin for error has…