The ImmiGreat Podcast by Wilner & O'Reilly

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

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 camp
• How a promotional contract helped her qualify as a visiting athlete
• What it means to sponsor yourself for a green card as an athlete with extraordinary ability
• The tax mistake that quietly derails citizenship applications for many fighters
• Her 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 retirement

Every 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

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 you
• Revocable trust: lets the trustees you choose manage or sell your home
• Business 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

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.

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 cooperation
• The I-751 waiver: removing conditions on your residency without a joint filing if your marriage was rocky due to abuse
• Special rule cancellation of removal: a path to residency for survivors already in removal proceedings
• The U Visa: for survivors whose abuser has no immigration status, and who cooperate with law enforcement

These 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.

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 brands
• Why Alex chose the L-1A → EB-1C path instead of shortcuts
• How a son's autism diagnosis shaped the decision to relocate the family
• The reality of the green card process (including travel restrictions during the wait)
• Eric's citizenship interview and choosing not to waive the civics/English test
• Finding 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 America

Thinking 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.

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.

In this episode of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner breaks down a major policy shift from the Department of Homeland Security that affects F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa holders (foreign media representatives).

On July 17, 2026, DHS ended nearly 50 years of precedent (since 1978) by eliminating "duration of status" for these visa categories. Instead of being admitted for as long as they maintain academic progress, students and exchange visitors are now capped at a fixed four-year period, or the length of their specific program, whichever is shorter.

In this episode, we cover:

• What "duration of status" was, and why DHS just ended it
• The new 4-year admission cap for F-1, J-1, and I visas
• How the I-94, visa stamp, and I-20 actually control your legal status
• The grace period shrinking from 60 days to 30 days
• How the clock resets with each new academic level (high school → college, college → grad school)
• Why international student-athletes face unique risk — redshirting, medical/Olympic exceptions, and the transfer portal
• What PhD candidates and other long-program students need to do to extend their stay
• The new biometrics and re-vetting process tied to extension requests
• Key dates: the rule isn't effective until September 15, 2026, and only applies going forward — current students already here won't be automatically switched to the fixed term

Richard's advice: pay attention, plan appropriately, and don't wait until the deadline is close. There's no substitute for knowing exactly how this rule applies to your situation.

For a consultation on your immigration case, visit https://www.wilneroreilly.com

#F1Visa #J1Visa #StudentVisa #ImmigrationLaw #DHS #USCIS

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique — consult a licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation.

On this episode, Richard M. Wilner, Board Certified Specialist in Immigration Law by the State Bar of California and Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, sits down with Renato "Babalu" Sobral, former Brazilian wrestling champion, Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, two-time UFC title challenger, and owner of Babalu's Iron Gym in Cerritos, CA. Babalu shares his journey from wrestling in Brazil at age nine to fighting some of MMA's biggest names, and how he built a life in America — from his P-1 athlete visa, to earning a green card through extraordinary ability, to becoming a U.S. citizen.

Richard and Babalu talk about the rivalry between Luta Livre and Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil, his transition from fighter to business owner and teacher, raising two daughters between two cultures, the immigrant mindset, and his advice for anyone planning their own path to America.

Topics covered:

• Babalu's wrestling roots in Brazil
• Crossing over from Luta Livre to Jiu-Jitsu
• Fighting in the UFC and Strikeforce
• Getting a P-1 visa and green card through extraordinary ability
• Becoming a U.S. citizen
• Raising his daughters between Brazilian and American culture
• Transitioning from fighter to gym owner at Babalu's Iron Gym
• Teaching kids confidence through martial arts
• Advice for immigrants planning their move to the U.S.

🔗 Follow Renato "Babalu" Sobral: https://www.instagram.com/babalusirongym/
🔗 Follow Babalu's Iron Gym: https://www.instagram.com/babalubjj/https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbThJMzQ3am5MZEI0Sl9NQVpuelNhYnV0Mmw1UXxBQ3Jtc0ttSHpNRW84Zkx3OXFpWGllc2owYVd1cFRPMDcyZTctR1NfNnNEUlpXNi1FQUtvYjBuQWpVUHNlMXp4X3NIc2x1d3FnVjNFbXZaRlhFZXFuOHZBdzZmLWhTd0VydmZma1B5dEkyUkp4QklwXzIzdjJzbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkingsmmaacademy%2F&v=TCPQDzJn5O8

Have immigration questions? Contact us! https://www.wilneroreilly.com/contact/

The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, provides practical, real-world insight into complex immigration topics affecting individuals, families, and employers. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand their options and next steps.

Attorney Richard Wilner breaks down the May 21st USCIS memorandum (PM 602-0199) that's caused confusion and panic in the immigration community regarding adjustment of status.

Does this memo mean you have to leave the U.S. to get your green card? Is adjustment of status now "extraordinary relief" instead of a normal process? Richard clears up the misinformation and explains what the law actually says.

In this episode, we cover:
- What adjustment of status is and how it works
- The truth behind the "extraordinary relief" language in the memo
- Why adjustment of status has always been discretionary — not new
- How immigration officers use discretion (and its limits)
- What to expect in interviews post-memo
- Unlawful employment forgiveness for immediate relatives
- Why preparation matters more than ever

Adjustment of status remains a valid path to a green card. The law hasn't changed — but agency practices have shifted, and preparation is key.

For a consultation on your immigration case, visit https://www.wilneroreilly.com

#AdjustmentOfStatus #ImmigrationLaw #GreenCard #USCIS #ImmigrationAttorney

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique — consult a licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation.

The World Cup is here and so are some fascinating immigration stories! In this episode, Immigration Attorney and Board Certified Specialist of the State Bar of California, Richard Wilner, breaks down the real-world US immigration issues playing out on the world's biggest soccer stage.

Topics covered:

• How the US expanded visitor visas for World Cup players and referees (and why most players don't have athlete visas)
• The Somali referee Omar Tons — why a valid visa didn't guarantee entry into the US
• The difference between a visa (Dept. of State) and admission (Customs & Border Protection)
• A Ghana player denied entry into Canada due to pending UK criminal charges — and why the same charges wouldn't bar him from the US
• Why Canada's border rules are stricter than the US (including DUI convictions)
• What happens to your visa if you're arrested for a DUI while already in the US
• Argentina's child support notifications to FIFA and the US government — and what that means for travelers

For more information on US immigration law, visit: www.wilneroreilly.com

In Episode 14 of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner sits down with Chito Vera, UFC Bantamweight contender, ranked in the UFC's top 10, and the fighter with the most finishes in UFC Bantamweight history. But this conversation isn't about the highlights or the submissions. It's about the story behind the fighter.

Chito left Ecuador not because of a dream to become a professional athlete, but because his daughter needed a doctor who was in Los Angeles. What followed was one of the most honest and moving accounts of the immigrant experience you'll hear: sacrifice, uncertainty, longing, and ultimately, a family built in a new country the right way.
In this episode, Chito and Richard discuss:
👉 Growing up in Chone, Ecuador
👉 Becoming a young father and husband, and the moment everything changed with his daughter Anna's diagnosis of Moebius Syndrome
👉 Leaving his family behind in Ecuador to train in the U.S. and the doubt that came with those lonely weekends
👉 How the UFC's P-1 athlete visa works
👉 Why his team made the switch from a P-1 to an O-1 visa for extraordinary ability
👉 Moving his entire family to California with $6,000, no social security, and no plan
👉 How he ultimately obtained his green card based on extraordinary ability as an athlete
👉 What permanent residency has meant for his family, his daughter's education and medical care, and his peace of mind
👉 The immigrant mentality
👉 Walking Paris Fashion Week, Stone Island campaigns, and how one organic relationship led to another
👉 What becoming a U.S. citizen would mean to him and why he's working toward it

Chito's story is a reminder that doing things the right way is rarely the easiest way. But it is the way that lasts.

Have immigration questions? Contact Wilner & O'Reilly:
Website: www.wilneroreilly.com/contact
Blog: www.wilneroreilly.com/blog

The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, brings you real conversations about the real immigration experience from the legal process to the human story behind it. Each episode is designed to inform, inspire, and remind you that you are not alone in this journey.

In Episode 13 of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner addresses one of the most common questions he receives right now: Is this the right time to apply for U.S. citizenship?

As a Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly and a Board-Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, Richard's answer is clear — if you're eligible, the answer is an absolute yes.

In this episode, Richard walks through everything you need to know about the naturalization process, including:
• Who qualifies for naturalization and when you can apply
• The 5-year and 3-year paths to citizenship (including the 90-day early filing rule)
• Physical presence requirements and what "continuous residence" actually means
• Good moral character, English, and civics exam requirements
• Step-by-step breakdown of the N-400 application process
• What happens at your USCIS interview — and how to prepare
• The Oath of Allegiance ceremony and what it means to walk out a U.S. citizen

If you've built your life in the United States, met every requirement this country has asked of you, and earned the right to apply... don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Citizenship is the most powerful legal protection available to you as a permanent resident, and this episode explains exactly how to get there.

Contact Wilner & O'Reilly: https://www.wilneroreilly.com/contact/

For more insights, visit our Immigration Blog: https://www.wilneroreilly.com/blog

The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, provides practical, real-world insight into complex immigration topics affecting individuals, families, and employers. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand their options and next steps.

On April 27, 2026, something significant happened that is impacting immigration applications across the country; and if you have a pending case, this is essential listening.

In this episode, 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, breaks down the new USCIS vetting procedures tied to expanded FBI criminal database access and what it means for your pending application.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• What Changed on April 27, 2026: Why immigration lawyers across the country began receiving notifications about widespread adjudication delays.
• The FBI Database Connection: How Executive Order 12385 expanded the FBI's criminal history sharing with the Department of Homeland Security and what that means for your case.
• Who Is Affected: Naturalization, adjustment of status, and asylum applicants and the one exception to the new fingerprint re-vetting requirement.
• Your Rights Under the Law: How the Administrative Procedures Act protects applicants from unreasonable government delays.
• The Writ of Mandamus: The federal legal tool that can compel the government to act on your case and what it really takes to fight it today.

A delay is not a denial. But waiting indefinitely is not your only option. As Richard Wilner explains, if your case is clean and the delay is unreasonable, you have rights and you have options.

For more information or to discuss your case, visit us at www.wilneroreilly.com.

In Episode 11 of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner sits down with Master Rafael Cordeiro — founder of King's MMA in Huntington Beach, three-time Brazilian Muay Thai champion, black belt in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the coach behind some of the biggest names in MMA, including Mike Tyson.

But this episode isn't just about fighting. It's about what it really takes to build a life in America the right way.

Rafael came to the United States on an O-1 visa, a classification reserved for individuals of extraordinary ability, and went on to complete one of the most demanding immigration pathways: the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card petition. Years later, he and his entire family became United States citizens.

In this conversation, Rafael and Richard discuss:

• Growing up in Curitiba, Brazil, and training at the legendary Chute Boxe gym
• Traveling to Japan 52 times to compete in PRIDE FC
• The moment he fell in love with Huntington Beach and decided to bet everything on America
• How the O-1 visa works for athletes and coaches
• Starting from zero in the U.S. — no credit, no social security, no students
• Building King's MMA from the ground up during the 2008 financial crisis
• Training world champions, including Fabricio Werdum, Chris Cyborg, and Mike Tyson
• What becoming a U.S. citizen meant to him and his family
• His advice for anyone dreaming of building a life in America

Rafael's story is a powerful reminder that the American dream is still real, but it requires vision, discipline, and the courage to follow the process, even when it's hard.

🔗 Follow Rafael Cordeiro& King's MMA!

Have immigration questions? Contact us!

https://www.wilneroreilly.com/contact/

The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, provides practical, real-world insight into complex immigration topics affecting individuals, families, and employers. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand their options and next steps.

Think you understand employment-based immigration? In this episode, 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, breaks down all five employment-based green card categories (EB-1 through EB-5), including who qualifies, what the PERM/labor certification process is, and how long each path actually takes.

You’ll learn:
➡️ EB-1: Extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives
➡️ EB-2: Exceptional ability and the National Interest Waiver (NIW)
➡️ EB-3: Skilled and unskilled workers
➡️ EB-4: The "catch-all" category (special immigrants, Afghan/Iraqi nationals, and more)
➡️ EB-5: Investor visas — direct investment vs. regional centers
➡️ The Gold Card: What is it and could it replace EB-5?

Whether you're a foreign national navigating the system or an employer sponsoring workers this episode gives you the real picture.

Learn more at www.wilneroreilly.com

Are you confused about how family-based immigration actually works? In this episode, 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, breaks down the only two paths to permanent residency in the U.S.

While politicians often discuss "chain migration," the reality of the law is much more complex, involving strict categories and long waiting periods.In this video, you’ll learn:

• Immediate Relatives: Who qualifies for the "fast lane" with no annual visa caps.
• The "Minor" Distinction: Why being under 21 years old changes your legal status.
• Preference Categories (F1-F4): A breakdown of sponsorship for adult children, spouses of green card holders, and siblings.
• Realistic Timelines: Why some sponsorships can take 10, 15, or even 20 years to complete.
• Maintaining Status: The risks of falling out of status while waiting for a priority date.

Visit www.wilneroreilly.com to learn more!

Is your immigration application stuck in a "black hole"? Whether it's an asylum application, a green card through marriage, or a naturalization case, excessive government delays can be devastating.

In this episode of "Immigrate," 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, breaks down a powerful legal tool: the Writ of Mandamus.

In this video, you will learn:

• What a Writ of Mandamus is and how it functions as a federal lawsuit.
• Why it is most commonly used for asylum applications pending over 5 years.
• The step-by-step process of filing a complaint in U.S. District Court.
• How the government typically responds and the role of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
• Why the goal is getting an interview, not necessarily an immediate approval from the judge.

If your case is pending well beyond normal processing times, a Writ of Mandamus might be the key to moving your life forward. For more information or to discuss your specific immigration matter, visit us at www.wilneroreilly.com.

Are you or a loved one facing a notice to appear in immigration court?

In this episode 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, breaks down the essential forms of legal relief available in removal proceedings. "Removal" is the legal term for deportation, and being in court means your case is heard by a judge rather than an immigration officer.
We dive into the critical details of:
- Asylum & Withholding of Removal: The difference between affirmative and defensive applications.
- The One-Year Deadline: Why missing this deadline may change your case to "withholding of removal."
- Cancellation of Removal: How permanent residents and non-residents can qualify to stay in the U.S.
- The Hardship Standard: Proving "extreme and exceptionally unusual hardship" to qualifying relatives.

Facing deportation is serious, but there are legal pathways to fight your case. Contact us at www.wilneroreilly.com

If a friend or family member has been detained by ICE, the process of getting them released can be overwhelming and stressful. In this episode of the Immigrate Podcast, Richard Wilner—a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law—breaks down the essential steps for navigating custody and bond hearings. In this episode, we cover:

• Locating a Detainee: How to use the ICE Inmate Locator and why it usually takes 48 hours for the system to update.
• Determining Eligibility: Understanding how arrival methods and specific criminal convictions can impact bond eligibility.
• Mandatory Detention: What it means and alternative "custody mechanisms" like ankle monitors.
• The Bond Hearing: How a custody redetermination hearing works separately from removal proceedings.
• Proving "Flight Risk": Why showing up to court is the key factor and how to demonstrate significant community and family ties.
• Next Steps: What happens to an immigration case after someone is released on the non-detained docket.

Resources:
Find a detained individual: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/
Work with us: https://www.wilneroreilly.com/