Blog
- Motions to Terminate: The First Line of Defense in Immigration Court
Jan 28, 2026
By David S. Santee A criminal conviction can have devastating consequences for someone who is not a citizen of the United States. Criminal convictions often lead to deportation and disqualify many noncitizens from obtaining lawful immigration status. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) can be unforgiving when it comes to criminal activity. Many criminal convictions cannot be waived. That means that the conviction will lead to certain deportation or denial of an immigration application. On...Read More - The Warrant Trap: Can ICE Enter Your Pennsylvania Home Without a Judge’s Signature?
Jan 23, 2026
On January 21, 2026, the Associated Press Across Pennsylvania, from the busy streets of Philadelphia to the suburbs of Media and Delaware County, families are feeling the pressure of an aggressive new playbook where federal agents use local This surge is not accidental. In 2025, Congress passed H.R. 1, widely referred to as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ or the ‘OBBB,’ which directed roughly $170 billion toward border and immigration enforcement-related initiatives, including...Read More - The Laken Riley Act: Why Minor PA Charges Now Mean Mandatory Detention
Dec 30, 2025
The immigration landscape in the United States has undergone a seismic shift as we move into 2026. For many years, the primary concern for immigrants in Pennsylvania facing minor criminal charges was the potential for a small fine or a short period of probation. Today, that reality has vanished. With the full implementation of the Laken Riley Act (Public Law 119-1), the stakes have been raised to an unprecedented level. At Santee Law Offices, we...Read More - Pennsylvania Immigration Lawyer Challenges ICE’s Mandatory Detention Policy
Nov 11, 2025
Last week, David S. Santee, founding attorney of Santee Law Offices, filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on behalf of an asylum applicant who was arrested during a routine ICE check-in. These arrests have been increasing since the beginning of Trump’s second term in January. Over the last 11 months, DHS has been testing the limits of its authority by arresting people and deporting...Read More - Naturalization Pitfalls: How Past Traffic Offenses or DUIs May Derail U.S. Citizenship in Pennsylvania
Oct 23, 2025
If you are a lawful permanent resident in Pennsylvania, you may be looking forward to the day you officially become a U.S. citizen. At Santee Law Offices, we understand how meaningful that milestone is for you and your family, especially when prior traffic offenses or DUIs may present unexpected complications. In this article, we will explain how such records in Pennsylvania may affect your eligibility for Why Naturalization Matters in Pennsylvania Becoming a U.S...Read More - Can Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Fee Survive in Court? What Small Businesses Need to Know
Sep 26, 2025
If you are a small business that relies on Here are the important questions our clients are asking us now: Will this fee actually withstand legal challenges? Are there any alternatives to H-1B visas that would work for our business? At Santee Law Offices, we believe the biggest uncertainty right now is not about implementation, but about legality. Courts are expected to be asked to decide whether the administration has the authority to impose...Read More - How a Criminal Case Could Affect Your Immigration Path in Pennsylvania
Aug 22, 2025
Many people believe that once a criminal case is resolved, it is no longer a concern for their future. Unfortunately, for immigrants in Pennsylvania and across the United States, even a past arrest or conviction can create serious obstacles when applying for a green card, renewing a visa, or pursuing citizenship. What may seem like a minor offense under state law can trigger major immigration consequences. The best way to make sure your criminal case...Read More - Social Media Vetting in the Trump Era: What Visa Applicants Should Know
Jul 16, 2025
Applying for a U.S. Visa in 2025? What You Post Online Could Derail Your Case Yes, if you’re applying for a If you're applying for a U.S. visa right now, your social media history could become one of the most scrutinized parts of your application. Under updated federal guidance and renewed executive emphasis on digital surveillance, consular officers and immigration officials are looking far beyond your paperwork. They’re analyzing your digital footprint, often years...Read More - Should I Travel This Summer on an F-1 Visa? What Every International Student Needs to Know in 2025
Jun 5, 2025
By Santee Law Offices – Representing Clients in Criminal Matters in Pennsylvania and in Immigration Matters Nationwide. Pennsylvania immigration and “I’m an F-1 student studying in the U.S.—should I go home for the summer?” Every year, students make international travel plans to reunite with family, intern abroad, or rest between semesters. But in 2025, even routine travel could put your legal status—and your academic future—at risk. At A Wave of Student Visa Revocations...Read More - My Husband Was Just Taken by ICE – What Can I Do?
May 21, 2025
When someone you love is suddenly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), every second feels uncertain. You may not know where your husband is, what’s happening to him, or how to protect your family from what comes next. At Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this difficult moment. 1. Stay Calm and Gather Information The first thing you need to do is gather as much information as possible. While that may...Read More