Blogs
Will Social Security consider the years of schooling I have had or what my real edcuational ability is when determining what other work I can do?
I am currently working on a federal court case in which my client completed 8th grade but believes that she really only has an education
SSA Office of Inspector General issues Semiannual Report to Congress
Last week the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (“OIG”) issued their Semiannual Report to Congress. It summarizes their auditing activities within the
Social Security Administration fails to reduce initial claims backlog due to funding
In a report, The Social Security Administration’s Progress in Reducing the Initial Disability Claims Backlog released on April 28, 2014, the Office of the
Something to look forward to if you are 55 or older – easier to win disability
Individuals who are 55 and older are treated differently under Social Security’s rules for disability than younger individuals. Essentially it becomes easier to win a
The fastest and (soon only) way to obtain verification of SSI/SSDI benefits
I have often sent my clients to the local Vallejo Social Security field office to obtain a benefit verification letter. It is no longer necessary
A strategy to win SSI for someone with Williams Syndrome
I am currently working on a case for an individual with Williams Syndrome. According to the Williams Syndrome Association, Williams Syndrome is “a genetic condition that
Gift ideas for the holidays – What to give to a new U.S. citizen?
As I was driving through Walnut Creek, on the way to BART, I was passing by a lot of stores and thinking about how crowded
New Asylum Case on Family as Social Group
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Rios v. Lynch, — F.3d — (9th Cir. 2015) recently held that the Board of Immigration
Immigration Blog Round-Up, Week ending December 6, 2015
I have decided to change the days of blog round up from Fridays to Sundays. It seems more natural to have a “round-up” at the
Five Tips to Prepare for your Asylum Interview
With delays of two years, at a minimum, from the date of filing to the date of the asylum interview, at least in San Francisco,
How do I clear my immigration record so I don’t get stopped at the airport?
I recently had a client returning from a trip abroad through the San Francisco International Airport. He was stopped and referred to secondary inspection where
USCIS changes policy on approval of visa petitions for widow(er)s
A few days ago, USCIS released a new policy memo on the approval of visa petitions for widows/widowers. The new policy allows a spouse of

