Sam Nelson
@immlaw.bsky.social
Author of "Immigration Law Explained" https://samsramblingss.substack.com/
"The booze made me do it." Understanding the nexus requirement in domestic violence asylum law.
"The booze made me do it"
In DV asylum cases, Advocates should generally avoid discussing drug and alcohol abuse.
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:20 PM
"The booze made me do it." Understanding the nexus requirement in domestic violence asylum law.
A fiddler on the loose -- a problematic petitioner and the Convention Against Torture.
A Fiddler on the Loose
Nobody wants to have anything to do with David Fiddler.
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:03 PM
A fiddler on the loose -- a problematic petitioner and the Convention Against Torture.
"Stand by your ineffective counsel" -- Strict compliance with Lozada not needed for "exceptional circumstances" analysis
Stand by your ineffective counsel
Strict compliance with Lozada not needed for "exceptional circumstances" analysis
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM
"Stand by your ineffective counsel" -- Strict compliance with Lozada not needed for "exceptional circumstances" analysis
"The Un-People". See how Circuit Court Judge Paul Matey is arguing to remove First, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights from millions of people.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/un-persons
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/un-persons
Un-persons
Dissent argues that immigrants lack fifth amendment rights
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:42 PM
"The Un-People". See how Circuit Court Judge Paul Matey is arguing to remove First, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights from millions of people.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/un-persons
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/un-persons
A further look at the CECOT prison in El Salvador, and it's impact on the Convention Against Torture.
Does CECOT Justify CAT? Part 2
Second Circuit says "Yes"; Fourth says "No"
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:20 PM
A further look at the CECOT prison in El Salvador, and it's impact on the Convention Against Torture.
Re. the new biometrics data policy: "... to prove or disprove the existence of a claimed, or unclaimed, genetic relationship" for e.g. asylum or other visas. Kids included in their parents' applications now have a new hurdle. Lots of ways this could go bad.
www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...
www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...
migrantinsider.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Re. the new biometrics data policy: "... to prove or disprove the existence of a claimed, or unclaimed, genetic relationship" for e.g. asylum or other visas. Kids included in their parents' applications now have a new hurdle. Lots of ways this could go bad.
www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...
www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...
For asylum country conditions work, recent report from IDB studies the experience of migrants returned to Honduras. Not entirely helpful: 8/10 work, almost all returned kids are in school. Good to be aware of e.g. if govt uses it and we need to respond.
publications.iadb.org/en/node/37123
publications.iadb.org/en/node/37123
Retorno y reintegración en Honduras: informe de seguimiento
Este informe ofrece el primer levantamiento sistemático de información sobre personas retornadas en Honduras, a partir de una encuesta aplicada a 1.230 individuos entre uno y cuatro meses después de s...
publications.iadb.org
November 3, 2025 at 11:06 AM
For asylum country conditions work, recent report from IDB studies the experience of migrants returned to Honduras. Not entirely helpful: 8/10 work, almost all returned kids are in school. Good to be aware of e.g. if govt uses it and we need to respond.
publications.iadb.org/en/node/37123
publications.iadb.org/en/node/37123
A look at whether the threat of detention in El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison justifies protection under the Convention Against Torture.
Does CECOT Justify CAT?
Torture by crooks, or torture by cops?
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:03 PM
A look at whether the threat of detention in El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison justifies protection under the Convention Against Torture.
Reposted by Sam Nelson
For our non-immigration practitioner friends, the proposed presumption would likely make it easier for women asylum applicants to make gender-based claims.
October 31, 2025 at 6:51 PM
For our non-immigration practitioner friends, the proposed presumption would likely make it easier for women asylum applicants to make gender-based claims.
No Reasonable Person Could Find It Reasonable: Overcoming the internal relocation bar
No Reasonable Person Could Find It Reasonable
Overcoming the internal relocation bar if your domestic partner might not accompany you.
samsramblingss.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 12:39 PM
No Reasonable Person Could Find It Reasonable: Overcoming the internal relocation bar
Reposted by Sam Nelson
We're launching a portal to review federal immigration enforcement in New York after yesterday’s ICE raid on Canal Street.
New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.
ag.ny.gov/federal-acti...
New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.
ag.ny.gov/federal-acti...
Federal Action Reporting Form
Federal Action Reporting Form Please use this form to share information regarding federal government action in New York state. Filing a complaint does not start
ag.ny.gov
October 31, 2025 at 9:30 AM
We're launching a portal to review federal immigration enforcement in New York after yesterday’s ICE raid on Canal Street.
New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.
ag.ny.gov/federal-acti...
New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.
ag.ny.gov/federal-acti...
Reposted by Sam Nelson
Wallkill Tower, an old water tower that was turned into a cell phone tower. I took the reference photo a year or two ago in Wallkill, NY, last time I was in the area.
#procreate #digitalart #artyear
#procreate #digitalart #artyear
October 31, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Wallkill Tower, an old water tower that was turned into a cell phone tower. I took the reference photo a year or two ago in Wallkill, NY, last time I was in the area.
#procreate #digitalart #artyear
#procreate #digitalart #artyear
@joegordon.bsky.social Wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained," a weekly writeup of recent Circuit Court decisions. Here's a recent post on I589 deadlines:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/a-fortnigh...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/a-fortnigh...
A Fortnight and a Day
How long would it take you to write your life story?
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:57 PM
@joegordon.bsky.social Wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained," a weekly writeup of recent Circuit Court decisions. Here's a recent post on I589 deadlines:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/a-fortnigh...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/a-fortnigh...
@unlawfulentries.bsky.social wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- weekly plain-language commentary on circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum claims.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
State (in)action
9th circuit reaffirms that reporting is not necessary for state action
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:10 PM
@unlawfulentries.bsky.social wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- weekly plain-language commentary on circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum claims.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
@melissa-sanchez.bsky.social wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- weekly plain-language commentary on circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum claims.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
State (in)action
9th circuit reaffirms that reporting is not necessary for state action
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM
@melissa-sanchez.bsky.social wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- weekly plain-language commentary on circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum claims.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
@chloeneast.bsky.social wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- weekly plain-language commentary on circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum claims.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
State (in)action
9th circuit reaffirms that reporting is not necessary for state action
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
@chloeneast.bsky.social wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- weekly plain-language commentary on circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum claims.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
@ximenabustillo.bsky.social wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- weekly plain-language commentary on circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum claims.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
State (in)action
9th circuit reaffirms that reporting is not necessary for state action
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
@ximenabustillo.bsky.social wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- weekly plain-language commentary on circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum claims.
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
@haleaziz.bsky.social Wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- a weekly plain-language writeup of select circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
State (in)action
9th circuit reaffirms that reporting is not necessary for state action
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:07 PM
@haleaziz.bsky.social Wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- a weekly plain-language writeup of select circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "state action" in DV asylum:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
@luisferre7.bsky.social Wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- a weekly writeup of select circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on asylum law and "Particular Social Groups".
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-law-is...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-law-is...
The law is an ass
Consequences for failing to propose an imputed version of the PSG
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:05 PM
@luisferre7.bsky.social Wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- a weekly writeup of select circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on asylum law and "Particular Social Groups".
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-law-is...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-law-is...
@davidjbier.bsky.social I wanted to share my blog on immigration law -- weekly rundowns of select circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "crimmigration" and how it actually plays out:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/you-can-le...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/you-can-le...
You can leave your hat on
One statute, indivisible: Circuits split on whether NJ law can be split
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:03 PM
@davidjbier.bsky.social I wanted to share my blog on immigration law -- weekly rundowns of select circuit court decisions. Here's a recent post on "crimmigration" and how it actually plays out:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/you-can-le...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/you-can-le...
@gwynnefitz.bsky.social Wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- plain-language explanations of recent immigration court cases. Here's a recent post on DV asylum:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-booze-...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-booze-...
"The booze made me do it"
In DV asylum cases, Advocates should generally avoid discussing drug and alcohol abuse.
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
@gwynnefitz.bsky.social Wanted to share my blog, "Immigration Law Explained" -- plain-language explanations of recent immigration court cases. Here's a recent post on DV asylum:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-booze-...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-booze-...
@nickmiroff.bsky.social I write on immigration law, thought it might be of interest to you. Here's the latest:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-law-is...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-law-is...
The law is an ass
Consequences for failing to propose an imputed version of the PSG
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
@nickmiroff.bsky.social I write on immigration law, thought it might be of interest to you. Here's the latest:
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-law-is...
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-law-is...
Reposted by Sam Nelson
In the teeny, tiny town of Beacon, NY, there is a teeny, tiny free art gallery that fits in a box — take or leave art. It now has a display of a dozen of my pieces as stickers, and someone else’s ghosts.
They’re really very charming ghosts. That someone else should be very proud.
#beaconny
They’re really very charming ghosts. That someone else should be very proud.
#beaconny
October 29, 2025 at 12:46 PM
In the teeny, tiny town of Beacon, NY, there is a teeny, tiny free art gallery that fits in a box — take or leave art. It now has a display of a dozen of my pieces as stickers, and someone else’s ghosts.
They’re really very charming ghosts. That someone else should be very proud.
#beaconny
They’re really very charming ghosts. That someone else should be very proud.
#beaconny
State action and gender-based violence -- 9th circuit reaffirms that reporting isn't required (but keep an eye on state department reports).
#immigrationlaw
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
#immigrationlaw
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
State (in)action
9th circuit reaffirms that reporting is not necessary for state action
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:35 PM
State action and gender-based violence -- 9th circuit reaffirms that reporting isn't required (but keep an eye on state department reports).
#immigrationlaw
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
#immigrationlaw
samsramblingss.substack.com/p/state-inac...
@asylumadvocacy.bsky.social This might be useful: samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-attorn...
The attorney general is never satisfied
Third Circuit cedes jurisdiction over "extraordinary circumstance" determination for missed deadline
samsramblingss.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:06 PM
@asylumadvocacy.bsky.social This might be useful: samsramblingss.substack.com/p/the-attorn...