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Author: Ilona Bray

Ilona Bray is an attorney who gave up the active practice of law to edit and author books and articles for Nolo. Her working background includes both solo immigration practice and working or volunteering as an immigration attorney with nonprofit organizations in Seattle and California.
Separating Children at Border Is New and Is NOT Mandated by Law

Separating Children at Border Is New and Is NOT Mandated by Law

Proving a negative is notoriously difficult, including trying to prove that a law that’s been alluded to numerous times doesn’t exist. Cynics might speculate that that’s exactly what the Trump Administration is counting on when it issues statements justifying its new (yes, new) policy of separating children from parents encountered at, or after having crossed, the southern U.S. border. Trump himself tweeted, “Put pressure on the Democrats to end the horrible law that separates children from there [sic] parents once…

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Word Isn’t Getting Out About Low Down Payment Loan Possibilities!

Word Isn’t Getting Out About Low Down Payment Loan Possibilities!

When Nolo published the latest edition of its Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home in 2017,  one theme stood out among our participating experts: the satisfaction that came from helping would-be buyers who didn’t think they could afford a house purchase, by guiding them toward loan options that don’t require the traditional 20% down. For instance, Sydney Andrews of Loanenvy.com said it’s, “a good feeling when a first-time homebuyer comes in, nervous, thinking they might not really be able…

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Which Links in the Chain of U.S. Immigration Would You Break?

Which Links in the Chain of U.S. Immigration Would You Break?

The White House seems to have it in for what it calls “chain migration.” Its website pronounces: “Most green cards … are awarded based on an antiquated system … of Chain Migration—whereby one immigrant can bring in their entire extended families, who can bring in their families and so on … familial relations are all that is required to obtain a green card and, in turn, become a voting U.S. Citizen within a short period of time . . ….

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Top Ten Nolo Articles for 2017

Top Ten Nolo Articles for 2017

Happy New Year! And now, for a quick look back at what Nolo’s online readers were putting first on their reading lists last year. Anyone notice any themes? The ones that seem to stand out are money, money, more money, the inevitable inquiries following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, and food. Let’s take a closer look, starting at the top. Will I Get Penalized for Working While Collecting Social Security Retirement? Looks like a lot of people either can’t give up the…

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Cost of Owning a Home Likely to Go Up in 2018

Cost of Owning a Home Likely to Go Up in 2018

Between tax law changes, insurance industry responses to disasters, and fluctuations in the market in general, the finances of owning a home are likely to shift in this new year—and mostly for the worse. Here’s what we’re looking at:  A lower limit has been placed on the amount of mortgage debt a homeowner can deduct interest on—it has gone from $1 million to $750,000. Deducting interest on a home equity loan will be possible only when the loan is used to substantially…

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