Think a "stateless" status or a dismissed case protects non-citizens from deportation? Under current federal policies, the government is actively using third-country removals to deport long-term legal permanent residents. Using the real-world stories of clients facing ICE detention, this post explores the harsh legacy of the 1996 immigration amendments, the realities of out-of-state ICE facilities, and why a full, unconditional pardon from Governor Pritzker is the absolute last resort to save families from being torn apart.
Read MoreDid you know that a "dismissed" case or a deferred sentence in Illinois can still count as a conviction under federal immigration law? Because the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) uses a vastly broader definition of "conviction" than state courts, many non-citizens unwittingly jeopardize their Green Cards or legal status. In this post, we break down the stark contrast between Illinois and federal definitions, explain how a criminal defense attorney must protect you, and outline why standard sealing or expungement won't solve an immigration crisis.
Read MoreFor 14 years, I have read the "tea leaves" of Illinois clemency data. But in 2026, those leaves are harder to read than ever. With petitions pending since 2020 and an election on the horizon, here is the truth about how long it takes to obtain a pardon from Governor Pritzker and what the latest data reveals.
Read MoreIllinois has officially joined the growing list of Clean Slate states. With the signing of House Bill 1836, certain arrest and conviction records will be automatically sealed beginning in 2029, shifting responsibility from individuals to the state. This post explains what the Clean Slate Act does—and doesn’t—cover, outlines important expungement and sealing changes taking effect in 2026, and clarifies when a petition will still be required to clear a criminal record in Illinois.
Read MoreGov. J.B. Pritzker issued just 173 clemency decisions in 2025, continuing a downward trend in pardons and sentence commutations during his second term. This analysis breaks down the data, highlights which offenses were most affected, and explains why many Illinois residents must continue relying on expungement and record sealing—not executive clemency—to move forward with their lives.
Read MoreIn 2013, when Illinois became the last state to issue concealed carry permits, there was an increase in the number of people interested in applying for a F.O.I.D. card, a prerequisite to qualifying for a concealed carry permit. Some people soon discovered that they didn’t qualify for a F.O.I.D. card because of their past criminal history.
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