For many years, the consequences of a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction were relatively minor, but that is all changing. In Matter of Castillo-Perez, 27 I&N Dec. 664 (AG 2019), the attorney general indicated that evidence of two DUI convictions would bar a finding of good moral character and added concerning language about DUIs in the context of discretion for adjustment of status. Our panel of experts will provide practical advice and solutions regarding the consequences of DUIs in different contexts, including naturalization, adjustment of status, consular processing, and removal proceedings.

Featured Topics

• How Is Matter of Castillo-Perez Being Applied, and What Is the Status of Litigation Regarding Immigration Consequences of a DUI?
• How Are DUIs Being Handled at U.S. Consulates, Including Panel Physician Referrals and Discretionary Determinations?
• What Are the Immigration Consequences of a DUI Either During or Prior to the Statutory Good Moral Character Period for Naturalization?
• How Is USCIS Approaching Discretionary Determinations for Adjustment of Status and Naturalization?
• What Are the Immigration Consequences of DUIs for Applicants in Removal Proceedings, Including Applicants for Cancellation of Removal and Voluntary Departure?

CLE Credit

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Faculty

Sabrina R. Damast (DL), Los Angeles, CA
Sabrina Damast is an immigration attorney in Los Angeles focusing on removal defense, Post-Conviction Relief, and federal litigation. She is an active member of her local AILA Chapter and serves on multiple AILA National Committees. Sabrina is also currently the chair of the Immigration & Nationality Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

Mary E. Kramer, AILA Author, Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity, 8th Ed., Miami, FL
Mary E. Kramer is the author of Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity: A Guide to Representing Foreign Born Defendants (8th ed. agora.aila.org). She is the 2015 recipient of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association’s Edith Lowenstein Award: the National Bar Association’s highest award for excellence in advancing the practice of immigration law. Ms. Kramer is a former chair of the AILA South Florida Chapter. She currently serves on AILA National’s Department of State Liaison Committee, and formerly served on the National ICE and EOIR Liaison Committees. She is ERO Past-Chair for South Florida AILA. Ms. Kramer serves on the Board of Trustees for the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota and serves on the Catholic Legal Services Board, of which she was previously president.

Jose ("Chito") Vela III, Austin, TX
Jose “Chito” Vela is originally from Laredo, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 2004. He was a Texas Assistant Attorney General for Open Records and later General Counsel to Texas State Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. before going into private practice. Chito focuses on issues of detention and litigation, particularly criminal and immigration defense and the relationship between the two. He is currently a partner at Walker Gates Vela.