Practical guides on "Immigration and paperwork". Plain language, with examples for the Polish community in the USA.
How to become a U.S. citizen: who can file N-400 after 5 years (3 in marriage to a U.S. citizen), continuous residence and physical presence, fees from G-1055 (10/16/26), 2025 test (20 questions from 128, passing 12), exceptions 50/20, 55/15, 65/20, and N-648, oath, and dual citizenship.
Green Card for the spouse of a U.S. citizen when the marriage has already taken place: Adjustment of Status in the U.S. (I-130 with I-485) or CR-1/IR-1 visa through NVC and the embassy in Warsaw.
The main pathways to a Green Card include family, employment (EB-1, EB-2 NIW, EB-3), investment EB-5, asylum, the DV lottery, and categories for victims of violence, with fees according to the USCIS price list from October 16, 2026, Visa Bulletin dates from October 2026, and a guide on where to start.
Who can obtain asylum in the USA, when to file I-589 with USCIS or in court, how the one-year deadline works, the costs associated with H.R. 1 (as of October 2026), and when one can receive work authorization and a Green Card.
You can legally carry cash within the USA without limits, but police or federal agencies can seize it without charges; this article explains what documents to carry, what to say, what not to sign, how to file a Claim in time from the notice, and how it differs from a petition.
The U.S. Constitution protects everyone, including those without status: you can remain silent, do not open doors without a judge's warrant (I-200 and I-205 are not), and do not sign anything without a lawyer. When a Polish person without a Green Card is detained, U.S. authorities notify the consulate. This includes foreign registration, ESTA, bail, and a quick cheat sheet.
Children do not have a separate threshold: CBP counts the total amount for the family or group. A FinCEN 105 report is required for amounts over $10,000. This article explains the origin of the myth, what the regulations and CBP say, why dividing money among children is structuring, and how to report the total amount.
Exporting money from the USA is legal, but amounts over $10,000 must be reported on FinCEN 105, and the threshold applies to the entire family or group.
Importing any amount of cash into the USA is legal, but amounts over $10,000 must be reported on FinCEN 105, with the threshold counting for the entire family or group; this article explains what to include in the amount, how to report online, the consequences of structuring, and what documents to have on hand.
This article explains what working without authorization means in the USA (I-9, E-Verify), its immigration and criminal consequences, the rights of all workers regardless of status (minimum wage, OSHA, unions), taxes and ITIN, and legal paths to obtaining a work permit, including an interactive flowchart and guidance on where to find reliable legal assistance.
This guide explains which agency handles your immigration case in the USA, the typical process in USCIS (application, receipt number, biometrics, RFE, decision, appeal), how to track your status and change your address, who can legally assist you, and how to avoid scams, featuring an interactive flowchart.
Duplicate SSN cards, IRS installment payments, and N-400 citizenship applications – all online. How Login.gov (requires SSN) and ID.me (also works from Poland) function, what has disappeared in 2026 (Direct File eliminated, Polish IRS pages removed), and where you can still receive service in Polish (SSA with free translators).
Learn how customs control works when bringing large sums of cash into the USA, including the inspection process, rights during questioning by CBP officers, and when to seek legal assistance.
Traveling with a large amount of cash can be concerning; learn how to prepare the right documentation, avoid suspicion, and what to say (and what to avoid) when interacting with officials.
Learn whether TSA has the right to search cash during security checks and what your rights are as a traveler, including procedures and what to do in case of confrontation.
Are you wondering if you can transport gold across borders? Learn about the regulations in the USA and the formalities you need to fulfill to avoid issues.
Learn how civil asset forfeiture laws work in the USA, the differences between civil and criminal forfeiture, and how you can defend against unjust property seizure.
Learn how the cash confiscation process by CBP works in the USA, understand the reasons for confiscation, and your rights as a traveler.
Failing to declare money when entering the USA can lead to serious consequences, including cash confiscation by CBP and potential criminal charges. Learn about the real implications for travelers.
Learn how to correctly fill out FinCEN Form 105 to avoid mistakes and penalties; our step-by-step guide will help you understand each element of the form and who needs to submit it.
Learn how the $10,000 limit applies when traveling to the USA; it is important to understand that the limit pertains to the entire family traveling together, not to an individual.
Are you planning a trip to the USA and wondering how much cash you can take with you? Learn about the rules regarding cash transportation and the potential consequences of improper reporting.
Learn how to identify fake immigration lawyers and avoid scams related to documents and Green Cards, including how to verify lawyers and report abuses.
A Polish passport can only be renewed in the USA through the consulate – NOT through the embassy in Warsaw or online.