Welcome to this month's issue of the Law Office of Spojmie Nasiri’s Immigration Law Newsletter. In this edition, we discuss important steps to take in preparation of spring and summer travel, including the deadline for having REAL ID cards for travel and what to expect from electronic device searches at U.S. ports of entry.
Highlights In This Issue:
After years of delays and extensions, the deadline for airline travelers to obtain a REAL ID is finally approaching. On May 7th, 2025, any person over the age of 18 that plans to fly domestically or visit certain Federal facilities will be required to have a REAL ID.
REAL ID is a standardized, state-issued form of identification that meets minimum security standards set out by the REAL ID Act of 2005. A REAL ID compliant card or license will bear a star marking indicating it meets the security standards.
To obtain a REAL ID in California, you will need to first provide proof of identity with a document that has your date of birth and full name. This can be a valid U.S. passport, certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a valid green card, or a valid certificate of naturalization or U.S. Citizenship.
The following documents can also be used as proof of identity:
You will also need to provide TWO DIFFERENT documents to prove that you are a California resident, which must show your name and your mailing address. These documents can include a home utility bill, bank statements, insurance documents, medical records, tax return, lease, employment documents, school documents, property tax statement, deed, voter registration card, court documents, proof of payment of resident tuition, and several other documents.
If you do not yet have a REAL ID and plan on traveling by airplane in the coming months, be sure to begin the application process for a REAL ID as soon as possible, so you are not prohibited from travel after the May 7th, 2025 deadline.
When you enter the United States at any port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search your electronic devices. This applies regardless if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. In addition, CBP does not need a warrant or any reasonable suspicion of a crime in order to search your phones, laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices.
These searches at U.S. ports of entry can subject travelers to significant privacy risks and possible legal consequences. To best prepare for the searches, we've partnered with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) to publish this informational flyer about what you need know about searches of your electronic device searches.
If you are planning of traveling outside the United States in the coming months, download this flyer to learn about the steps you should take before you leave and tips on how to handle interactions with U.S. border agents.
Click the link below to access the informational flyer. Be sure to save and/or favorite this page, in case you ever need to quickly access the resource!
The demand for immigration lawyers has grown significantly over the past few years, and the trend is only expected to continue with a shortage in the marketplace. As law students prepare for their legal career, selecting a law school is one of the most important decisions a future lawyer has to make.
Recently, immigration attorney Spojmie Nasiri was interviewed by U.S. News & World Report regarding her suggestions and tips for law students when selecting a law school.
She discussed the importance of law students participating in practical training opportunities, such as legal clinics and legal externships, to learn the real-world application of what they are learning in class. Spojmie also talked about the incredible value of mentorship in law school.
As the immigration legal landscape rapidly evolves in response to changes from the Trump Administration, attorney Spojmie Nasiri has been extremely active on the speaking circuit. Spojmie is passionate about connecting with immigrant communities and educating families about their rights with timely and valuable information.
Below is a roll-up of speaking engagements for immigrant, legal, and business groups that Spojmie has presented in the past month:
