Law Offices of John F. Shine, Ltd.

Focus and philosophy

• Primary focus on family-based immigration and keeping families together through U.S. immigration law.
• The firm emphasizes compassionate, professional representation and practical, personalized solutions.
• Clients receive individualized attention tailored to their specific immigration situation.

Experience

• The firm has over 20 years of experience in immigration law.
• The team assists clients with matters such as adjustment of status through marriage, family-based petitions, and deportation defense.

Types of matters handled

The firm's immigration practice includes, among other things:

• Family-based immigration / green cards
• Waivers
• Citizenship and naturalization
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• U visas
• VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) immigration relief
• Deportation defense
• Appeals in immigration matters

Service area

• The office is located in Brookfield, Illinois and serves individuals and families dealing with U.S. immigration issues.

How to get help

• Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the office to discuss their immigration situation and to schedule a consultation.
• Specific case strategy and legal advice are provided only after the attorney has reviewed the facts of a client's case.

Family-based immigration / green cards

• Representation in family-based petitions and related green card processes.
• Includes situations such as adjustment of status based on marriage or other qualifying family relationships, as described on the firm's website.

Waivers

• Assistance with immigration waivers connected to certain grounds of inadmissibility, as handled within the firm's immigration practice.

Citizenship and naturalization

• Advising lawful permanent residents on eligibility for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
• Representation in naturalization applications and related issues; see the separate "Citizenship and naturalization services" document for more detail.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

• Guidance on DACA renewal requests and related issues.
• See the separate "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)" document for current information.

U visas

• Representation for certain crime victims seeking immigration relief through U visas.

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) immigration relief

• Assistance for eligible individuals seeking immigration protection under VAWA provisions.

Deportation (removal) defense

• Representation in removal (deportation) proceedings before the immigration courts.
• Development of case strategy tailored to a client's specific circumstances.

Appeals

• Handling appeals in immigration matters, including challenges to adverse decisions where appropriate.

Important notes

• The firm does not publish flat-fee or hourly pricing on the website.
• Case strategy, likelihood of success, and recommended options are determined only after an attorney reviews the specific facts of an individual's case.
• Immigration laws and policies change frequently; callers should confirm current options directly with the firm.

Office location

• 8500 Brookfield Ave
• Brookfield, IL 60513
• United States

The office is located in Brookfield, Illinois, and focuses on U.S. immigration and nationality law.

Contact details

• Office phone: 312-291-1024
• Fax: 312-300-3013
• Email: info@jshinelegal.com

Getting in touch

• You can contact the firm by phone or email to request a consultation about an immigration matter.
• The website contact form explains that, with a client's consent, the firm may send messages and appointment reminders by email or SMS.
• For urgent or time-sensitive immigration issues, contact the office directly by phone rather than relying only on online forms.

Notes

• Office hours and consultation fees are not listed on the website. Call or email the firm to confirm availability and pricing.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), certain non-citizens who stay in the United States for more than 30 days must register and be fingerprinted.

Note: This document summarizes information that appears on the firm's website. Immigration laws and policies can change; individuals should confirm current requirements directly with the firm or USCIS.

Who must register using Form G-325R? (from the website)

The website describes the following general groups as required to register:

• Non-citizens who entered the United States without inspection and have not yet registered
• Individuals who have been in the United States for more than 30 days and have not previously registered
• Certain Canadian visitors who entered at a land port of entry and were not issued a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
• Individuals who turn 14 years old while in the United States and have not previously registered (must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday)

Who is exempt from registration? (from the website)

Examples listed on the firm's webpage include:

• U.S. citizens (including those born in the U.S. or naturalized)
• Visa holders who have already been registered and fingerprinted through their visa application
• G visa holders (certain diplomatic and official visas)
• Noncitizens in the U.S. for less than 30 days
• Certain American Indians born in Canada who meet specific statutory criteria (for example, present under the authority of 8 U.S.C. § 1359)

Who is already registered? (from the website)

The website notes that certain people are considered already registered, including:

• Lawful permanent residents
• Individuals paroled into the United States under INA § 212(d)(5), even if their parole has expired
• Individuals admitted as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W, even if the period of admission has expired
• Individuals present in the United States who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival
• Individuals whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings
• Individuals who have been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Individuals who have applied for lawful permanent residence using certain forms (e.g., I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700) and provided fingerprints, even if the applications were denied
• Individuals who have been issued Border Crossing Cards

If you are not sure whether these requirements apply to you, the website recommends contacting the firm to schedule a consultation.

Proof of registration (from the website)

Examples of documents that may serve as proof of registration include:

• New Form G-325R proof of registration notice from USCIS (physical or digital copy)
• Form I-94 (Arrival–Departure Record) for nonimmigrants
• Form I-95, Crewmen's Landing Permit
• Form I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card
• Form I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card
• Form I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card
• Form I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing
• Form I-221S, Order to Show Cause, Notice of Hearing, and Warrant for Arrest of Alien
• Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card
• Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Form I-862, Notice to Appear (for individuals in removal proceedings)
• Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge

Address update requirements

• Registered individuals are required to update their address with USCIS within 10 days of moving.
• Failure to do so may result in criminal penalties.
• The USCIS online address change form (AR-11) is available on the USCIS website.

Possible penalties (from the website)

Failure to comply with registration, fingerprinting, or address update requirements may result in:

• Fines (the website notes fines of up to $5,000)
• Imprisonment for up to 180 days
• Possible deportability in cases of fraudulent registration

How the firm can help

• Explains whether the Form G-325R registration requirements appear to apply to a person's situation.
• Advises on how to comply with registration and address update obligations.
• Helps individuals understand potential consequences of noncompliance and available options.

Disclaimer

• This document summarizes information on the firm's website regarding Form G-325R and related requirements; it is not individualized legal advice.
• Anyone with questions about how these rules apply to their situation should contact the firm directly to schedule a consultation.

Practice focus

John's immigration law practice includes:

• Deportation defense
• Family-based visas and green cards
• Waivers
• Deferred action for children and parents
• U visas
• VAWA cases
• Naturalization and citizenship
• Immigration appeals

Professional recognition

• Named an Illinois Super Lawyer in immigration law by *Super Lawyers* magazine.
• Recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer in immigration law by Leading Lawyers Network.
• Super Lawyers and Leading Lawyers recognize attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Honors timeline

• Illinois Rising Stars (Immigration): 2013–2014
• Illinois Super Lawyers (Immigration): 2015–2026
• Leading Lawyer (Immigration): 2015–2026

Professional memberships and service

• Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
• Former Chair of AILA's Department of Homeland Security Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) Liaison Committee (2010–2012).
• Served on AILA's USCIS Chicago District Office Liaison Committee (2012–2013).
• Has worked pro bono with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS).
• Has spoken at many seminars for attorneys and community organizations on immigration topics.

Education

• B.A. in Philosophy, University of Chicago, graduated *cum laude* (2000).
• J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law (2005).

Languages

• John speaks Spanish and serves a large Hispanic clientele.

How he works with clients

• Provides individualized attention to each case.
• Focuses on practical, realistic solutions within U.S. immigration law.
• Encourages potential clients to schedule a consultation so he can review their specific facts before advising on next steps.

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has initial jurisdiction over most naturalization applications.

Basic naturalization requirements (as described on the firm's website)

According to the firm's published information, basic requirements for naturalization include:

• Being at least 18 years of age
• Being a lawful permanent resident for five years (or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen)
• Being physically present in the United States for at least half of the five years preceding the application
• Demonstrating good moral character for the five years preceding the application

These are general requirements; additional criteria and exceptions may apply under U.S. immigration law.

Potential issues and risks

• USCIS may deny applications for naturalization for various reasons, including certain criminal history or failure to meet eligibility requirements.
• In some cases, USCIS may initiate removal (deportation) proceedings in connection with a naturalization application.

Because of these risks, the website emphasizes that a lawful permanent resident should carefully review the facts of their case with a competent attorney before filing a naturalization application.

Possible existing citizenship

• Some individuals may already be U.S. citizens without realizing it—for example, due to a parent's naturalization or acquisition of citizenship at birth through U.S. citizen parents.
• These laws are complex and have changed many times over the last century.

Both USCIS and the U.S. Department of State play roles in determining certain citizenship claims.

How the firm helps

• Reviews an individual's immigration and family history to evaluate eligibility for naturalization or other forms of U.S. citizenship.
• Advises clients on the potential risks and benefits of applying.
• Prepares and files applications for naturalization and, where necessary, assists with appeals of denials.

Disclaimer

• This document summarizes information published on the firm's website and is not individualized legal advice.
• Anyone considering applying for naturalization or evaluating a possible claim to U.S. citizenship should consult directly with the firm (or another qualified immigration attorney) so their specific facts can be reviewed.

• Can accept but not process new DACA applications.
• Has canceled biometrics appointments that were scheduled for new DACA applicants.
• Allows first-time applicants who were already approved or received their permits as of July 16, 2021 to complete the process and, if eligible, obtain DACA status.
• Is currently granting DACA renewal requests and considering applications for advance parole from DACA recipients.

USCIS policies are subject to change based on court decisions and government policy updates.

General eligibility criteria (from the website)

To qualify for DACA, the website lists the following requirements:

• Under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
• Came to the U.S. before turning 16
• Continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
• Physically present in the U.S. since June 15, 2012
• Currently in school, have graduated from high school, have a GED, or are an honorably discharged U.S. veteran
• No conviction of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or more than three other misdemeanors
• Do not pose a threat to national security or public safety

These are general criteria; further details and exceptions may apply under current law and policy.

How the firm assists DACA recipients and applicants

• Evaluates whether a person's history appears consistent with the published DACA criteria.
• Assists with DACA renewal applications.
• Advises eligible DACA recipients on applying for advance parole, where available.
• Monitors legal and policy changes affecting DACA and informs clients how those changes may impact their options.

Important notes

• DACA policies have changed multiple times and continue to be affected by court decisions.
• Outcomes, timelines, and eligibility can change; callers should confirm the current rules directly with the firm.

Disclaimer

• This document summarizes information from the firm's website and public descriptions of DACA. It is not individualized legal advice.
• Anyone considering a first-time DACA application, renewal, or advance parole request should consult directly with the firm (or another qualified immigration attorney) so their specific circumstances can be reviewed.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.