Ilona Bray

Ilona Bray

J.D. · University of Washington School of Law

Ilona Bray, J.D. is an award-winning author and legal editor at Nolo, specializing in real estate, immigration law and nonprofit fundraising. 

Educational background. Ilona received her law degree and a Master's degree in East Asian (Chinese) Studies from the University of Washington. She is a member of the Washington State Bar. Her undergraduate degree is from Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in philosophy. She actually viewed law school as an extension of her philosophy studies, with its focus on ethics, fundamental rights, and how people can get along in society—of particular concern to her as the daughter of a WWII refugee. 

Working background. Ilona has practiced law in corporate and nonprofit settings as well as in solo practice, where she represented immigrant clients seeking asylum, family-based visas, and more. She has also volunteered extensively, including a six-month fellowship at Northwest Immigrant Rights Project in Seattle and a six-month internship at Amnesty International in London. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers' Association (AILA), the National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). 

Working at Nolo. Ilona started at Nolo in 2000 as a legal editor. Since then, she has not only continued to edit other writers' books and online articles, but also has taken an active role in planning and authoring new Nolo books. Many of these have become consistent Nolo bestsellers and award-winners, among them Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits, Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home, and Selling Your House.  Ilona particularly enjoys interviewing people and weaving their stories into her books. She also won the 2012 "Best Blog" award from the National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE). 

Spare time. (What spare time?) Ilona enjoys swimming, gardening (though she's still looking for a vegetable the squirrels won't eat every last morsel of), cooking gluten- and sugar-free meals, and writing children's books.

Articles By Ilona Bray

If My Citizenship Is Denied, Will My Green Card Be Cancelled, Too?
There is a small risk that applying for U.S. citizenship could lead to not only denial, but loss of your U.S. lawful permanent residence.
Will Being Unemployed, in Debt, or Bankrupt Prevent My Becoming a U.S. Citizen?
Financial troubles do not, by themselves, bar a green card holder from naturalizing.
U.S. Citizen Spouse Died: Can Immigrant Still Apply to Naturalize After Three Years?
The exception allowing spouses of U.S. citizens to submit an N-400 for U.S. citizenship early doesn't apply if the U.S. spouse dies.
Waited Months, Still No Date for My Naturalization Oath Ceremony – What Should I Do?
Delays happen when one is waiting for naturalized U.S. citizenship—here's how to follow up.
If I Live in the U.S. Illegally for Years, Can I Get a Green Card?
I came to the U.S. from Mexico 11 years ago. Someone told me that if I’ve been here for ten years, I can get a green card. Is that true? Where and how do I apply?
Visa Retrogression, or Why Your Priority Date Is No Longer Current
The waiting list for a U.S. immigrant visa will not always move forward smoothly, but instead might jump, stall, or even reverse course. We’ll explain the reversals here.
Which Countries Do Most People Granted Asylum in the U.S. Come From?
Over the years, both the mix of people applying for asylum (protection from overseas persecution) in the U.S. and the people whose applications are granted has varied a great deal.
Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship
U.S. citizenship gives a person as many rights as the U.S. has to offer; for example, the right to vote, petition for family members to immigrate, and live abroad without losing your right to return. For these reasons, citizenship is not easily obtained. To become a U.S. citizen, you must first have a green card (permanent residence) and then meet various other requirements.
Will a Green Card Holder Who Pleads Guilty to a Misdemeanor Be Deported?
Whether a crime is a “misdemeanor,” “felony,” or some other classification means very little in the world of immigration law, which tends to assign its own definition to crimes, and has its own list of what can make someone deportable.
Age-Related Exceptions to the U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) Exam Requirements
Are you age 50 or older and worried about passing the U.S. citizenship exam? See whether a waiver will help you avoid all or part of it.