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

Who Qualifies for Deferred Action as an Immigrant Student or Graduate (DACA)
Eligibility criteria for the DACA program (though no new applications are being accepted at this time).
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.
If Immigrating Spouse Worked Illegally in the U.S., Can Their Work Be Counted Toward 40 Quarters?
Even a foreign national's unlawful employment can count in claiming an exemption from the I-864 Affidavit of Support requirement if it was done with a valid Social Security Number.
USCIS Issues 2024 Poverty Guidelines: Raises Required Income Level for Family Sponsors of Immigrants
How much income and assets does a U.S. petitioner need in order to bring a family member to the U.S. as an immigrant?
What's the Lowest Possible Dollar Amount to Get an Investment-Based Green Card (EB-5)?
If you hope to get a U.S. green card based on investment (category EB-5), you will need to invest a minimum dollar amount into a U.S. business. Find out details here.
Which Crimes Bar You From Filing I-130 Petition for Immigrant Spouse
Under the Adam-Walsh Act, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have criminal convictions for sex offenses against a minor cannot petition for family members to receive U.S. residence (green cards).
Dual Citizenship Allowed for Naturalizing U.S. Citizens
Newly naturalized U.S. citizens need not (depending on the laws of their home country) give up their original citizenship.
Can I Apply for Citizenship If I’ve Divorced the Person Who Got Me My Green Card?
Why divorce is not a bar to approval for naturalized U.S. citizenship, but might raise questions.
My Homeowners’ Insurance Was Canceled: Now What?
An increasing number of homeowners nationwide are facing cancellation or nonrenewal of their homeowners' insurance policy. Here are ways to fight back or deal with the problem.
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.