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

Checklist of Documents to Submit to USCIS to Prove Abuse for VAWA Green Card
A checklist of abuse-related documents to include in a VAWA application.
Waivers and Exceptions to Grounds of Inadmissibility for VAWA Applicants
The barriers to a U.S. green card faced by some applicants are eased for many VAWA self-petitioners.
When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
The "five years of permanent residence" rule and more guidance on the naturalization process.
How Long Must I Be Married to a U.S. Citizen to Get U.S. Citizenship by Marriage?
What needs to happen between when you get married to a U.S. citizen and when you yourself can apply to naturalize?
Penalties for Committing Immigration Marriage Fraud
The law pretty much speaks for itself on what happens to immigrants who commit marriage fraud. You can face prison, a fine or both.
Red Flags That Make USCIS Suspect Immigration Marriage Fraud
Every couple in which a U.S. citizen marries and sponsors a noncitizen for an immigrant visa or green card based on marriage can expect one thing: Their application will be carefully scrutinized.
Can I Get U.S. Green Card Through Different Spouse Than My K-1 Fiancé Visa Sponsor?
If you come to the U.S. on a K-1 visa, but don't go through with the marriage, you might still be eligible for a green card based on marrying someone else.
K-1 Fiancé Visa Denied—Can I Appeal or Refile?
I just went to my K-1 fiancé visa interview at the U.S. Embassy, thinking I had all of my paperwork together and was ready, and the embassy officer denied me the visa!
How to File for Adjustment of Status (a Green Card) Based on VAWA
Need to apply for U.S. lawful permanent residence without the help of an abusive spouse? Here's how to complete the portion of the process known as adjustment of status.
Do I Have to Give Up My Original Passport When I Become a U.S. Citizen?
I understand that, as a U.S. citizen, I will be able to apply for a U.S. passport. But what does that mean for my old passport? Do I need to give it up?