Jillian Blake

J.D. · University of Michigan Law School

Jillian Blake, J.D. is an author at Nolo, specializing in immigration law.

Educational background. Jillian earned her law degree at the University of Michigan and is a member of the Maryland State Bar. She received a Master's degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University, with a focus on Latin America. Her undergraduate degree is also from Johns Hopkins University, where she majored in international studies.

Working background. Jillian has practiced immigration law at Blake Immigration Law (formerly Blake & Wilson Immigration Law) in Alexandria, Virginia for the past six years, where she represents clients facing removal, seeking asylum, and seeking family-based visas. Jillian also teaches immigration law as an adjunct professor of immigration law at George Mason University Law School in Arlington, Virginia. She has interned at non-profit organizations such as the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition in Washington, DC and Asylum Access in Quito, Ecuador and volunteered for the CARA Family Detention Pro Bono Project in Dilley, Texas. Jillian is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers' Association (AILA).

Working at Nolo. Jillian started at Nolo in 2018 as an immigration law writer. Since then she has written numerous legal updates on changes to immigration law.

Spare time. In her spare time Jillian likes to follow politics, watch Cleveland Browns football and Nationals baseball, and spend time with her chihuahua, Cha Cha. 

Articles By Jillian Blake

What's a Valid, Bona Fide Marriage for U.S. Immigration Purposes?
The basic requirement for a good faith marriage is that the parties intend to share a life together as spouses and are not only marrying to seek an immigration benefit.
Reasons Your Diversity Lottery Visa Application Might Be Disqualified or Denied
Entering the visa lottery? Make sure that your initial online application doesn't contain errors that get you bumped out of the running.
What Should I Expect at My Asylum-Based Adjustment of Status Interview at USCIS?
Attending a green card interview one year or more after having been granted asylee status in the United States.
Information on Social Media Can Get Immigrants Deported or Denied Entry
As a prospective visitor or immigrant to the U.S., when participating on social media, make sure to not post anything to lead the U.S. government to believe you have committed a crime, are affiliated with a criminal or terrorist organization, or committed visa fraud.
Conditional Resident Awaiting I-751 Approval? Consider Filing N-400 for Naturalization
If you've applied to go from conditional to permanent residence based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, long delays might make it worth applying for U.S. citizenship yourself before receiving USCIS approval of your permanent green card.
Get Up-to-Date Immigration Case Information With EOIR Phone Hotline
It has become crucial for non-citizens in removal proceedings to double check where their case is and when they might be called for a hearing.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Cancellation of Removal
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), certain victims of domestic violence who are in removal (deportation) proceedings can apply in front of an immigration judge to remain the U.S. with a green card.
At What Point in the Naturalization (Citizenship) Process Can I Vote in a U.S. Election?
How soon can a naturalizing U.S. citizen cast a ballot?