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

Renewing Your Green Card After a Criminal Charge or Conviction
For legal permanent residents who have had a run-in with the law, the green card renewal process will trigger a review of your criminal record by USCIS.
How to "Waive" the J-1 Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
If you're in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, and you would like to apply for a green card or other immigration benefit, you might need to return to your home country for two years; unless you qualify for a waiver.
What Happens to an Immigration Petition If the Sponsor Dies?
If an immigrant's sponsor dies before the immigration process is finished, it's not necessarily the end of the case.
Non-Resident vs. Resident Alien Status for U.S. Tax Purposes
The terms "resident alien" and "non-resident alien" are actually from the federal tax laws. Resident aliens owe tax on all their income, while non-resident alien owe tax only on income generated from U.S. sources.
Can I Get a Green Card If I've Worked in the U.S. Unlawfully?
If you've worked in the U.S. without authorization, you could run into trouble when applying to become a permanent resident. Here's what to expect.
How Much Financial Support Immigrants Need for a Family-Based Green Card
If you’re immigrating to the United States through a family member, or through a job where your own relatives submitted the visa petition or own at least 5% of the petitioning company, then your petitioner will also have to show a willingness and ability to act as your financial sponsor.
Failed to Renew Your Green Card in Time?
Forgetting to renew your green card is usually not hard to remedy. However, there are some legal issues to be aware of.
Can I Apply for a Green Card If I'm in the U.S. on an Expired Visa?
Learn about the legal issues of a visa overstay when seeking to apply for a green card from within the United States.
How to Complete Form I-589 for U.S. Asylum
A step-by-step guide to answering the questions on USCIS Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.
How to File an I-360 "Special Immigrant" or VAWA Green Card Petition
Petition for a green card as a special immigrant (visa category EB-4) or VAWA-protected battered family member.