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

Getting Dual Citizenship in the United States and Canada
U.S. and Canadian immigration laws allow you to become a citizen of both countries, simultaneously - but you might need to qualify to immigrate from one country to the other.
Can the Child of an Undocumented Immigrant Become a U.S. Citizen?
Children of undocumented (illegal) immigrants who were born in the United States become U.S. citizens automatically.
Is It a Crime to Cross the U.S. Border Without Permission or Gain Entry By Fraud?
Illegal entry to the U.S. carries criminal penalties, civil penalties, and various immigration consequences.
Can You Request Asylum at the U.S. Border?
When and how to request asylum before having actually entered the U.S. with a visa at a border, airport, or other entry point.
Asylee vs. Refugee: Application & Procedural Differences
Asylees and refugees both seek the same thing: asylum in the United States. However, the procedure to apply is slightly different for each.
Can You Get the Immigration Form Filing Fee Waived?
If you can't afford the filing fee(s) for your immigration application(s), you might be able to get a "fee waiver". Here's how.
Can a Green Card Holder Get an Immigrant Visa for a Spouse?
U.S. lawful permanent residents can petition for their foreign-born spouse to get a U.S. immigrant visa (a green card) as well. Learn more about the process here.
Marriage Just for a Green Card? Legal and Procedural Problems
Here's what really happens when well-meaning friends offer to marry someone for immigration purposes.
How to Get Citizenship After Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
Learn what the law says about qualifying for lawful U.S. residence, and later naturalized citizenship, based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Adjustment of Status to Permanent Resident - FAQ
Answers to common questions about the immigration rules and procedures concerning Adjustment of Status.
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