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

F-1 Student Visa to the U.S.: Do You Qualify?
Whether you want to study at, for example, a U.S. elementary, middle, or high school; a college or university; or a seminary, an F-1 student visa can allow you to do so.
When Proof of Good Moral Character Helps an Immigration Application—Or Doesn't
Many people wonder what they can do to show that they are a good person when submitting an application for an immigration benefit or when defending against deportation.
2025 Immigration Law Updates
Updates to the material found in Nolo's books on immigration law.
Neighbor Shot My Dog for Trespassing: What Can I Do?
Legal realities after a neighbor harms or kills a pet.
How Asylum Applicants Can Check Status of Affirmatively Filed Case Online
You can use your asylum receipt code to see whether USCIS has received your case, whether your interview with an asylum officer has been scheduled, or whether a decision was reached in your case.
What Address Should College Student Put on Citizen Application Form N-400?
If you're a foreign national at a college or university who's ready to apply for U.S. citizenship, how should you answer the questions about your address when filling out the Form N-400?
No Need to Provide Photographs With Your N-400 Citizenship Application Any More (If You Live in the U.S.)
USCIS dropped photo requirement from naturalization application; photos will be done at biometrics appointment.
Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship
U.S. citizenship gives a person as many rights as the U.S. has to offer; for example, the right to vote, petition for family members to immigrate, and live abroad without losing your right to return. For these reasons, citizenship is not easily obtained. To become a U.S. citizen, you must first have a green card (permanent residence) and then meet various other requirements.
Can You Request Fee Waiver or Reduction When Applying for Naturalized Citizenship on Form N-400?
Who might qualify for a waiver of the entire N-400 naturalization fee and who might get a reduced fee.
What to Consider Before Filing an N-336 Request for a Hearing on Your Naturalization Decision
The hearing requested in Form N-336 gives you an opportunity to have your application reviewed at an administrative level. If you believe that your application was denied for the wrong reasons, a hearing gives you the chance to prove this.
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