Immigration Lawyer in Alhambra, CA. Your Alhambra, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're seeking a work visa, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, working with the right attorney is essential.
Don't try to do this alone. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will treat you with compassion and advocate for you. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We cover a wide array of immigration matters, and are ready to review your case. Call us today at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
What Your Alhambra, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
Working with an immigration lawyer in Alhambra, CA, is not required by law, but it can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and give you time back to focus on the rest of your life, while they manage your case.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's important to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Finally, if you're facing removal proceedings, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Alhambra, CA
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. For a variety of reasons, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you could be up against:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Barriers to healthcare access
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Talking to your Alhambra, CA, immigration lawyer gives you a guide who can help you navigate these challenges and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Alhambra, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law is complicated and varied. Cases aren't as simple as walking through the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: for any legal guidance you need, your Alhambra, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
Your journey begins when you first apply to enter the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, but some of the most common ones we help with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Alhambra, CA, helps people who are not safe in their home country immigrate to the United States. If you have faced threats or violence because of your race, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can aid you in your asylum application. After enough time has passed, we can also help you apply for your Green Card.
EB5 Visa Program (Commercial Investment)
The EB5 Visa Program provides a path for foreign business owners and/or investors to enter the United States, through the creation of a new business in the U.S. In order to qualify, the business must meet the minimum investment requirement of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 if in a Targeted Employment Area) and create at least 10 new, full-time employment opportunities for U.S. workers.
Waivers 601 & 601(a) (Family Hardship)
Waivers 601 and 601(a) allow individuals who would ordinarily be denied entry to the U.S. another chance to immigrate to the country. They can apply in situations where you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for potential immigrants who were told they cannot immigrate to the U.S. because of factors like health conditions, criminal record, and prior immigration fraud. It is typically filed from outside the U.S. Waiver 601(a), on the other hand, is specifically for people have entered the U.S. without permission and could be deported. An experienced immigration attorney will help you present a case that demonstrates hardship and maximizes your chances of getting into, or staying in, the U.S.
Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen With Help From an Immigration Attorney in Alhambra, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Alhambra, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. If you want to apply for lawful permanent resident status, or to become a U.S. citizen, you can get professional help with that, too. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley offers help for Alhambra immigrant residents chasing their goals, whatever they are.
Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
Applying for Adjustment of Status is a big deal for many American immigrants. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The qualifications you need to meet vary depending on your circumstances – for example, if you are are a religious worker, you must be entering the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization. A local immigration attorney can inform you on what options are most likely to work for you.
Citizenship Applications
After moving to the United States, many immigrants want to become U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, this process can be difficult, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated filings involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure and verify your eligibility.
Before you can apply, you need to fulfill the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
- Be of good moral character
In addition, you must fall into one of the following four categories:
- Be a lawful permanent resident for five years
- Be married to a U.S. citizen and while being a Green Card holder for three years
- Be a current or former member of the U.S. military
- Be a child of a U.S. citizen
- You can be under the age of 18 in this case, and the language requirements may be relaxed.
If you're not sure whether or not you're eligible, or need help determining how to qualify, contact our offices today. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Alhambra, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. But we're ready to help you fight for your place in the U.S. By filing a cancellation of removal, you can make a case before a judge to stop your deportation. And if you are given a negative ruling, we can file a motion to reopen/reconsider.
Cancellation of Removal 42(b) or 42(a)
If you're facing removal (or deportation) proceedings, don't wait and let the proceedings pass by without a fight. Your Alhambra, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to keep you in the United States and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to individuals who already are in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, the United States government puts a cap on how many 42(b) allowances can be granted each year, and many people apply for them. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- Live in the U.S. for 10 years, without major breaks
- Possess good moral character
- No disqualifying criminal convictions on your record
- Removal would cause extreme hardship to a qualifying family member
42(a) is similar, but instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. Also, there are unlimited 42(a) slots available, making it a less competitive process. Below are the requirements you must meet for 42(a):
- Green card for at least 5 years
- United States resident for at least 7 continuous years
- No aggravated felony convictions on your record
Motion to Reopen/Motion to Reconsider
If your cancellation of removal application is rejected, this isn't your final option. Your Alhambra, CA, immigration lawyer can file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider, which can give you another chance to stay in the U.S. A motion to reopen makes sense when your circumstances have changed in a way that could change the court's decision. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if the the law has been updated. By getting help immediately, you don't have to give up and accept the negative result.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
There are times when the normal process for immigration doesn't apply. In particular, people who have been victimized by crime are given special treatment that can help with the immigration process. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help applicants with any of the below procedures:
Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS)
The United States offers Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS) to protect children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. We will advocate for you and present your case in court.
To qualify, you must:
- Be in the United States
- Be unmarried
- Be under 21
- Have an applicable juvenile court order
- Receive permission from the Department of Homeland Security
- Receive permission from the Department of Health and Human Services, if applicable
For individuals who rely on the court or government for support, this can stabilize your life while you plan for the future.
T Visas
A T Visa gives victims of human trafficking lawful resident status for up to 4 years. At the end of this time, qualifying T Visa holders can apply for lawful permanent resident status.
To qualify for a T Visa, you must match the criteria below:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently are in the United States
- Aid in law enforcement's investigation of the trafficking
- Be subject to extreme hardship if you were removed from the U.S.
- Meet regular admission requirements
U Visas
A U Visa works similarly to a T Visa, but is designed for a much wider type of crimes. It applies to anyone who has been a victim of abuse. If you are filing a U Visa, it's important to work with an immigration lawyer in Alhambra, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
The main criteria to apply for a U Visa are:
- You must have been victimized by a crime from an applicable list
- You must have suffered abuse in the process
- You provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
How to Find the Right Alhambra, CA Immigration Lawyer
There are many Alhambra, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience with immigration law
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A plan that's tailored for you
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Respect for your traditions
Your Alhambra, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone with the experience and knowledge needed to take on your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Alhambra, CA, call us now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Alhambra, CA
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you're facing criminal accusations, there could be life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Alhambra, CA, should be someone who can help you with more than just the immigration process.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is isn't going to settle for a 'good enough' outcome – instead, they'll fight for the best deal possible for your situation. Our skillful attorneys will help you fight for justice in all of the following case types:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration status is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Alhambra, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Alhambra, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Get Help From Expert Alhambra, CA, Immigration Lawyers
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Alhambra, CA. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, becoming a lawful permanent resident, reopening your case, or any related services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Alhambra, CA:
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Alhambra, CA, now by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, we are ready to fight alongside you.
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