Immigration Lawyer in Arcadia, CA. Your Arcadia, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in a way, you're doing just that. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, applying for citizenship, 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 protect your rights and fight for your goals. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our immigration attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable, and are ready to talk to you. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a no strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Arcadia, CA, Will Help You
Even though there are some immigration procedures you can technically do on your own, it's always a good idea to check with your Arcadia, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They 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.
They can also help you navigate the ever-changing United States immigration law landscape. As legal requirements change, it's essential to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Additionally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
What Makes Immigration in Arcadia, CA, Difficult?
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you could be facing:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Restrictions on the number of visas available
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Talking to your Arcadia, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Arcadia, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as walking into the country or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Arcadia, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
For many people, the first step is to apply to enter the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, but three paths that often benefit from legal assistance are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Arcadia, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing injustice in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you have faced threats or violence because of your race, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you find protection through asylum. After enough time has passed, you'll be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
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 come from an investment of at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 if in a Targeted Employment Area) and create at least 10 full-time jobs 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. For one to apply to your case, you must have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 applies to 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 shows your qualifying 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 Arcadia, CA
Your Arcadia, CA, immigration lawyer can help with more than just entry to the United States. For many people, the next steps are earning your Green Card, then your U.S. citizenship. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley offers help for Arcadia 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. It allows you to become a lawful permanent resident, also known as earning your Green Card. The requirements change depending on your situation – for example, if you are applying through immediate family, you must be the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen, with certain age restrictions. A local immigration attorney help you determine which path is most likely to work in your favor.
Citizenship Applications
After moving to the United States, many immigrants want to become U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge for many people, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated form processes involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and check your application for errors.
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 Green Card holder 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 servicemember in the United States military
- Be a child of a U.S. citizen
- For children of U.S. citizens, you don't need to be over 18, and the English language requirements may be scaled down.
Contact us today to get help with your U.S. citizenship application. We offer help for a variety of U.S. citizenship application circumstances in Arcadia.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Arcadia, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
It's hard to imagine something more difficult than having the government attempt to remove you from the country. Whatever the circumstances, you do have ways to fight back. By filing a cancellation of removal, you'll get a chance to argue against your removal. And if you don't get the result you want, we can file a motion to reopen/reconsider.
Cancellation of Removal 42(b) or 42(a)
If you're facing removal (or deportation) proceedings, there isn't any time to waste. Your Arcadia, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to stop the deportation and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to individuals who presently are in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, and they are very competitive. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- 10 years of continually residing in the United States
- 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 is for people who already have their Green Cards. 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
- Live in the U.S. for 7 straight years
- No aggravated felony convictions on your record
Motion to Reopen/Motion to Reconsider
Even if your 42(a) or 42(b) process doesn't work, don't give up hope. Your Arcadia, 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 is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the the law has been updated. By getting help immediately, you can get a second chance to fight against deportation.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. In particular, people who are crime victims are given special treatment that can help with the immigration process. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with any of the below situations:
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
People who've faced abuse or neglect have endured more than enough. Getting help to stay in the country is important.
T Visas
A T Visa effectively gives someone lawful resident status in the United States for up to 4 years, if they were a victim of human trafficking. The T Visa also provides a pathway for many immigrants to apply for a Green Card at the end of this time period.
To qualify for a T Visa, you must match the criteria below:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently live 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 applicable for a broader range of people who have been victimized by crime. People who have suffered abuse (where the United States has jurisdiction) can apply for a U Visa. If you are filing a U Visa, you should look for an immigration lawyer in Arcadia, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
Below are the U Visa eligibility requirements:
- You must have been victimized by a crime from an applicable list
- During the crime, you must have suffered abuse
- You provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
How to Find the Right Arcadia, CA Immigration Lawyer
There are many Arcadia, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience with immigration law
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Respect for your way of life
Your Arcadia, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone that is prepared to help you with your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are aware of the cultural needs of our different clients. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Arcadia, CA, call us today at (800) 755-5174.
Arcadia, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you've been accused of a crime, you could be facing life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Arcadia, CA, needs to be someone who can fight for your freedom in criminal court as well.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our seasoned attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration background is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Arcadia, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Arcadia, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. By acting now, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Our Arcadia, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Arcadia, CA. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, applying for a work visa, reopening your case, or any other immigration services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Arcadia, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Arcadia, CA, today by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever challenge you're facing, our team is ready to advocate for you.
Payment Plans
