Immigration Lawyer in Bellflower, CA. Your Bellflower, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're seeking a work visa, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
It's important to have the right person by your side when you're going through these situations. Don't settle for less than 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 now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Bellflower, CA
Working with an immigration lawyer in Bellflower, CA, is not required by law, but it can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes and give you time back to focus on the rest of your life, while they manage your case.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Bellflower, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. When trying to understand the current laws, it's important to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Finally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney can help you build a defense that guards your legal status against prosecution.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Bellflower, CA
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you could be up against:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- An intense interview process
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Working with your Bellflower, 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 Bellflower, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law is difficult on its own, and can be even harder for non-native English speakers. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Bellflower, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you apply for entry to the United States. There are many paths to enter the U.S., but some of the ones we most frequently assist with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Bellflower, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing mistreatment in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you have faced threats or violence because of your race, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you apply for asylum protection. Later, after spending some time in the U.S., our attorneys can help you apply for adjustment of status and earn 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 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. Specifically, they are designed to help if you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from a serious medical condition, has serious financial difficulties, or is experiencing another extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is designed for individuals who were told they are not allowed to immigrate to the U.S. for reasons such as health conditions, criminal record, and prior immigration fraud. It is typically filed from outside the U.S. Waiver 601(a), meanwhile, is specifically for people who are already in the United States unlawfully and could be removed from the country. Your Bellflower immigration attorney can 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 Bellflower, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Bellflower, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. Applying for lawful permanent resident status or citizenship is a major goal for many American immigrants. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley wants to support Bellflower immigrants pursuing their goals, whatever they are.
Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
Adjustment of Status is a major step for many people who have immigrated to the U.S. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). The requirements change depending on your situation – 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 help you determine which path is most likely to work in your favor.
Citizenship Applications
A common end goal for immigrants is to apply for U.S. citizenship. Unfortunately, this can be a barrier for many, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated document requirements involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges and protect you from mistakes on your application.
If you want to become a United States Citizen, you need to fulfill the following three requirements:
- 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 member of the U.S. armed forces
- 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.
If you have any questions on these requirements, call our offices now. We offer help for a variety of U.S. citizenship application circumstances in Bellflower.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Bellflower, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
One of the most stressful things you can experience as an immigrant is a deportation order. 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, you need to act quickly. Your Bellflower, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to let you stay in the country and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to immigrants who presently reside 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 they are very competitive. For this procedure, 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. 42(a) applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- 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
Even if your 42(a) or 42(b) process doesn't work, this isn't the end of the line. Your Bellflower, CA, immigration lawyer can file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider, to challenge the result of the proceedings. 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 applicable law has changed. By acting fast, you get another opportunity to protect yourself from removal.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Sometimes, immigration cases take place in abnormal circumstances. In particular, people who are crime victims can take advantage of U.S. policies that aid in immigration. 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) as a form of immigration relief for children who were victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Our attorneys can help you navigate the process and represent you before the 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 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 meet the following requirements:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently are in the United States
- Help the police investigate the trafficking operation
- Be subject to extreme hardship if you were removed from the U.S.
- Meet regular admission requirements
U Visas
A U Visa is a lot like 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 will want an immigration lawyer in Bellflower, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
The main criteria to apply for a U Visa are:
- You must be a victim of a qualifying crime
- 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 Bellflower, CA Immigration Lawyer
There are many Bellflower, 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 similar cases
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Reverence for your way of life
Your Bellflower, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone who is ready to handle 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 Bellflower, CA, call us today at (800) 755-5174.
Bellflower, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Bellflower face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing major immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Bellflower, CA, should also be ready to defend you in criminal court.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our experienced attorneys can help Bellflower immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration background is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Bellflower, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Bellflower, CA, immigration lawyer can also help 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. When you act fast, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Our Bellflower, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
If you're an immigrant in Bellflower facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, earning your Green Card, appealing a court decision, or any similar legal help, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
We also aid with the following legal services in Bellflower, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Connect with an immigration lawyer in Bellflower, CA, today by calling (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, our team is ready to advocate for you.
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