Immigration Lawyer in Calabasas, CA. Your Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone that has intimate knowledge of U.S. immigration law, not someone without experience. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, working with the right attorney is essential.
Don't try to do this alone. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will treat you properly and fight for your goals. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We cover a wide array of immigration matters, and are ready to help you today. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no obligation case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Calabasas, CA, Will Help You
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Calabasas, CA, but doing so can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Calabasas, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. When trying to understand the current laws, it's important to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Lastly, if you're facing removal from the U.S., your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in Calabasas, CA?
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. For a variety of reasons, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- An intense interview process
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Talking to your Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How Your Calabasas, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
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: From the moment you first enter the country to filling out your citizenship application, your Calabasas, 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 to enter the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, but some of the ones we most frequently assist with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Calabasas, CA, can help you avoid persecution in your home country through migration to the United States. If you have faced threats or violence because of your association with a social group, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you apply for asylum protection. 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 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 extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for potential immigrants 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. Normally, this waiver is filed by someone currently outside the country. Waiver 601(a), meanwhile, is specifically for people are not lawfully in the U.S. and are facing deportation. Your Calabasas 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 Calabasas, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Calabasas, 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 is dedicated to helping Calabasas residents reach their immigration 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. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The qualifications you need to meet change 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 registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges and check your application for errors.
If you want to become a United States Citizen, 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. armed forces
- 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.
Contact us today to get help with your U.S. citizenship application. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Calabasas, CA, Can Protect You From Deportation
One of the most stressful things you can experience as an immigrant is a deportation order. While challenging and intimidating, you can fight back. By filing a cancellation of removal, you can force the state to fight you in court, where we can defend you. And if you don't receive the outcome you were hoping for, we can file a motion to reopen/reconsider.
Cancellation of Removal 42(b) or 42(a)
If you're facing removal (or deportation) proceedings, it's important to act fast. Your Calabasas, 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 immigrants who currently reside in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, and they are very competitive. For this procedure, 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 is for people who already have their Green Cards. Also, there is no limit on the number that the government can give out. 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, this isn't the end of the line. Your Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer can file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider, which can still keep you in the country. 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 contacting an attorney right away, you can get a second chance to fight against deportation.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Sometimes, immigration cases take place in abnormal circumstances. Notably, 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 has experience helping with each of the following circumstances:
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
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
- 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 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, you will want an immigration lawyer in Calabasas, 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 are working or will work with the police to help them catch the abuser
- The crime violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
Top Calabasas, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
There are many Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. As you look for an immigration attorney to help with your case, keep the following in mind:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A reputation for delivering for clients
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Respect for your heritage
Your Calabasas, 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 aware of the cultural needs of our different clients. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Calabasas, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Calabasas, 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, there could be serious immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Calabasas, CA, should be someone who can help you with more than just the immigration process.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to protect immigrants against criminal charges for all of the following case types:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your situation is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Calabasas, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. If you get help right away, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Work With an Experienced Calabasas, CA, Immigration Lawyer
Immigrants in Calabasas have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for asylum, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any related services, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Calabasas, CA:
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Calabasas, CA, right away by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, we are ready to fight alongside you.
Payment Plans
