Immigration Lawyer in Calabasas, CA. Your Calabasas, 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 fighting in removal proceedings, 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. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will stand by you and advocate for you. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our immigration attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable, and are ready to help you today. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online to set up a no obligation review of your case.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
What Your Calabasas, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For 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 Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. As legal requirements change, it's important to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Additionally, if you're facing deportation, 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 can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you could be facing:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- An intense interview process
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Contacting your Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Calabasas, CA Can Help You Get Into the United States
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as walking into the country or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: for any legal guidance you need, your Calabasas, 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. 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 Calabasas, 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 association with a social group, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you find protection through asylum. After enough time has passed, our attorneys can help you apply for adjustment of status and earn your green card.
EB5 Visa Program (Commercial Investment)
The EB5 Visa Program helps foreign investors enter the U.S. by giving them a visa for investing enough money and creating enough jobs with that investment. 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 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 people who were told they cannot 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), on the other hand, is specifically for people who are already in the United States unlawfully and could be deported. Working with your immigration attorney, you can 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 Calabasas, CA
Your Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer can help with more than just entry to the United States. 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 Calabasas 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 circumstances – 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
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 registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help give you insight in the process and verify your eligibility.
Before becoming a U.S. 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. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
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. But we're ready to help you fight for your place in the U.S. 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, don't wait and let the proceedings pass by without a fight. Your Calabasas, 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 immigrants who presently live in the United States but do not have a Green Card. 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 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
- 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 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 getting help immediately, you get another opportunity to protect yourself from removal.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. Notably, 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) as a form of immigration relief for children who were victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. 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
Getting a chance to stay in the U.S. can be life-changing for some people.
T Visas
A T Visa helps immigrants who are victims of human trafficking by giving them lawful status in the country for up to 4 years. Additionally, once this time period is up, many T Visa holders can apply to become lawful permanent residents.
To qualify for a T Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- 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 considers a wider range of potential crimes. It applies to anyone who has been a victim of abuse. If you are filing a U Visa, you should look for an immigration lawyer in Calabasas, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
Below are the U Visa eligibility requirements:
- You must be a victim of a qualifying crime
- You must have suffered abuse in the process
- 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 Calabasas, CA Immigration Lawyer
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A plan for how to help
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Cultural sensitivity to your customs
Your Calabasas, 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 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 today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Calabasas, 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 major 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 prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our dedicated attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
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 Calabasas, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Calabasas, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Calabasas, CA. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, becoming a lawful permanent resident, appealing a court decision, or any similar legal help, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
We also aid with the following legal services in Calabasas, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Calabasas, CA, today by calling us 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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