Immigration Lawyer in Chula Vista, CA. Your Chula Vista, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in reality, this is a life-changing event. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, applying for citizenship, 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 break down the process for you 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 help you today. Call us today at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a no obligation case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
What Your Chula Vista, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
Working with an immigration lawyer in Chula Vista, CA, is not required by law, but it can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
They can also help you navigate the ever-changing United States immigration law landscape. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's essential to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Lastly, if you're facing removal from the U.S., your attorney can help you build a defense that guards your legal status against prosecution.
What Makes Immigration in Chula Vista, CA, Difficult?
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. 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.
On your own, you could be up against:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Working with your Chula Vista, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Chula Vista, 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 can have someone at your side to help: from the moment your first reach out until you've achieved your goals, your Chula Vista, CA, immigration lawyer can offer you support.
For many people, the first step is to apply for entry to the United States. There are many paths to enter the U.S., but some of the most common ones we help with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Chula Vista, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing injustice in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you are under attack because of your association with a social group, 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 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) exist to waive certain entry requirements for qualifying individuals. Specifically, they are designed to help if you have a qualifying relative who is suffering extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 applies to individuals who were told they do not qualify 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), on the other hand, is specifically for people who are already in the United States unlawfully and could be deported. Your Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista 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. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). The requirements 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 help you determine which path is best for your circumstances.
Citizenship Applications
Lawful permanent resident status may be enough for some people, but others want to become United States citizens. A Green Card is the end goal for some people, but many also want to earn their United States citizenship. 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 protect you from mistakes on your application.
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 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. 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 are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Chula Vista, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
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 can make a case before a judge to stop your deportation. 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 until it's too late. Your Chula Vista, 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 already reside in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, and many people apply for them. 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 is no limit on the number that the government can give out. 42(a) applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- 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
If you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, don't give up hope. Your Chula Vista, 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 is applicable if you have found new evidence that could persuade a judge to keep you in the United States. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if the the law has been updated. By acting fast, 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 are crime victims 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) to protect children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. 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 effectively gives someone lawful resident status in the United States for up to 4 years, if they were a victim of human trafficking. 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 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 is a lot like a T Visa, but is applicable for a broader range of people who have been victimized by crime. 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 Chula Vista, 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
What to Look for in an Immigration Lawyer in Chula Vista, CA
Your Chula Vista, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be someone who will put you first. As you look for an immigration attorney to help with your case, keep the following in mind:
- Experience with immigration law
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A plan that is centered around your needs
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Reverence for your way of life
Your Chula Vista, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone that is prepared 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 Chula Vista, call us today at (800) 755-5174.
Chula Vista, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you've been accused of a crime, you could be facing life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Chula Vista, CA, should also handle any criminal charges you're up against.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is going to be dedicated to protecting your freedom and wellbeing. Our seasoned attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your immigration status is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Chula Vista, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Chula Vista, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
Get Help From Expert Chula Vista, CA, Immigration Lawyers
Immigrants in Chula Vista have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, becoming a lawful permanent resident, appealing a court decision, or any other immigration services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Chula Vista, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Chula Vista, CA, today by calling (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, our team is ready to advocate for you.
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