Immigration Lawyer in Compton, CA. Your Compton, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, ready to become a citizen, 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. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will guide you through the process and advocate for you. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our offices can assist with all the most common immigration matters, and are ready to help you today. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no obligation consultation.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Compton, 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 Compton, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
They can also help you navigate the ever-changing United States immigration law landscape. As legal requirements change, it's essential to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Finally, if you're facing removal proceedings, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in Compton, CA?
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.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you could be facing:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- Restrictions on the number of visas available
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Talking to your Compton, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How Your Compton, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
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 a citizenship form. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Compton, CA, immigration lawyer can offer you support.
For many people, the first step is to apply for entry to the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, but some of the most common ones we help with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Compton, CA, helps people who are not safe in their home country immigrate to the United States. If you have faced threats or violence because of your association with a social group, political opinion, 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) 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 extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is designed for potential immigrants who were told they do not qualify to immigrate to the U.S. because of factors like 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 are facing deportation. An experienced immigration attorney will 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 Compton, CA
Your Compton, 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 is dedicated to helping Compton 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 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 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 document requirements involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through 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 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. military
- 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.
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 Compton, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. 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 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 Compton, 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 individuals who presently are in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, and many people apply for them. 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 instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. additionally, 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
If your cancellation of removal application is rejected, this isn't the end of the line. Your Compton, 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 is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the applicable law has changed. By contacting an attorney right away, you don't have to give up and accept the negative result.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. Notably, people who have been victimized by crime can take advantage of U.S. policies that aid in immigration. 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. Our immigration attorneys are prepared to argue for your special immigration status 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 helps immigrants who are victims of human trafficking by giving them lawful status in the country 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 reside 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 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, you should look for an immigration lawyer in Compton, 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
- 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 Compton, CA Immigration Lawyer
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Compton, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. The list below goes over some of the most important factors to look for in your attorney:
- Experience with immigration law
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A reputation of success
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Respect for your way of life
Your Compton, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm 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 need help with an immigration problem in Compton, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Compton, 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're facing criminal accusations, there could be major immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Compton, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
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 can help Compton immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your situation is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Compton, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Compton, 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 Compton, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
If you're an immigrant in Compton facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for a work visa, reopening your case, or any related 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 Compton, CA:
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Compton, CA, right away by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
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