Immigration Lawyer in Downey, CA. Your Downey, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in a way, you're doing just that. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
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 protect your rights 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 review your case. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Downey, CA
Working with an immigration lawyer in Downey, CA, is not required by law, but it can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. When trying to understand the current laws, it's essential 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 be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Downey, CA
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. 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.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you could be facing:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Working with your Downey, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
How Your Downey, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
United States immigration law is complicated and varied. Cases aren't as simple as walking through the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Downey, CA, immigration lawyer will be there to guide you.
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 Downey, 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, political opinion, 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 come from an investment of at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 if in a Targeted Employment Area) and create at least 10 new, 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. For one to apply to your case, you must have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is designed for people 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 have entered the U.S. without permission and could be removed from the country. 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 Downey, CA
An immigration lawyer is here to advise you after you're in the United States, as well. For many people, the next steps are earning your Green Card, then your U.S. citizenship. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley wants to support Downey immigrants pursuing 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 qualifications you need to meet 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 process can be difficult, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and verify your eligibility.
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 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 servicemember in the United States 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're not sure whether or not you're eligible, or need help determining how to qualify, contact our offices today. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Downey, CA, Can Fight Against 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 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 Downey, 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 individuals 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 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 instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. 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
- United States resident for at least 7 continuous 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 your final option. Your Downey, 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 is applicable when you have new evidence that could change the result of a hearing. 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 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. In particular, 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 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 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
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 match the criteria below:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently reside in the United States
- Aid in law enforcement's investigation of the trafficking
- 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 designed for a much wider type of crimes. 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 should look for an immigration lawyer in Downey, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
Below are the U Visa eligibility requirements:
- 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 broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
What to Look for in an Immigration Lawyer in Downey, CA
When looking for the right Downey, CA, immigration lawyer, it's important to look for the right criteria. As you look for an immigration attorney to help with your case, keep the following in mind:
- Experience working with clients just like you
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A reputation of success
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Cultural sensitivity to your customs
Your Downey, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone who is ready to take on your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you're facing an immigration issue in Downey, CA, reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Downey, CA
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Downey, CA, should also be ready to defend you in criminal court.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our seasoned attorneys can help Downey immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration status is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Downey, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Downey, 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, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. When you act fast, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
Our Downey, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Downey, CA. Whether you need help reuniting with family, becoming a lawful permanent resident, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
We also aid with the following legal services in Downey, CA:
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Downey, CA, today by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever challenge you're facing, our team is ready to advocate for you.
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