Immigration Lawyer in Escondido, CA. Your Escondido, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or fighting in removal proceedings, 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 guide you through the process 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 talk to you. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a free, confidential consultation.
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How an Immigration Lawyer in Escondido, 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 Escondido, 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.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Escondido, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's important to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Additionally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
What Makes Immigration in Escondido, CA, Difficult?
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you could be up against:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Persecution in your home country
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Working with your Escondido, CA, immigration lawyer gives you a guide who can help you navigate these challenges and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Escondido, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law is complicated and varied. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: for any legal guidance you need, your Escondido, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
Your journey begins when you first apply for entry to 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 Escondido, 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 race, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you find protection through asylum. 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 jobs for U.S. workers.
Waivers 601 & 601(a) (Family Hardship)
Waivers 601 and 601(a) give potential immigrants who are ineligible another chance at entry. For one to apply to your case, you must have a qualifying relative who is suffering extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 applies to 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), on the other hand, is specifically for people have entered the U.S. without permission and are facing deportation. An experienced immigration attorney will help you 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 Escondido, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Escondido, 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 Escondido residents reach their immigration 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 vary 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 can inform you on what options are most likely to work for you.
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 document requirements involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure and verify your eligibility.
Before you can apply, 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. 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. We offer help for a variety of U.S. citizenship application circumstances in Escondido.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Escondido, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
It's hard to imagine something more difficult than having the government attempt to remove you from the country. But we're ready to help you fight for your place in the U.S. By filing a cancellation of removal, you can make a case before a judge to stop your deportation. 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, it's important to act fast. Your Escondido, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to let you stay in the country and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to individuals who currently reside in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, the United States government puts a cap on how many 42(b) allowances can be granted each year, and many people apply for them. To qualify, 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. 42(a) applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- 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 the end of the line. Your Escondido, 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 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 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 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 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
- 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, you should look for an immigration lawyer in Escondido, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
The main criteria to apply for a U Visa are:
- You must be a victim of a qualifying crime
- 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 Escondido, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
There are many Escondido, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A reputation of success
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Respect for your customs
Your Escondido, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone who is ready to help you with your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you're facing an immigration issue in Escondido, call us today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Escondido, CA
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 life-changing immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Escondido, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration background is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Escondido, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Escondido, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, 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 Escondido, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
If you're an immigrant in Escondido facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for a work visa, appealing a court decision, or any other immigration services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Escondido, CA:
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Escondido, CA, right away by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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