Immigration Lawyer in Fontana, CA. Your Fontana, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or fighting in removal proceedings, working with the right attorney is essential.
Get expert help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. 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.
We cover a wide array of immigration matters, and are ready to help you today. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Fontana, CA
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Fontana, CA, but doing so can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes and give you time back to focus on the rest of your life, while they manage 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 important to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Lastly, if you're facing removal proceedings, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Fontana, CA
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. 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 up against:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Contacting your Fontana, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Fontana, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: From the moment you first enter the country to filling out your citizenship application, your Fontana, 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 ones we most frequently assist with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Fontana, CA, helps people who are not safe in their home country immigrate to the United States. If you are under attack because of your race, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can aid you in your asylum application. Later, after spending some time in the U.S., you'll be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
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 new, full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Waivers 601 & 601(a) (Family Hardship)
Waivers 601 and 601(a) exist to waive certain entry requirements for qualifying individuals. 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 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 removed from the country. Your Fontana immigration attorney can 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 Fontana, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Fontana, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. 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 Fontana residents reach their immigration goals, whatever they are.
Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
It's common for United States immigrants to seek Adjustment of Status. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The requirements change 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
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 can be a challenge for many people, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated document requirements 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 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're not sure whether or not you're eligible, or need help determining how to qualify, contact our offices today. We offer help for a variety of U.S. citizenship application circumstances in Fontana.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Fontana, 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 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, there isn't any time to waste. Your Fontana, 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 immigrants who presently reside in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. 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 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
Even if your 42(a) or 42(b) process doesn't work, don't give up hope. Your Fontana, 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 when you have new evidence that could change the result of a hearing. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the the law has been updated. By contacting an attorney right away, 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 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
For individuals who rely on the court or government for support, this can stabilize your life while you plan for the future.
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. The T Visa also provides a pathway for many immigrants to apply for a Green Card at the end of this time period.
To qualify for a T Visa, you must match the criteria below:
- 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. 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 will want an immigration lawyer in Fontana, 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
- During the crime, you must have suffered abuse
- 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
Top Fontana, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Fontana, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. If you want a leading immigration attorney, look for the following:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A plan for how to help
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Respect for your lifestyle
Your Fontana, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley 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 Fontana, call us now at (800) 755-5174.
Fontana, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Fontana face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, there could be life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Fontana, CA, should also handle any criminal charges you're up against.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is isn't going to settle for a 'good enough' outcome – instead, they'll fight for the best deal possible for your situation. Our experienced attorneys will help you fight for justice in all of the following case types:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your immigration status is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Fontana, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Fontana, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. If you get help right away, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Get Help From Expert Fontana, CA, Immigration Lawyers
If you're an immigrant in Fontana facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, applying for a work visa, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any other immigration services, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Fontana, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Fontana, CA, today by calling (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
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