Immigration Lawyer in Fullerton, CA. Your Fullerton, 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 defending against 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 treat you with compassion 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.
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How an Immigration Lawyer in Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
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 have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Additionally, 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 Challenges Do Immigrants Face in Fullerton, CA?
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you could be up against:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Language barriers when working on applications
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Contacting your Fullerton, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Fullerton, CA Immigration Lawyer
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 walking into the country or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: From the moment you first enter the country to filling out your citizenship application, your Fullerton, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you 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 Fullerton, 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, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you find protection through asylum. After enough time has passed, our attorneys can help you apply for adjustment of status and earn 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 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 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. because of factors like 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 have entered the U.S. without permission and could be deported. 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 Fullerton, 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 is dedicated to helping Fullerton 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 qualifications you need to meet 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
A common end goal for immigrants is to apply for U.S. citizenship. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge for many people, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated documentation 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
- For children of U.S. citizens, you don't need to be over 18, and the English language requirements may be scaled down.
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 Fullerton, CA, Can Protect You From Deportation
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. But we're ready to help you fight for your place in the U.S. By filing a cancellation of removal, you'll get a chance to argue against your removal. 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, don't wait until it's too late. Your Fullerton, 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 already are in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, 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. 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 the end of the line. Your Fullerton, 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 argues that an error was made in the previous decision, or that the the law has been updated. By getting help immediately, you can get a second chance to fight against deportation.
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 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. We will advocate for you and present your case 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. 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 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. 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 Fullerton, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
Below are the U Visa eligibility requirements:
- 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 broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
What You Need in an Immigration Lawyer in Fullerton, CA
There are many Fullerton, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Respect for your customs
Your Fullerton, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone who is ready to help you with your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and create a unique plan that is designed for you. If you're facing an immigration issue in Fullerton, CA, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Fullerton, CA
Immigrants in Fullerton face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, there could be serious immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Fullerton, 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 are prepared to protect immigrants against criminal charges for all of the following case types:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration background is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Fullerton, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Fullerton, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. When you act fast, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Our Fullerton, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
Immigrants in Fullerton have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, earning your Green Card, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any other immigration services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Fullerton, CA:
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Fullerton, CA, right away by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, we are ready to fight alongside you.
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