Immigration Lawyer in Glendale, CA. Your Glendale, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone that has intimate knowledge of U.S. immigration law, not someone without experience. 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, 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 fight for your goals. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our immigration attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable, and are ready to talk to you. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no obligation review of your case.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Glendale, CA
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Glendale, CA, but doing so 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. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's important to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Finally, if you're facing removal from the U.S., your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
What Makes Immigration in Glendale, CA, Difficult?
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you could be up against:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Persecution in your home country
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Talking to your Glendale, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How Your Glendale, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
United States immigration law is complicated and varied. 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: From the moment you first enter the country to filling out your citizenship application, your Glendale, CA, immigration lawyer can offer you support.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you 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 Glendale, 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 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 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 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) 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 potential immigrants 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 are not lawfully in the U.S. 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 Glendale, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Glendale, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. Applying for lawful permanent resident status or citizenship is a major goal for many American immigrants. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is dedicated to helping Glendale 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. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). The requirements 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 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 filings involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help give you insight in the process and protect you from mistakes on your application.
Before becoming a U.S. citizen, you need to fulfill the following criteria:
- 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 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.
Contact us today to get help with your U.S. citizenship application. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Glendale, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. While challenging and intimidating, you can fight back. 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 Glendale, 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 reside in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, and they are very competitive. For this procedure, 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 instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. additionally, there are unlimited 42(a) slots available, making it a less competitive process. 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 Glendale, CA, immigration lawyer can file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider, which can give you another chance to stay in the U.S. 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 is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the the law has been updated. By getting help immediately, you don't have to give up and accept the negative result.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
There are times when the normal process for immigration doesn't apply. Notably, people who are crime victims 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) 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
Getting a chance to stay in the U.S. can be life-changing for some people.
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 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 works similarly to 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, it's important to work with an immigration lawyer in Glendale, 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 provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
Top Glendale, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
When looking for the right Glendale, CA, immigration lawyer, it's important to look for the right criteria. The list below goes over some of the most important factors to look for in your attorney:
- Experience working with clients just like you
- 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 Glendale, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone who is ready to help you with 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 Glendale, call us now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Glendale, CA
Immigrants in Glendale face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, there could be serious immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Glendale, CA, should also be ready to defend you in criminal court.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is going to be dedicated to protecting your freedom and wellbeing. Our seasoned attorneys can help Glendale immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your immigration status is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Glendale, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Glendale, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. If you get help right away, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Glendale, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Glendale, CA. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for asylum, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Glendale, CA:
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Glendale, 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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