Immigration Lawyer in Huntington Beach, CA. Your Huntington Beach, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, applying for citizenship, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
Get legal help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will defend you from injustice 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 today at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a free, confidential consultation.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
What Your Huntington Beach, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For 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 Huntington Beach, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Huntington Beach, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. When trying to understand the current laws, it's essential to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Lastly, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in Huntington Beach, CA?
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. 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 facing:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Barriers to healthcare access
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Talking to your Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as walking into the country or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Huntington Beach, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
Your journey begins when you first apply to enter the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, but three paths that often benefit from legal assistance are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Huntington Beach, 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, 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 was designed to introduce new jobs into the American economy through foreign investment. What that means is that many individuals can earn an immigration visa by creating a new business in the United States. 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 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. Specifically, they are designed to help if 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. because of factors like 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 who are already in the United States unlawfully and are facing deportation. Working with your immigration attorney, you can present a case that demonstrates 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 Huntington Beach, 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 offers help for Huntington Beach immigrant residents chasing their 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. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The requirements vary depending on your situation – 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 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 can be a barrier for many, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated form processes involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure and protect you from mistakes on your application.
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
- 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'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 Huntington Beach, CA, Can Protect You From Deportation
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 force the state to fight you in court, where we can defend you. And if you don't receive the outcome you were hoping for, 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 and let the proceedings pass by without a fight. Your Huntington Beach, 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 immigrants who already reside in the United States but do not have a Green Card. 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
- Live in the U.S. for 7 straight years
- No aggravated felony convictions on your record
Motion to Reopen/Motion to Reconsider
If you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, don't give up hope. Your Huntington Beach, 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 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 can get a second chance to fight against deportation.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. 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 can help applicants with any of the below procedures:
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 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 effectively gives someone lawful resident status in the United States for up to 4 years, if they were a victim of human trafficking. 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 works similarly to 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 Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
There are many Huntington Beach, 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 with immigration law
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A plan that's tailored for you
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Reverence for your way of life
Your Huntington Beach, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone that is prepared to take on your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and create a unique plan that is designed for you. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Huntington Beach, CA, reach out to us today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Huntington Beach, CA
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you're facing criminal accusations, you could be facing life-changing immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Huntington Beach, CA, should be someone who can help you with more than just the immigration process.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our experienced attorneys will help you fight for justice in all of the following case types:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration status is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Huntington Beach, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Huntington Beach, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. By acting now, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
Our Huntington Beach, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
If you're an immigrant in Huntington Beach facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help reuniting with family, becoming a lawful permanent resident, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
We also aid with the following legal services in Huntington Beach, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Huntington Beach, CA, today by calling (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, our team is ready to advocate for you.
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