Immigration Lawyer in La Jolla, CA. Your La Jolla, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're seeking a work visa, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
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 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 review your case. 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 La Jolla, CA, Will Help You
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in La Jolla, 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.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in La Jolla, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. When trying to understand the current laws, it's essential to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Finally, 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 La Jolla, 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. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Persecution in your home country
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Contacting your La Jolla, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How an Immigration Lawyer in La Jolla, CA Can Help You Get Into the United States
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 crossing the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: for any legal guidance you need, your La Jolla, CA, immigration lawyer can offer you support.
For many people, the first step is to 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 La Jolla, 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 association with a social group, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can aid you in your asylum application. Later, after spending some time in the U.S., we can also help you apply for 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 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. For one to apply to your case, you must have a qualifying relative who is suffering extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 applies to 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. 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 could be deported. 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 La Jolla, CA
An immigration lawyer is here to advise you after you're in the United States, as well. 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 wants to support La Jolla immigrants pursuing their 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. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The qualifications you need to meet change 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 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 process can be difficult, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated form processes involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges and verify your eligibility.
If you want to become a United States 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 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 La Jolla.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in La Jolla, CA, Can Protect You From 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 can make a case before a judge to stop your deportation. And if you don't get the result you want, we can file a motion to reopen/reconsider.
Cancellation of Removal 42(b) or 42(a)
If you're facing removal (or deportation) proceedings, you need to act quickly. Your La Jolla, 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 presently reside in the United States but do not have a Green Card. 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 instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. Also, there is no limit on the number that the government can give out. To be eligible for this procedure, you must meet the following criteria:
- 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 La Jolla, 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 when you have new evidence that could change the result of a hearing. 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 get another opportunity to protect yourself from removal.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. In particular, 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 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 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
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. Additionally, once this time period is up, many T Visa holders can apply to become lawful permanent residents.
To qualify for a T Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently reside in the United States
- Aid in law enforcement's investigation of the trafficking
- 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 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 will want an immigration lawyer in La Jolla, 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 provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
Top La Jolla, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right La Jolla, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. As you look for an immigration attorney to help with your case, keep the following in mind:
- Experience helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Respect for your lifestyle
Your La Jolla, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone who is ready to take on 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 La Jolla, CA, call us now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in La Jolla, CA
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you're up against criminal charges, there could be major immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in La Jolla, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is going to be dedicated to protecting your freedom and wellbeing. Our skillful attorneys are prepared to protect immigrants against criminal charges for all of the following case types:
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 La Jolla, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your La Jolla, 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, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. By acting now, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in La Jolla, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
If you're an immigrant in La Jolla facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for a work visa, reopening your case, or any related services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
We also aid with the following legal services in La Jolla, CA:
Connect with an immigration lawyer in La Jolla, CA, today by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
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