Immigration Lawyer in Lake Elsinore, CA. Your Lake Elsinore, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone that has intimate knowledge of U.S. immigration law, not someone without experience. Whether you're seeking a work visa, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or fighting in removal proceedings, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Don't try to do this alone. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will stand by you and fight for your goals. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our offices can assist with all the most common immigration matters, and are ready to help you today. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online to set up a no obligation review of your case.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
What Your Lake Elsinore, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
Working with an immigration lawyer in Lake Elsinore, CA, is not required by law, but it can make a big difference in 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 Lake Elsinore, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's important to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Lastly, if you're facing deportation, your attorney can help you build a defense that guards your legal status against prosecution.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Lake Elsinore, CA
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. For a variety of reasons, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Contacting your Lake Elsinore, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How Your Lake Elsinore, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as walking through the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Lake Elsinore, CA, immigration lawyer will be there to guide you.
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 three paths that often benefit from legal assistance are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Lake Elsinore, CA, can help you avoid persecution in your home country through migration to the United States. If you are under attack because of your association with a social group, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can aid you in your asylum application. After enough time has passed, we can also help you apply for 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 come from an investment of at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 if in a Targeted Employment Area) and create at least 10 full-time employment opportunities 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. Specifically, they are designed to help if you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from a serious medical condition, has serious financial difficulties, or is experiencing another extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for individuals who were told they cannot 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 are not lawfully in the U.S. and could be deported. Your Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore, CA
Your Lake Elsinore, CA, immigration lawyer can help with more than just entry to the United States. Applying for lawful permanent resident status or citizenship is a major goal for many American immigrants. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley wants to support Lake Elsinore immigrants pursuing 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 qualifications you need to meet vary 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 document requirements involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges 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. armed forces
- 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. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Lake Elsinore, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
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 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, there isn't any time to waste. Your Lake Elsinore, 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 live 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:
- 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 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 your final option. Your Lake Elsinore, 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 makes sense when your circumstances have changed in a way that could change the court's decision. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if the applicable law has changed. By contacting an attorney right away, you don't have to give up and accept the negative result.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. 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 applicants with any of the below procedures:
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
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. 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 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 works similarly to a T Visa, but considers a wider range of potential 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 Lake Elsinore, 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 provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
Top Lake Elsinore, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
When looking for the right Lake Elsinore, CA, immigration lawyer, it's important to look for the right criteria. If you want a leading immigration attorney, look for the following:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A plan for how to help
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Reverence for your lifestyle
Your Lake Elsinore, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone with the experience and knowledge needed to handle your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Lake Elsinore, CA, talk to one of our attorneys today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Lake Elsinore, CA
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you've been accused of a crime, you could be facing life-changing immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Lake Elsinore, CA, should be someone who can help you with more than just the immigration process.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our experienced 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 background is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Lake Elsinore, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Lake Elsinore, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Our Lake Elsinore, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Lake Elsinore, CA. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, becoming a lawful permanent resident, appealing a court decision, or any other immigration services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
We also aid with the following legal services in Lake Elsinore, CA:
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Lake Elsinore, CA, now by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Payment Plans
