Immigration Lawyer in Lancaster, CA. Your Lancaster, 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 fighting in removal proceedings, working with the right attorney is essential.
Get experienced help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will defend you from injustice and advocate for you. 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 review your case. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a free case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Lancaster, CA
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Lancaster, CA, but doing so can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Lancaster, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. When trying to understand the current laws, it's essential to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Lastly, if you're facing removal from the U.S., your attorney can help you build a defense that guards your legal status against prosecution.
Common Immigration Challenges in Lancaster, CA
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Persecution in your home country
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Talking to your Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Lancaster, 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 walking through the border 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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, CA, helps people who are not safe in their home country immigrate 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, you'll be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
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 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Waivers 601 & 601(a) (Family Hardship)
Waivers 601 and 601(a) allow individuals who would ordinarily be denied entry to the U.S. another chance to immigrate to the country. They can apply in situations where you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant 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. It is typically filed from outside the U.S. Waiver 601(a), meanwhile, 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 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 Lancaster, 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 is dedicated to helping Lancaster residents reach their immigration 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. It allows you to become a lawful permanent resident, also known as earning your Green Card. The qualifications you need to meet 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
After moving to the United States, many immigrants want to become U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, this can be a barrier for many, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure 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 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 Lancaster.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Lancaster, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
One of the most stressful things you can experience as an immigrant is a deportation order. Whatever the circumstances, you do have ways to 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 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, you need to act quickly. Your Lancaster, 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 immigrants who presently reside in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, the United States government puts a cap on how many 42(b) allowances can be granted each year, and they are very competitive. To qualify, 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. 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 your final option. Your Lancaster, 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 can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if 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
There are times when the normal process for immigration doesn't apply. Notably, 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 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. 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. 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 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 considers a wider range of potential crimes. It applies to anyone who has been a victim of abuse. If you are filing a U Visa, you should look for an immigration lawyer in Lancaster, 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
- During the crime, you must have suffered abuse
- 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 Lancaster, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
Your Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be someone who will put you first. 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 how to handle your needs
- A reputation of success
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Reverence for your lifestyle
Your Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, CA, talk to one of our attorneys today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Lancaster, CA
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing major immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Lancaster, CA, needs to be someone who can fight for your freedom in criminal court as well.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our seasoned attorneys will help you fight for justice in 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 Lancaster, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Lancaster, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
If you're an immigrant in Lancaster facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, becoming a lawful permanent resident, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any similar legal help, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Lancaster, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Lancaster, CA, right away by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever challenge you're facing, our team is ready to advocate for you.
Payment Plans
