Immigration Lawyer in Lancaster, CA. Your Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're seeking a work visa, preparing for a citizenship application, 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. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will protect your rights 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 today at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to set up a no obligation consultation.
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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.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. With the ever-changing legal landscape, 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 Lancaster, CA?
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Language barriers when working on applications
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Working with your Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Lancaster, CA Can Help You Get Into the United States
United States immigration law is complicated and varied. Cases aren't as simple as crossing 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. There are many paths to enter the U.S., but some of the most common ones we help with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Lancaster, 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 race, nationality, 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) give potential immigrants who are ineligible another chance at entry. For one to apply to your case, you must 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 potential immigrants 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), 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 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 Lancaster, CA
Your Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyer can help with more than just entry to the United States. For many people, the next steps are earning your Green Card, then your U.S. citizenship. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley wants to support Lancaster 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 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 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 registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges and verify your eligibility.
Before you can apply, 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.
If you have any questions on these requirements, call our offices now. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
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. 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, don't wait until it's too late. Your Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to let you stay in the country and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to individuals 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 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
- Live in the U.S. for 7 straight years
- No aggravated felony convictions on your record
Motion to Reopen/Motion to Reconsider
Even if your 42(a) or 42(b) process doesn't work, this isn't your final option. Your Lancaster, 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 is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the the law has been updated. By contacting an attorney right away, 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) 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 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 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 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, it's important to work with an immigration lawyer in Lancaster, 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 broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
What You Need in an Immigration Lawyer in Lancaster, CA
There are many Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Reverence for your customs
Your Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone with the experience and knowledge needed to help you with 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 Lancaster, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Lancaster, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Lancaster face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're facing criminal accusations, you could be facing life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Lancaster, CA, should also be ready to defend you in criminal court.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is going to be dedicated to protecting your freedom and wellbeing. Our seasoned attorneys can help Lancaster immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your situation is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Lancaster, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Lancaster, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. If you get help right away, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Get Help From Expert Lancaster, CA, Immigration Lawyers
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Lancaster, CA. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, becoming a lawful permanent resident, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Lancaster, CA:
Connect with an immigration lawyer in Lancaster, CA, now by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, our team is ready to advocate for you.
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