Immigration Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA. Your Los Angeles, 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, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
Don't try to do this alone. Don't settle for less than 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.
We cover a wide array of immigration matters, and are ready to help you today. Call us now 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.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, Will Help 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 Los Angeles, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and give you time back to focus on the rest of your life, while they manage your case.
They can also help you navigate the ever-changing United States immigration law landscape. As legal requirements change, 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 Los Angeles, CA
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. 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.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you could be facing:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Language barriers when working on applications
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Talking to your Los Angeles, CA, immigration lawyer gives you a guide who can help you navigate these challenges and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
How Your Los Angeles, 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 can have someone at your side to help: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Los Angeles, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
Your journey begins when you first apply for entry to 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 Los Angeles, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing mistreatment in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you have faced threats or violence because of your race, 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 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 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. They can apply in situations where you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is designed for potential immigrants 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. It is typically filed from outside the U.S. Waiver 601(a), on the other hand, is specifically for people who are already in the United States unlawfully and could be deported. Your Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Los Angeles, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. 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 Los Angeles 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. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). The requirements change 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
Lawful permanent resident status may be enough for some people, but others want to become United States citizens. A Green Card is the end goal for some people, but many also want to earn their United States citizenship. Unfortunately, this can be a barrier for many, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated filings 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 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 lawful permanent resident 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
- 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 are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
It's hard to imagine something more difficult than having the government attempt to remove you from the country. 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 are given a negative ruling, we can file a motion to reopen/reconsider.
Cancellation of Removal 42(b) or 42(a)
If you're facing removal (or deportation) proceedings, it's important to act fast. Your Los Angeles, 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 are in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, 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 you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, this isn't your final option. Your Los Angeles, 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 is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the the law has been updated. By acting fast, 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. In particular, people who are crime victims are given special treatment that can help with the immigration process. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with any of the below situations:
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
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. 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 live 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. It applies to anyone who has been a victim of abuse. If you are filing a U Visa, you will want an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
The main criteria to apply for a U Visa are:
- You must have been victimized by a crime from an applicable list
- 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 broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
How to Find the Right Los Angeles, CA Immigration Lawyer
When looking for the right Los Angeles, CA, immigration lawyer, it's important to look for the right criteria. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A plan that is centered around your needs
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Respect for your way of life
Your Los Angeles, 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 an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Los Angeles, CA, reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Los Angeles, CA
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you've been accused of a crime, you could be facing serious immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, should be someone who can help you with more than just the immigration process.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is going to be dedicated to protecting your freedom and wellbeing. Our dedicated attorneys will help you fight for justice in 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 Los Angeles, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Los Angeles, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. If you get help right away, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
Our Los Angeles, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
Immigrants in Los Angeles have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for a work visa, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any related services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Los Angeles, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, today by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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