Immigration Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA. Your Manhattan Beach, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone that has intimate knowledge of U.S. immigration law, not someone without experience. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, working with the right attorney is essential.
Get legal help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will treat you with compassion and advocate for you. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our immigration attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable, and are ready to talk to you. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online to set up a no strings attached case review.
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Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA
Working with an immigration lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA, is not required by law, but it can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. When trying to understand the current laws, it's important to have an expert who can explain the current situation 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 Manhattan Beach, CA
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you could be facing:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Persecution in your home country
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Working with your Manhattan Beach, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How Your Manhattan Beach, 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 some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: for any legal guidance you need, your Manhattan Beach, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
For many people, the first step is to apply to enter 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 Manhattan Beach, 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 association with a social group, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you apply for asylum protection. Later, after spending some time in the U.S., you'll be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
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 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. 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 people 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 have entered the U.S. without permission and could be removed from the country. 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 Manhattan Beach, 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 Manhattan Beach 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 requirements vary 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 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 barrier for many, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated form processes involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure and check your application for errors.
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 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 member of the U.S. 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.
Contact us today to get help with your U.S. citizenship application. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
One of the most stressful things you can experience as an immigrant is a deportation order. But we're ready to help you fight for your place in the U.S. 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, there isn't any time to waste. Your Manhattan Beach, 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 presently live in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, and many people apply for them. 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 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. 42(a) applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- 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, don't give up hope. Your Manhattan Beach, 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 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 the law has been updated. By acting fast, you don't have to give up and accept the negative result.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
There are times when the normal process for immigration doesn't apply. Notably, 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. We will advocate for you and present your case 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
People who've faced abuse or neglect have endured more than enough. Getting help to stay in the country is important.
T Visas
A T Visa gives victims of human trafficking lawful resident status for up to 4 years. 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
- 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 is a lot like 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 Manhattan Beach, 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 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
Top Manhattan Beach, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
Your Manhattan Beach, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be someone who will put you first. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A reputation of success
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Respect for your heritage
Your Manhattan Beach, 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 are aware of the cultural needs of our different clients. If you need help with an immigration problem in Manhattan Beach, CA, talk to one of our attorneys today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Manhattan Beach, CA
Immigrants in Manhattan Beach face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're facing criminal accusations, there could be life-changing immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA, should be someone who can help you with more than just the immigration process.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is isn't going to settle for a 'good enough' outcome – instead, they'll fight for the best deal possible for your situation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your situation is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Manhattan Beach, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Manhattan Beach, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Work With an Experienced Manhattan Beach, CA, Immigration Lawyer
Immigrants in Manhattan Beach have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for asylum, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
We also aid with the following legal services in Manhattan Beach, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA, today by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, our team is ready to advocate for you.
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