Immigration Lawyer in Mission Viejo, CA. Your Mission Viejo, 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, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or fighting in removal proceedings, working with the right attorney is essential.
It's important to have the right person by your side when you're going through these situations. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will break down the process for you 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 now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a free, confidential consultation.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Mission Viejo, CA
Even though there are some immigration procedures you can technically do on your own, it's always a good idea to check with your Mission Viejo, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can have a significant impact on 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.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. As legal requirements change, it's essential to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Additionally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in Mission Viejo, CA?
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. 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 up against:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Barriers to healthcare access
- Conflicting national and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Working with your Mission Viejo, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
How Your Mission Viejo, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: from the moment your first reach out until you've achieved your goals, your Mission Viejo, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
For many people, the first step is to apply for entry to 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 Mission Viejo, 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 help you apply for asylum protection. 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 new, 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 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 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 have entered the U.S. without permission and are facing deportation. 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 Mission Viejo, CA
An immigration lawyer is here to advise you after you're in the United States, as well. For many people, the next steps are earning your Green Card, then your U.S. citizenship. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is dedicated to helping Mission Viejo 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. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). 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
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 challenge for many people, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated documentation involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and verify your eligibility.
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. 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'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 Mission Viejo, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
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 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 Mission Viejo, 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 currently reside in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, and they are very competitive. 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. additionally, 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
- Live in the U.S. for 7 straight 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 Mission Viejo, 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 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 argues that an error was made in the previous decision, or that the applicable law has changed. By acting fast, you get another opportunity to protect yourself from removal.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. 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 applicants with any of the below procedures:
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 helps immigrants who are victims of human trafficking by giving them lawful status in the country 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 are 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 is a lot like a T Visa, but is designed for a much wider type of 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 Mission Viejo, 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 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 Mission Viejo, CA
When looking for the right Mission Viejo, CA, immigration lawyer, it's important to look for the right criteria. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A reputation for delivering for clients
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Respect for your traditions
Your Mission Viejo, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm 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 Mission Viejo, call us now at (800) 755-5174.
Mission Viejo, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Mission Viejo face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Mission Viejo, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our dedicated attorneys can help Mission Viejo immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your immigration status is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Mission Viejo, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Mission Viejo, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. By acting now, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Get Help From Expert Mission Viejo, CA, Immigration Lawyers
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Mission Viejo, CA. Whether you need help reuniting with family, earning your Green Card, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any similar legal help, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
We also aid with the following legal services in Mission Viejo, CA:
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Mission Viejo, CA, today by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever challenge you're facing, our team is ready to advocate for you.
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