Immigration Lawyer in Moorpark, CA. Your Moorpark, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in a way, you're doing just that. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
It's important to have the right person by your side when you're going through these situations. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will stand by you and fight for your goals. 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 today at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Moorpark, 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 Moorpark, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
They can also help you navigate the ever-changing United States immigration law landscape. When trying to understand the current laws, it's essential to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Finally, if you're facing removal proceedings, your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Moorpark, CA
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. 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:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- Restrictions on the number of visas available
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Contacting your Moorpark, CA, immigration lawyer gives you a guide who can help you navigate these challenges and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Moorpark, 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 into the country or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: from the moment your first reach out until you've achieved your goals, your Moorpark, CA, immigration lawyer will be there to guide you.
Your journey begins when you first apply for entry to 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 Moorpark, 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 help you find protection through asylum. Later, after spending some time in the U.S., our attorneys can help you apply for adjustment of status and earn your green card.
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 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 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 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 are facing deportation. Your Moorpark immigration attorney can 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 Moorpark, CA
Your Moorpark, CA, immigration lawyer can help with more than just entry to the United States. Applying for lawful permanent resident status or citizenship is a major goal for many American immigrants. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley offers help for Moorpark immigrant residents chasing 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 requirements change depending on your circumstances – 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
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 documentation involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and protect you from mistakes on your application.
If you want to become a United States 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
- 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. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Moorpark, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. While challenging and intimidating, you can fight back. By filing a cancellation of removal, you can force the state to fight you in court, where we can defend you. 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, don't wait until it's too late. Your Moorpark, 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 immigrants who already reside in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, and many people apply for them. 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. 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
- 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 the end of the line. Your Moorpark, 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 when you have new evidence that could change the result of a hearing. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider argues that an error was made in the previous decision, or that the applicable law has changed. 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. In particular, people who are crime victims can take advantage of U.S. policies that aid in immigration. 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) to protect children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. 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
T Visas
A T Visa gives victims of human trafficking lawful resident status for up to 4 years. The T Visa also provides a pathway for many immigrants to apply for a Green Card at the end of this time period.
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
- 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, it's important to work with an immigration lawyer in Moorpark, 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
How to Find the Right Moorpark, CA Immigration Lawyer
Your Moorpark, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be someone who will put you first. As you look for an immigration attorney to help with your case, keep the following in mind:
- Experience with immigration law
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Respect for your customs
Your Moorpark, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone that is prepared to handle your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you need help with an immigration problem in Moorpark, CA, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Moorpark, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Moorpark face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you've been accused of a crime, there could be life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Moorpark, CA, should also handle any criminal charges you're up against.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our seasoned attorneys are prepared to protect immigrants against criminal charges for all of the following case types:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration background is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Moorpark, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Moorpark, 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. If you get help right away, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
Get Help From Expert Moorpark, CA, Immigration Lawyers
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Moorpark, CA. Whether you need help reuniting with family, applying for a work visa, reopening your case, or any related services, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
We also aid with the following legal services in Moorpark, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Moorpark, CA, right away by calling (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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