Immigration Lawyer in Murrieta, CA. Your Murrieta, 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, applying for citizenship, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
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 break down the process for you and advocate for you. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We cover a wide array of immigration matters, and are ready to talk to you. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no obligation review of your case.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Murrieta, 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 Murrieta, 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 keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Murrieta, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. As legal requirements change, it's important to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Additionally, 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 Makes Immigration in Murrieta, CA, Difficult?
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. 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 paperwork and forms
- An intense interview process
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Contacting your Murrieta, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Murrieta, CA Immigration Lawyer
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 crossing the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: for any legal guidance you need, your Murrieta, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
For many people, the first step is to apply for entry to the United States. There are many paths to enter the U.S., but some of the ones we most frequently assist with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Murrieta, 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, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you find protection through asylum. Later, after spending some time in the U.S., 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 meet the minimum investment requirement of $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) exist to waive certain entry requirements for qualifying individuals. 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 applies to individuals 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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta, 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 is dedicated to helping Murrieta residents reach their immigration 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 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 can inform you on what options are most likely to work for you.
Citizenship Applications
After moving to the United States, many immigrants want to become U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge for many people, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure and check your application for errors.
If you want to become a United States Citizen, 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 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. armed forces
- 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.
Contact us today to get help with your U.S. citizenship application. We offer help for a variety of U.S. citizenship application circumstances in Murrieta.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Murrieta, CA, Can Protect You From Deportation
One of the most stressful things you can experience as an immigrant is a deportation order. Whatever the circumstances, you do have ways to 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, there isn't any time to waste. Your Murrieta, 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 currently are in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, 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 are unlimited 42(a) slots available, making it a less competitive process. To be eligible for this procedure, you must meet the following criteria:
- 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 the end of the line. Your Murrieta, 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 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 contacting an attorney right away, 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 have been victimized by crime can take advantage of U.S. policies that aid in immigration. 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) to protect children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. 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
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. 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 meet the following requirements:
- 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 works similarly to a T Visa, but is applicable for a broader range of people who have been victimized by crime. People who have suffered abuse (where the United States has jurisdiction) can apply for a U Visa. If you are filing a U Visa, you should look for an immigration lawyer in Murrieta, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
Below are the U Visa eligibility requirements:
- You must be a victim of a qualifying crime
- 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 violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
How to Find the Right Murrieta, CA Immigration Lawyer
Your Murrieta, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be someone who will put you first. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience working with clients just like you
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Cultural sensitivity to your lifestyle
Your Murrieta, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone that is prepared to take on 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 Murrieta, CA, reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Murrieta, CA
Immigrants in Murrieta face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you've been accused of a crime, there could be major immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Murrieta, CA, needs to be someone who can fight for your freedom in criminal court as well.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our seasoned attorneys can help Murrieta immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your immigration status is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Murrieta, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Murrieta, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. By acting now, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
Get Help From Expert Murrieta, CA, Immigration Lawyers
If you're an immigrant in Murrieta facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, applying for a work visa, appealing a court decision, or any similar legal help, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Murrieta, CA:
Connect with an immigration lawyer in Murrieta, CA, today by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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