Immigration Lawyer in North Hollywood, CA. Your North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Get expert help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will stand by 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 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.
Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in North Hollywood, 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 North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in North Hollywood, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. When trying to understand the current laws, it's important to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Lastly, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in North Hollywood, CA?
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Restrictions on the number of visas available
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Working with your North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
How an Immigration Lawyer in North Hollywood, CA Can Help You Get Into the United States
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer will be there to guide you.
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 most common ones we help with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in North Hollywood, 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 aid you in your asylum application. After enough time has passed, our attorneys can help you apply for adjustment of status and earn your green card.
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 new, full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Waivers 601 & 601(a) (Family Hardship)
Waivers 601 and 601(a) allow individuals who would ordinarily be denied entry to the U.S. another chance to immigrate to the country. For one to apply to your case, you must have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 applies to individuals who were told they are not allowed to immigrate to the U.S. for reasons such as health conditions, criminal record, and prior immigration fraud. It is typically filed from outside the U.S. Waiver 601(a), meanwhile, 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 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 North Hollywood, CA
An immigration lawyer is here to advise you after you're in the United States, as well. Applying for lawful permanent resident status or citizenship is a major goal for many American immigrants. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley wants to support North Hollywood immigrants pursuing 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. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). The requirements 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 help you determine which path is most likely to work in your favor.
Citizenship Applications
A common end goal for immigrants is to apply for U.S. citizenship. Unfortunately, this process can be difficult, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help give you insight in the process and protect you from mistakes on your application.
Before becoming a U.S. 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. 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 North Hollywood, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
It's hard to imagine something more difficult than having the government attempt to remove you from the country. 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, it's important to act fast. Your North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to let you stay in the country and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to immigrants who presently live in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, the United States government puts a cap on how many 42(b) allowances can be granted each year, 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 is for people who already have their Green Cards. Also, there are unlimited 42(a) slots available, making it a less competitive process. Below are the requirements you must meet for 42(a):
- 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 your final option. Your North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer can file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider, to challenge the result of the proceedings. 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 can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, 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
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. 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 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 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
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. 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 are 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. 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 North Hollywood, 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 violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
What to Look for in an Immigration Lawyer in North Hollywood, CA
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. As you look for an immigration attorney to help with your case, keep the following in mind:
- Experience working with clients just like you
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A plan that is centered around your needs
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Reverence for your way of life
Your North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone who is ready to handle your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in North Hollywood, CA, reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174.
North Hollywood, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you're facing criminal accusations, there could be life-changing immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in North Hollywood, 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 someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our skillful attorneys will help you fight for justice in all of the following case types:
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 North Hollywood, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. By acting now, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
Get Help From Expert North Hollywood, CA, Immigration Lawyers
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in North Hollywood, CA. Whether you need help reuniting with family, applying for asylum, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any related services, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in North Hollywood, CA:
Start working with an immigration lawyer in North Hollywood, CA, right away by calling our team 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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