Immigration Lawyer in Norwalk, CA. Your Norwalk, 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 being threatened by deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Don't try to do this alone. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will treat you with compassion 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 review your case. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
What Your Norwalk, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
Working with an immigration lawyer in Norwalk, CA, is not required by law, but it can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Norwalk, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's essential to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Additionally, if you're facing removal from the U.S., your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
What Makes Immigration in Norwalk, CA, Difficult?
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 start this process alone, you could be up against:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting national and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Contacting your Norwalk, 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 Norwalk, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law is complicated and varied. 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 Norwalk, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you apply to enter 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 Norwalk, CA, can help you avoid persecution in your home country through migration to the United States. If you are under attack because of your race, political opinion, 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 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 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 harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is designed for individuals who were told they cannot 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), meanwhile, is specifically for people have entered the U.S. without permission and could be deported. 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 Norwalk, 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 Norwalk immigrants pursuing their goals, whatever they are.
Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
It's common for United States immigrants to seek Adjustment of Status. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The qualifications you need to meet 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 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 documentation involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges 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 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
- You can be under the age of 18 in this case, and the language requirements may be relaxed.
If you're not sure whether or not you're eligible, or need help determining how to qualify, contact our offices today. We offer help for a variety of U.S. citizenship application circumstances in Norwalk.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Norwalk, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
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 Norwalk, 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 individuals who already 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. 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 is for people who already have their Green Cards. additionally, 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
- United States resident for at least 7 continuous 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, don't give up hope. Your Norwalk, 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 is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the the law has been updated. By contacting an attorney right away, you can get a second chance to fight against deportation.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Sometimes, immigration cases take place in abnormal circumstances. 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 you with any of the below situations:
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
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 helps immigrants who are victims of human trafficking by giving them lawful status in the country 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 meet the following requirements:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently reside 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 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 will want an immigration lawyer in Norwalk, 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 provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
What to Look for in an Immigration Lawyer in Norwalk, CA
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Norwalk, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A plan that is centered around your needs
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Cultural sensitivity to your customs
Your Norwalk, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone that is prepared to help you with your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you need help with an immigration problem in Norwalk, CA, call us today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Norwalk, CA
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Norwalk, CA, should also be ready to defend you in criminal court.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is going to be dedicated to protecting your freedom and wellbeing. Our dedicated attorneys can help Norwalk immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration background is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Norwalk, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Norwalk, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. If you get help right away, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Get Help From Expert Norwalk, CA, Immigration Lawyers
Immigrants in Norwalk have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, earning your Green Card, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any related services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Norwalk, CA:
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Norwalk, 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 call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
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