Immigration Lawyer in Palm Desert, CA. Your Palm Desert, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone that has intimate knowledge of U.S. immigration law, not someone without experience. Whether you're seeking a work visa, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, working with the right attorney is essential.
Get expert help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will break down the process for you and fight for your goals. 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 help you today. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online to set up a no obligation case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Palm Desert, CA
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Palm Desert, CA, but doing so 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 Palm Desert, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. When trying to understand the current laws, it's essential to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Lastly, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
What Makes Immigration in Palm Desert, 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. For a variety of reasons, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you could be up against:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- An intense interview process
- Conflicting national and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Talking to your Palm Desert, CA, immigration lawyer gives you a guide who can help you navigate these challenges and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
How Your Palm Desert, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as walking into the country or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: From the moment you first enter the country to filling out your citizenship application, your Palm Desert, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you 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 Palm Desert, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing mistreatment in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you are under attack because of your race, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you apply for asylum protection. Later, after spending some time in the U.S., you'll be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
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 jobs for U.S. workers.
Waivers 601 & 601(a) (Family Hardship)
Waivers 601 and 601(a) exist to waive certain entry requirements for qualifying individuals. Specifically, they are designed to help if you have a qualifying relative who is suffering extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for potential immigrants 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. Normally, this waiver is filed by someone currently outside the country. Waiver 601(a), on the other hand, is specifically for people are not lawfully in the U.S. and could be deported. Your Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Palm Desert, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. 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 Palm Desert immigrant residents chasing their 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. It allows you to become a lawful permanent resident, also known as earning your Green Card. The qualifications you need to meet change depending on your situation – 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
A common end goal for immigrants is to apply for U.S. 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.
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 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.
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 Palm Desert.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Palm Desert, 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 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 and let the proceedings pass by without a fight. Your Palm Desert, 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 currently are in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, 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 instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. 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
- 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 the end of the line. Your Palm Desert, 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 makes sense when your circumstances have changed in a way that could change the court's decision. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if the applicable law has changed. By contacting an attorney right away, you can get a second chance to fight against deportation.
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 are given special treatment that can help with the immigration process. 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) 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
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 live 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 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 Palm Desert, 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
- During the crime, you must have suffered abuse
- You are working or will work with the police to help them catch the abuser
- The crime broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
Top Palm Desert, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
There are many Palm Desert, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A plan that's tailored for you
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Respect for your customs
Your Palm Desert, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone with the experience and knowledge needed to handle your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are aware of the cultural needs of our different clients. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Palm Desert, CA, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Palm Desert, CA
Immigrants in Palm Desert face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're facing criminal accusations, you could be facing serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Palm Desert, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our skillful attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration background is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Palm Desert, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Palm Desert, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. By acting now, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
Get Help From Expert Palm Desert, CA, Immigration Lawyers
If you're an immigrant in Palm Desert facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, earning your Green Card, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Palm Desert, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Connect with an immigration lawyer in Palm Desert, CA, today by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever challenge you're facing, we are ready to fight alongside you.
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