Immigration Lawyer in Palm Springs, CA. Your Palm Springs, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or fighting in removal proceedings, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
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 advocate for you. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our immigration attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable, 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 strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
What Your Palm Springs, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Palm Springs, 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.
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 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 can help you build a defense that guards your legal status against prosecution.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Palm Springs, CA
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you could be up against:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Language barriers when working on applications
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Talking to your Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, 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 through the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: from the moment your first reach out until you've achieved your goals, your Palm Springs, CA, immigration lawyer will be there to guide you.
For many people, the first step is to apply to enter 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 Palm Springs, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing injustice in their home country gain entry to the U.S. 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., 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 meet the minimum investment requirement of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 if in a Targeted Employment Area) and create at least 10 full-time employment opportunities 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 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), meanwhile, is specifically for people who are already in the United States unlawfully and are facing deportation. Working with your immigration attorney, you can 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 Springs, 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 wants to support Palm Springs 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 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
Lawful permanent resident status may be enough for some people, but others want to become United States citizens. A Green Card is the end goal for some people, but many also want to earn their United States citizenship. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge for many people, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated filings involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and check your application for errors.
Before becoming a U.S. 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 member of the U.S. armed forces
- 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.
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 Palm Springs.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Palm Springs, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. But we're ready to help you fight for your place in the U.S. By filing a cancellation of removal, you'll get a chance to argue against your removal. 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 Palm Springs, 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 presently reside 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:
- 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 instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. 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
- Live in the U.S. for 7 straight 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 Palm Springs, 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 makes sense when your circumstances have changed in a way that could change the court's decision. 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 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 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) 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 effectively gives someone lawful resident status in the United States for up to 4 years, if they were a victim of human trafficking. 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 is a lot like 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, it's important to work with an immigration lawyer in Palm Springs, 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 provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
What You Need in an Immigration Lawyer in Palm Springs, CA
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Palm Springs, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience working with clients just like you
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A plan that is centered around your needs
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Respect for your lifestyle
Your Palm Springs, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone who is ready 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 Palm Springs, CA, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Palm Springs, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 serious immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Palm Springs, CA, should also be ready to defend you in criminal court.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our dedicated attorneys are prepared to protect immigrants against criminal charges for 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 Palm Springs, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Palm Springs, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. If you get help right away, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Get Help From Expert Palm Springs, CA, Immigration Lawyers
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Palm Springs, CA. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for asylum, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any other immigration services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Palm Springs, CA:
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Palm Springs, CA, now by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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