Immigration Lawyer in Palmdale, CA. Your Palmdale, 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, 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.
Don't try to do this alone. You want to work with 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 offices can assist with all the most common immigration matters, and are ready to help you today. Call us today at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to set up a no obligation case review.
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Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Palmdale, 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 Palmdale, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and give you time back to focus on the rest of your life, while they manage your case.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. As legal requirements change, it's important to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Finally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in Palmdale, CA?
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. 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 facing:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Restrictions on the number of visas available
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Working with your Palmdale, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Palmdale, CA Can Help You Get Into the United States
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: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Palmdale, CA, immigration lawyer can offer you support.
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 some of the most common ones we help with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Palmdale, 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 association with a social group, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can aid you in your asylum application. 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 new, full-time employment opportunities 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. Specifically, they are designed to help if you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from a serious medical condition, has serious financial difficulties, or is experiencing another extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for potential immigrants who were told they do not qualify to immigrate to the U.S. for reasons such as 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 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 Palmdale, 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 offers help for Palmdale immigrant residents chasing 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 vary 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 help you determine which path is best for your circumstances.
Citizenship Applications
After moving to the United States, many immigrants want to become U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, this process can be difficult, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and protect you from mistakes on your application.
Before you can apply, 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
- You can be under the age of 18 in this case, and the language requirements may be relaxed.
If you have any questions on these requirements, call our offices now. We offer help for a variety of U.S. citizenship application circumstances in Palmdale.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Palmdale, 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 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 Palmdale, 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 are in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, and they are very competitive. 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 is for people who already have their Green Cards. Also, there is no limit on the number that the government can give out. 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
If your cancellation of removal application is rejected, this isn't your final option. Your Palmdale, 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 argues that an error was made in the previous decision, or that the applicable law has changed. By getting help immediately, 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. 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
T Visas
A T Visa gives victims of human trafficking lawful resident status 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 match the criteria below:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently are 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 works similarly to a T Visa, but considers a wider range of potential crimes. 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 will want an immigration lawyer in Palmdale, 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 broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
How to Find the Right Palmdale, CA Immigration Lawyer
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Palmdale, 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 how to handle your needs
- A reputation of success
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Reverence for your way of life
Your Palmdale, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone who is ready to handle your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and create a unique plan that is designed for you. If you need help with an immigration problem in Palmdale, CA, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Palmdale, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you've been accused of a crime, there could be serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Palmdale, CA, should be someone who can help you with more than just the immigration process.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our seasoned attorneys can help Palmdale immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration background is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Palmdale, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Palmdale, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. By acting now, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Palmdale, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
Immigrants in Palmdale have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, earning your Green Card, reopening your case, or any similar legal help, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Palmdale, CA:
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Palmdale, CA, right away by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, our team is ready to advocate for you.
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