Immigration Lawyer in Panorama City, CA. Your Panorama City, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in reality, this is a life-changing event. 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, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
It's important to have the right person by your side when you're going through these situations. Don't settle for less than 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.
We cover a wide array of immigration matters, and are ready to help you today. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Panorama City, CA
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Panorama City, CA, but doing so can have a significant impact on 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.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Panorama City, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. As legal requirements change, it's important to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Lastly, if you're facing removal proceedings, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Panorama City, CA
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. 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 paperwork and forms
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Contacting your Panorama City, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How Your Panorama City, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
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 crossing the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: for any legal guidance you need, your Panorama City, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
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 Panorama City, 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 help you apply for asylum protection. After enough time has passed, you'll be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
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 come from an investment of at least $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) 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 extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 applies to individuals who were told they cannot 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), on the other hand, is specifically for people have entered the U.S. without permission and could be deported. 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 Panorama City, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Panorama City, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. For many people, the next steps are earning your Green Card, then your U.S. citizenship. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is dedicated to helping Panorama City residents reach their immigration 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 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 help you determine which path is best for your circumstances.
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 barrier for many, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges and check your application for errors.
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 servicemember in the United States 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 Panorama City, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
One of the most stressful things you can experience as an immigrant is a deportation order. While challenging and intimidating, you can fight back. By filing a cancellation of removal, you'll get a chance to argue against your removal. 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 Panorama City, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to keep you in the United States and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to immigrants who currently live in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, 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. additionally, 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, don't give up hope. Your Panorama City, 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 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
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. Notably, people who are crime victims 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
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 gives victims of human trafficking lawful resident status 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 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 is a lot like 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 Panorama City, 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
- 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
How to Find the Right Panorama City, CA Immigration Lawyer
Your Panorama City, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be someone who will put you first. If you want a leading immigration attorney, look for the following:
- Experience with immigration law
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A plan that's tailored for you
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Respect for your way of life
Your Panorama City, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm 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 Panorama City, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Panorama City, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Panorama City face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, there could be serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Panorama City, 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 seasoned attorneys are prepared to protect immigrants against criminal charges for all of the following case types:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your situation is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Panorama City, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Panorama City, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Panorama City, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Panorama City, CA. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for a work visa, appealing a court decision, or any similar legal help, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Panorama City, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Panorama City, CA, today by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
Payment Plans
