Immigration Lawyer in Perris, CA. Your Perris, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in reality, this is a life-changing event. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or fighting in removal proceedings, 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 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 review your case. Call us today 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 Perris, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
Working with an immigration lawyer in Perris, CA, is not required by law, but it can have a significant impact on 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 important to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Finally, 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 Perris, 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. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you could be up against:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Language barriers when working on applications
- Conflicting national and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Working with your Perris, CA, immigration lawyer gives you a guide who can help you navigate these challenges and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
How Your Perris, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: for any legal guidance you need, your Perris, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
For many people, the first step is to apply for entry to the United States. There are many paths to enter the U.S., but some of the most common ones we help with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Perris, CA, can help you avoid persecution in your home country through migration to the United States. If you have faced threats or violence because of your association with a social group, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can aid you in your asylum application. 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. They can apply in situations where 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 designed for people 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 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 Perris, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Perris, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. 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 offers help for Perris 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. It allows you to become a lawful permanent resident, also known as earning your Green Card. The requirements 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 help you determine which path is most likely to work in your favor.
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 filings involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and verify your eligibility.
Before becoming a U.S. 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 servicemember in the United States 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 are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Perris, CA, Can Protect You From Deportation
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. 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 don't receive the outcome you were hoping for, 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 Perris, 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 already reside in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, 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. Also, there are unlimited 42(a) slots available, making it a less competitive process. To be eligible for this procedure, you must meet the following criteria:
- 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 Perris, 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 is applicable when you have new evidence that could change the result of a hearing. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider argues that an error was made in the previous decision, or that 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. 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 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. We will advocate for you and present your case in 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 helps immigrants who are victims of human trafficking by giving them lawful status in the country for up to 4 years. Additionally, once this time period is up, many T Visa holders can apply to become lawful permanent residents.
To qualify for a T Visa, you must match the criteria below:
- 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 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 Perris, 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
- 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
What to Look for in an Immigration Lawyer in Perris, CA
When looking for the right Perris, CA, immigration lawyer, it's important to look for the right criteria. If you want a leading immigration attorney, look for the following:
- Experience with immigration law
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A reputation for delivering for clients
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Respect for your customs
Your Perris, 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 respectful to our different clients' needs. If you need help with an immigration problem in Perris, call us now at (800) 755-5174.
Perris, 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 Perris, CA, should also be ready to defend you in criminal court.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is isn't going to settle for a 'good enough' outcome – instead, they'll fight for the best deal possible for your situation. Our seasoned attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your situation is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Perris, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Perris, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. By acting now, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Work With an Experienced Perris, CA, Immigration Lawyer
If you're an immigrant in Perris facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, earning your Green Card, reopening your case, or any other immigration services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Perris, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Perris, CA, now by calling (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, we are ready to fight alongside you.
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