Immigration Lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA. Your Pico Rivera, 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, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
It's important to have the right person by your side when you're going through these situations. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will treat you properly 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 use our online contact form to set up a no strings attached case review.
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How an Immigration Lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, Will Help You
Working with an immigration lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, is not required by law, but it can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. When trying to understand the current laws, it's important to have an expert who can explain the current situation 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.
What Makes Immigration in Pico Rivera, CA, Difficult?
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. 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.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you could be facing:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- Barriers to healthcare access
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Talking to your Pico Rivera, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Pico Rivera, 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 into the country or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: for any legal guidance you need, your Pico Rivera, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
Your journey begins when you first apply for entry to the United States. There are many paths to enter the U.S., but three paths that often benefit from legal assistance are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing injustice in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you have faced threats or violence because of your race, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you apply for asylum protection. After enough time has passed, our attorneys can help you apply for adjustment of status and earn your green card.
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 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 extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for people who were told they are not allowed 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 could be removed from the country. An experienced immigration attorney will 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 Pico Rivera, 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 is dedicated to helping Pico Rivera residents reach their immigration goals, whatever they are.
Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
Applying for Adjustment of Status is a big deal for many American immigrants. It allows you to become a lawful permanent resident, also known as earning your Green Card. The requirements vary 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
After moving to the United States, many immigrants want to become U.S. citizens. 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 verify your eligibility.
Before you can apply, 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 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. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
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, it's important to act fast. Your Pico Rivera, 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, the United States government puts a cap on how many 42(b) allowances can be granted each year, and many people apply for them. 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. Below are the requirements you must meet for 42(a):
- Green card for at least 5 years
- United States resident for at least 7 continuous years
- No aggravated felony convictions on your record
Motion to Reopen/Motion to Reconsider
Even if your 42(a) or 42(b) process doesn't work, don't give up hope. Your Pico Rivera, 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 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 acting fast, you don't have to give up and accept the negative result.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. 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 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. 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. 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 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, you should look for an immigration lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
The main criteria to apply for a U Visa are:
- You must be a victim of a qualifying crime
- During the crime, you must have suffered abuse
- You provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
How to Find the Right Pico Rivera, CA Immigration Lawyer
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Pico Rivera, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. As you look for an immigration attorney to help with your case, keep the following in mind:
- Experience helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Respect for your lifestyle
Your Pico Rivera, 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 create a unique plan that is designed for you. If you need help with an immigration problem in Pico Rivera, reach out to us today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Pico Rivera, CA
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you're up against criminal charges, there could be major immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is going to be dedicated to protecting your freedom and wellbeing. Our dedicated attorneys will help you fight for justice in all of the following case types:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your immigration background is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Pico Rivera, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Pico Rivera, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. By acting now, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Our Pico Rivera, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
Immigrants in Pico Rivera have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, applying for a work visa, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any other immigration services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
We also aid with the following legal services in Pico Rivera, CA:
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, now 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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