Immigration Lawyer in Redlands, CA. Your Redlands, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in a way, you're doing just that. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, 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. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will treat you properly 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 review your case. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a no strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Redlands, CA
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Redlands, CA, but doing so 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.
They can also help you navigate the ever-changing United States immigration law landscape. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's essential to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Additionally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney can help you build a defense that guards your legal status against prosecution.
Common Immigration Challenges in Redlands, CA
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- Restrictions on the number of visas available
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Talking to your Redlands, 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 Redlands, 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 crossing the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Redlands, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you apply to enter the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, but some of the ones we most frequently assist with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Redlands, CA, helps people who are not safe in their home country immigrate to the United States. If you are under attack 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 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 come from an investment of at least $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. For one to apply to your case, you must have a qualifying relative who is suffering extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is designed 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 Redlands, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Redlands, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. 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 Redlands 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 requirements change depending on your situation – 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 help you determine which path is most likely to work in your favor.
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 document requirements involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and check your application for errors.
If you want to become a United States 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 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 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 have any questions on these requirements, call our offices now. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Redlands, CA, Can Protect You From Deportation
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. While challenging and intimidating, you can fight back. By filing a cancellation of removal, you can make a case before a judge to stop your deportation. 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 Redlands, 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 currently 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 they are very competitive. 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 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
- United States resident for at least 7 continuous years
- No aggravated felony convictions on your record
Motion to Reopen/Motion to Reconsider
If you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, this isn't your final option. Your Redlands, 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 is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the the law has been updated. By getting help immediately, you get another opportunity to protect yourself from removal.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Sometimes, immigration cases take place in abnormal circumstances. Notably, people who are crime victims are given special treatment that can help with the immigration process. 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) to protect children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. 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 helps immigrants who are victims of human trafficking by giving them lawful status in the country 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 meet the following requirements:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently live 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 works similarly to a T Visa, but is designed for a much wider type of crimes. It applies to anyone who has been a victim of abuse. If you are filing a U Visa, you should look for an immigration lawyer in Redlands, 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
- 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 violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
How to Find the Right Redlands, CA Immigration Lawyer
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Redlands, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. As you look for an immigration attorney to help with your case, keep the following in mind:
- Experience working with clients just like you
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A plan for how to help
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Cultural sensitivity to your way of life
Your Redlands, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm 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're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Redlands, CA, call us today at (800) 755-5174.
Redlands, 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, there could be serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Redlands, 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 will help you fight for justice in all of the following case types:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration background is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Redlands, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Redlands, 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, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. If you get help right away, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Work With an Experienced Redlands, CA, Immigration Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Redlands, CA. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, applying for asylum, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any similar legal help, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
We also aid with the following legal services in Redlands, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Connect with an immigration lawyer in Redlands, CA, right away by calling (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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