Immigration Lawyer in Reseda, CA. Your Reseda, 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 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 with compassion and advocate for you. 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 today at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online to set up a no strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Reseda, CA
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Reseda, CA, but doing so can make a big difference in 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. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's important to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Finally, if you're facing removal from the U.S., your attorney can help you build a defense that guards your legal status against prosecution.
Common Immigration Challenges in Reseda, CA
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Language barriers when working on applications
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Contacting your Reseda, 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 Reseda, CA Can Help You Get Into the United States
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: for any legal guidance you need, your Reseda, CA, immigration lawyer will be there to guide you.
For many people, the first step is to apply to enter the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, but three paths that often benefit from legal assistance are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Reseda, 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 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 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 relevant 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. 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 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 Reseda, CA
Your Reseda, CA, immigration lawyer can help with more than just entry to the United States. 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 wants to support Reseda immigrants pursuing their goals, whatever they are.
Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
Adjustment of Status is a major step for many people who have immigrated to the U.S. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The qualifications you need to meet 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 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 documentation involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help give you insight in the process and verify your eligibility.
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 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. 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're not sure whether or not you're eligible, or need help determining how to qualify, contact our offices today. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Reseda, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
It's hard to imagine something more difficult than having the government attempt to remove you from the country. 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 Reseda, 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 individuals 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. 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. 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
If you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, this isn't your final option. Your Reseda, 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 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 acting fast, 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. In particular, people who are crime victims 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) as a form of immigration relief for children who were victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Our immigration attorneys are prepared to argue for your special immigration status 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
For individuals who rely on the court or government for support, this can stabilize your life while you plan for the future.
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 reside 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 is a lot like a T Visa, but is applicable for a broader range of people who have been victimized by crime. 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 Reseda, 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
How to Find the Right Reseda, CA Immigration Lawyer
There are many Reseda, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Reverence for your lifestyle
Your Reseda, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone with the experience and knowledge needed to take on your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are aware of the cultural needs of our different clients. If you need help with an immigration problem in Reseda, CA, call us today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Reseda, CA
Immigrants in Reseda face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing life-changing immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Reseda, 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 skillful attorneys can help Reseda immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration background is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Reseda, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Reseda, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. When you act fast, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Work With an Experienced Reseda, CA, Immigration Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Reseda, CA. Whether you need help reuniting with family, applying for a work visa, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any similar legal help, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Reseda, CA:
Connect with an immigration lawyer in Reseda, CA, today by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, we are ready to fight alongside you.
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