Immigration Lawyer in San Bernardino, CA. Your San Bernardino, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in reality, this is a life-changing event. Whether you're seeking a work visa, applying for citizenship, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, working with the right attorney is essential.
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 defend you from injustice 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 help you today. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no obligation review of your case.
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What Your San Bernardino, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
Working with an immigration lawyer in San Bernardino, CA, is not required by law, but it can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in San Bernardino, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. When trying to understand the current laws, it's essential to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Lastly, if you're facing removal from the U.S., your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in San Bernardino, CA?
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. 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'll be trying to overcome:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Persecution in your home country
- Conflicting national and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Working with your San Bernardino, CA, immigration lawyer gives you a guide who can help you navigate these challenges and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your San Bernardino, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law is complicated and varied. Cases aren't as simple as walking into the country or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your San Bernardino, 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 three paths that often benefit from legal assistance are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in San Bernardino, CA, helps people who are not safe in their home country immigrate to the United States. If you have faced threats or violence because of your race, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you find protection through asylum. After enough time has passed, we can also help you apply for 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 new, full-time employment opportunities 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 do not qualify to immigrate to the U.S. for reasons such as health conditions, criminal record, and prior immigration fraud. Normally, this waiver is filed by someone currently outside the country. Waiver 601(a), meanwhile, is specifically for people are not lawfully in the U.S. and could be deported. Your San Bernardino immigration attorney can help you present a case that shows your qualifying 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 San Bernardino, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino 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. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). The qualifications you need to meet 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
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 form processes involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges 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
- 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 San Bernardino, CA, Can Protect You From 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 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, there isn't any time to waste. Your San Bernardino, 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 reside in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, and many people apply for them. 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 instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. Also, there is no limit on the number that the government can give out. 42(a) applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- 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 San Bernardino, CA, immigration lawyer can file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider, to challenge the result of the proceedings. 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 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
There are times when the normal process for immigration doesn't apply. 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 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
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 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 is designed for a much wider type of 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 should look for an immigration lawyer in San Bernardino, 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
Top San Bernardino, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right San Bernardino, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience working with clients just like you
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A plan for how to help
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Cultural sensitivity to your way of life
Your San Bernardino, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone that is prepared to handle 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 San Bernardino, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
San Bernardino, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in San Bernardino face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're facing criminal accusations, there could be serious immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in San Bernardino, CA, should also be ready to defend you in criminal court.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is going to be dedicated to protecting your freedom and wellbeing. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to protect immigrants against criminal charges for all of the following case types:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your situation is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in San Bernardino, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your San Bernardino, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. By acting now, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Get Help From Expert San Bernardino, CA, Immigration Lawyers
If you're an immigrant in San Bernardino facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, applying for a work visa, reopening your case, or any related services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in San Bernardino, CA:
Start working with an immigration lawyer in San Bernardino, CA, now by calling our team at (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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