Immigration Lawyer in San Diego, CA. Your San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're seeking a work visa, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
Get expert help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. 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.
Our immigration attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable, and are ready to help you today. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to set up a no strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
How an Immigration Lawyer in San Diego, CA, Will Help You
Even though there are some immigration procedures you can technically do on your own, it's always a good idea to check with your San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors 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. When trying to understand the current laws, it's important to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Finally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in San Diego, 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.
On your own, you could be facing:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Restrictions on the number of visas available
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Working with your San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How Your San Diego, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
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 through the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: for any legal guidance you need, your San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer will be there to guide you.
For many people, the first step is to apply to enter the United States. There are many paths to enter the U.S., but some of the ones we most frequently assist with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in San Diego, 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 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 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 jobs 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. Specifically, they are designed to help if you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for individuals who were told they are not allowed 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), on the other hand, is specifically for people are not lawfully in the U.S. and are facing deportation. 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 San Diego, CA
An immigration lawyer is here to advise you after you're in the United States, as well. 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 is dedicated to helping San Diego 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 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
A common end goal for immigrants is to apply for U.S. citizenship. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge for many people, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges and protect you from mistakes on your application.
Before becoming a U.S. 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're not sure whether or not you're eligible, or need help determining how to qualify, contact our offices today. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in San Diego, CA, Can Protect You From Deportation
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. But we're ready to help you fight for your place in the U.S. By filing a cancellation of removal, you can make a case before a judge to stop your deportation. 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, it's important to act fast. Your San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to let you stay in the country and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to individuals 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. 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. 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 you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, this isn't your final option. Your San Diego, 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 when you have new evidence that could change the result of a hearing. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if the the law has been updated. By getting help immediately, you can get a second chance to fight against deportation.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. Notably, 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 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. 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
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 meet the following requirements:
- 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, it's important to work with an immigration lawyer in San Diego, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
The main criteria to apply for a U Visa are:
- 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 broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
Top San Diego, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
Your San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be someone who will put you first. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A reputation of success
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Cultural sensitivity to your way of life
Your San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone who is ready 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 San Diego, CA, call us today at (800) 755-5174.
San Diego, 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 life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in San Diego, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is isn't going to settle for a 'good enough' outcome – instead, they'll fight for the best deal possible for your situation. Our dedicated attorneys are prepared to protect immigrants against criminal charges for all of the following case types:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your situation is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in San Diego, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. If you get help right away, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in San Diego, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
If you're an immigrant in San Diego facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, applying for a work visa, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
We also aid with the following legal services in San Diego, CA:
Connect with an immigration lawyer in San Diego, CA, right away by calling (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. Whatever challenge you're facing, we are ready to fight alongside you.
Payment Plans
