Immigration Lawyer in Santa Ana, CA. Your Santa Ana, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, applying for citizenship, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
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 protect your rights 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 help you today. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a no obligation review of your case.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Ana, CA
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, but doing so can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Santa Ana, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's essential to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Lastly, if you're facing removal from the U.S., your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
What Makes Immigration in Santa Ana, CA, Difficult?
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you could be up against:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Persecution in your home country
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Contacting your Santa Ana, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Ana, 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 some simple paperwork. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Santa Ana, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
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 Santa Ana, CA, can help you avoid persecution in your home country through migration to the United States. 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. Later, after spending some time in the U.S., we can also help you apply for your Green Card.
EB5 Visa Program (Commercial Investment)
The EB5 Visa Program was designed to introduce new jobs into the American economy through foreign investment. What that means is that many individuals can earn an immigration visa by creating a new business in the United States. In order to qualify, the business must meet the minimum investment requirement of $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. 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 potential immigrants who were told they cannot 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 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 Santa Ana, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Santa Ana, 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 wants to support Santa Ana 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. It allows you to become a lawful permanent resident, also known as earning your Green Card. The requirements change depending on your circumstances – 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 filings involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help give you insight in the process and protect you from mistakes on your application.
If you want to become a United States Citizen, 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 lawful permanent resident 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
- You can be under the age of 18 in this case, and the language requirements may be relaxed.
If you have any questions on these requirements, call our offices now. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
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 Santa Ana, 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 already 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. Also, 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
- 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, don't give up hope. Your Santa Ana, 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 is applicable when you have new evidence that could change the result of a hearing. 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
Sometimes, immigration cases take place in abnormal circumstances. 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. 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
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 effectively gives someone lawful resident status in the United States for up to 4 years, if they were a victim of human trafficking. 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 are 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 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 Santa Ana, 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
- You must have suffered abuse in the process
- 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 Santa Ana, CA Immigration Lawyer
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Santa Ana, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience with immigration law
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A plan for how to help
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Cultural sensitivity to your way of life
Your Santa Ana, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone that is prepared to help you with your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are aware of the cultural needs of our different clients. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Santa Ana, CA, call us now at (800) 755-5174.
Santa Ana, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing major immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
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 experienced attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your situation is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Santa Ana, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Santa Ana, 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 defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Santa Ana, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Santa Ana, CA. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, becoming a lawful permanent resident, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any similar legal help, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Santa Ana, CA:
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, today by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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