Immigration Lawyer Santa Ana, CA

Immigration Lawyer in Santa Ana, CA. Your Santa Ana, 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, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or fighting in removal proceedings, you're facing life-changing circumstances.

Don't try to do this alone. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will guide you through the process 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 today at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no obligation case review.

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 have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.

Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Santa Ana, 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.

Additionally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.

What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in Santa Ana, CA?

It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. For a variety of reasons, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.

On your own, you could be facing:

Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
Complex forms and required documents
Barriers to healthcare access
Conflicting federal and state laws
Overflowing courts and lengthy waits

Contacting your Santa Ana, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.

Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Santa Ana, CA Immigration Lawyer

United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: from the moment your first reach out until you've achieved your goals, your Santa Ana, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.

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 most common ones we help with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.

Asylum

An asylum immigration lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing injustice in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you have faced threats or violence 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., we can also help you apply for 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 jobs for U.S. workers.

Waivers 601 & 601(a) (Family Hardship)

Waivers 601 and 601(a) give potential immigrants who are ineligible another chance at entry. Specifically, they are designed to help if you have a qualifying relative who is suffering extreme hardship.

Waiver 601 is relevant for potential immigrants 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. It is typically filed from outside the U.S. Waiver 601(a), on the other hand, is specifically for people have entered the U.S. without permission and could be removed from the country. Your Santa Ana 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 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. 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 Santa Ana residents reach their immigration goals, whatever they are.

Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)

Applying for Adjustment of Status is a big deal for many American immigrants. 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 can inform you on what options are most likely to work for you.

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 barrier for many, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated form processes involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure and verify your eligibility.

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 servicemember in the United States military
Be a child of a U.S. citizen
1. 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. We offer help for a variety of U.S. citizenship application circumstances in Santa Ana.

How Your Immigration Lawyer in Santa Ana, 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 force the state to fight you in court, where we can defend you. 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 Santa Ana, 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 immigrants who already live in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, and many people apply for them. To qualify, 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. To be eligible for this procedure, you must meet the following criteria:

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 if you have found new evidence that could persuade a judge to keep you in the United States. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if the applicable law has changed. By getting help immediately, you can get a second chance to fight against deportation.

Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help

Sometimes, immigration cases take place in abnormal circumstances. In particular, people who are crime victims are given special treatment that can help with the immigration process. 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

People who've faced abuse or neglect have endured more than enough. Getting help to stay in the country is important.

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 meet the following requirements:

Be a victim of severe human trafficking
Currently are 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 works similarly to 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 Santa Ana, 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 provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
The crime broke U.S. law
You must meet typical admission requirements

Top Santa Ana, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities

There are many Santa Ana, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right 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 how to handle your needs
A plan that is centered around your needs
Bilingual communication skills
A client-centered attitude
Respect for your lifestyle

Your Santa Ana, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley 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, reach out to us today at (800) 755-5174.

Santa Ana, 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 life-changing immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.

A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our skillful attorneys can help Santa Ana immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:

Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration status is, we are ready to fight for you.

Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Santa Ana, CA

Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Santa Ana, 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, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.

Our Santa Ana, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side

If you're an immigrant in Santa Ana facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help reuniting with family, earning your Green Card, appealing a court decision, or any other immigration services, 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, now by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.

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Los Angeles County(213) 341-4427
Sacramento / Sonoma(916) 248-4717
Orange County(714) 442-2601
Alameda / San Joaquin(510) 403-8809
San Bernardino County / Riverside County(909) 748-5272
Ventura County(805) 248-7408
San Diego County(619) 752-2235
Fresno / Santa Clara(559) 365-7055
Kern / Santa Barbara(661) 473-0422
Northern California(530) 427-4167

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Areas We Serve

Los Angeles County(213) 341-4427
Orange County(714) 442-2601
San Diego County(619) 752-2235
Ventura County(805) 248-7408
San Bernardino County(909) 748-5272
Riverside County(951) 329-9499
Alameda / San Joaquin(510) 403-8809
Santa Barbara(805) 791-2162
Sacramento / Sonoma(916) 248-4717
South L.A. / Long Beach(562) 786-8383
City of L.A. / East L.A.(310) 882-6466
Fresno / Santa Clara(559) 365-7055
San Fernando Valley(818) 614-9567
OC Coastal Cities(949) 891-0102
Bakersfield / Kern(661) 473-0422
San Francisco(510) 403-8809

Recent Results

Our client faced multiple serious charges in Los Angeles County, including Penal Code § 211 (Robbery), § 245(a)(1) (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and § 245(a)(4) (Assault with Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury). Unlike a co-defendant represented by another firm who pled to a felony conviction with a "strike," our legal team pursued a different strategy. Through the submission of a comprehensive mitigation package to the District Attorney, we successfully negotiated a complete dismissal of all charges.
Our client faced serious charges under Penal Code section 211 for alleged felony robbery involving force and fear in Riverside County (Murrieta Court) . The prosecution argued that probation was not appropriate due to our client’s prior felony convictions in San Bernardino County, including a previous robbery in April 2021 and grand theft in November 2019. Despite the severity of these allegations, our legal team successfully demonstrated insufficient evidence during the preliminary hearing. As a result, all charges were dismissed. This outcome allowed our client to move forward without the burden of a new conviction.
Multiple defendants each facing 7 years charged with smuggling prescription drugs into California from Mexico. Our client was the only defendant who received NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 5 years for possession of deadly weapon we negotiated a plea for NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 3 life terms for multiple felony counts of Child Molestation and Sodomy with child we proved the charges were fabricated by victim's mother DISMISSAL of all charges at preliminary hearing!
Strike case: Client charged with possession of methamphetamine facing 25 years we filed a Romero Motion which was granted case REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR!
Client's estranged girlfriend alleged Client broke into her room and choked her facing 14 years in State Prison we won at trial JURY ACQUITTAL.
Police allegedly discovered 3 bags of marijuana in client's glove box faced 6 years we filed a 1538.5 motion to suppress resulting in DISMISSAL of all charges!

Awards and Certifications

What our clients say Client Testimonials

I am truly pleased with my experience with the Law Offices of David S Chesley. They answered all my questions and provided me with great advice and legal services. My case was resolved quickly. Thank you! Rodrigo L.

I left court yesterday with my last case being wrapped up. Two court appearances and that’s it. He represented me in a couple of different cases and was impressive to say the least. Always a phone call or text message away. Confident and aggressive when he needed to be. Calming and thorough when meeting with me. Attorney Chesley did exactly what he said he would, and I got the results I needed. He seemed to know all the right people at the Temple Street courthouse. You can always get in contact with him quickly, and he is a great lawyer. I highly recommend his legal services. Ricardo Esteves

My brother was given a very caring attorney that was assigned to his case, and we had very helpful case managers throughout the process. I strongly recommend David Chesley to anyone who is in trouble. I called in to get help on my brother’s case, and right away, I liked their service. My brother’s charges were eventually dismissed after the attorney got him into a program, now he can go on without the trouble of having anything on his record Erica Geller

I retained Mr. Chesley and his firm, and from the beginning, they were extremely professional both in communicating the status of my case to me, explaining the situation as a whole, and just downright taking care of business. It was money well spent for a job well done. Thanks again to David and Melissa, and others that worked on my case. I recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal representation. Don’t just accept things the courts force on you; call this firm and protect yourself. Elizabeth F.

I contacted Mr. Chesley and his firm because some unfortunate events had left me in a jam. Detectives were demanding I testify or be prosecuted for a crime I didn’t commit. (I wasn’t involved or even at the scene of the alleged crime when it supposedly took place.) Mr. Chesley explained to me that he had been through similar situations with his clients before and understood exactly what was going on. His response to what took place was nothing short of amazing. No matter how small my concern, Mr. Chesley addressed it in a timely manner. He advocated for what is right and empathized with me in dealing with the Court system. After meeting with the supervising D.A. and providing alibi evidence, he was able to get me out of the situation. I’m very grateful to have found him. Leon Hanley

I hired David Chesley for my criminal defense in 2012. He was recommended to us for his successful results and his low fees. David is very smart, and his professional legal advice was honest & much appreciated during these stressful times. David’s knowledge, advice, and communication about what we were to expect was reassuring and beneficial to me. He charged me a reasonable flat rate and didn’t charge me any surprise fees. In my case, David Chesley was able to negotiate with the prosecution attorney for the best result I could hope for. He had success at getting my criminal charges dismissed with the judge’s approval. You will not be disappointed if you hire The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Britanny Givens

David is very professional, yet very casual. Although it is typically not easy to speak straight up with an attorney, he is very easy to talk to. He replied to my questions quickly and was available all hours. Not only did he get my case resolved with a dismissal, he went above and beyond and got me an expungement without me even requesting it. He never beats around the bush and tells you like it is. At the same time is willing to work overtime to get the results you request. I would use David’s services again in the future. Andrew A.

Very satisfied being a client with the Law Offices of David Chesley. Negin represented both my husband and I and got both our cases dismissed. Negin was on top of our cases, she really cares and did everything she said she would do!!! Thanks a lot Negin! Rita K.

I don’t write many reviews; however, this time I had to share my admiration and appreciation for this firm. Attorney Negin Akhavan is definitely a person you want representing you in any criminal legal battle. She is the clear definition of the phrase “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” She is not only knowledgeable, she also has the relationships with the right people. I couldn’t be happier with the results she was able to provide.Thank you Negin. Gabriel V.

An old felony charge came up, so I hired David and his team in June, and he got me a release on my own recognizance on a felony charge in July, which has never happened to me, and got it dismissed in October. He was responsive when I called and always kept me updated. Got my case dismissed, was easy to work with, and handled everything for me. He did an excellent job. I highly recommend David Chesley for any criminal defense. Jason Corona

They really helped me out in a timely manner. I had a drug charge from 16 years ago, and they dealt with it quickly. I can’t recommend them enough. If you have a criminal charge, check them out; they are awesome. Santiago L.