Immigration Lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA. Your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone that has intimate knowledge of U.S. immigration law, not someone without experience. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or fighting in removal proceedings, 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 guide you through the process 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 now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a no obligation case review.
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How an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They 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 Clarita, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's essential to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Additionally, 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 Santa Clarita, CA
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Contacting your Santa Clarita, 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 Clarita, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as walking through the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer can offer you support.
Your journey begins when you first apply for entry to the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, 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 Clarita, CA, can help you avoid persecution in your home country through migration to the United States. If you are under attack because of your race, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you apply for asylum protection. After enough time has passed, you'll be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
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 new, 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. They can apply in situations where you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from a serious medical condition, has serious financial difficulties, or is experiencing another extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for individuals who were told they are not allowed to immigrate to the U.S. because of factors like 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 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 Clarita, CA
An immigration lawyer is here to advise you after you're in the United States, as well. Applying for lawful permanent resident status or citizenship is a major goal for many American immigrants. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley offers help for Santa Clarita immigrant residents chasing their 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 vary 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
After moving to the United States, many immigrants want to become U.S. citizens. 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 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
- 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 Santa Clarita, 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 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 Santa Clarita, 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 are in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. 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:
- 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. additionally, 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
- United States resident for at least 7 continuous years
- No aggravated felony convictions on your record
Motion to Reopen/Motion to Reconsider
If your cancellation of removal application is rejected, don't give up hope. Your Santa Clarita, 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 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. Notably, people who have been victimized by crime 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 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
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 live 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 works similarly to 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 Santa Clarita, 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
Top Santa Clarita, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Santa Clarita, 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 that's tailored for you
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Cultural sensitivity to your traditions
Your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone that is prepared to take on your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Santa Clarita, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Santa Clarita, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you've been accused of a crime, there could be life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our skillful attorneys can help Santa Clarita immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration status is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Santa Clarita, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Santa Clarita, 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, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. By acting now, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
Immigrants in Santa Clarita have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for asylum, becoming a U.S. citizen, or any related services, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Santa Clarita, CA:
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA, today by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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