Immigration Lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA. Your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, working with the right attorney is essential.
Get experienced help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. 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.
Our immigration attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable, and are ready to review your case. Call us today at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to set up a free case review.
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Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA
Working with an immigration lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA, is not required by law, but it 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. As legal requirements change, it's essential to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Lastly, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
Common Immigration Challenges in Santa Clarita, CA
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. For a variety of reasons, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Working with your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer gives you a guide who can help you navigate these challenges and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA Can Help You Get Into the United States
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. 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: from the moment your first reach out until you've achieved your goals, your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
For many people, the first step is to apply for entry to 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 Santa Clarita, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing mistreatment in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you have faced threats or violence because of your race, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you apply for asylum protection. After enough time has passed, 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) exist to waive certain entry requirements for qualifying individuals. For one to apply to your case, you must have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for people who were told they cannot 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), meanwhile, is specifically for people have entered the U.S. without permission and are facing deportation. Working with your immigration attorney, you can 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 Clarita, CA
Your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer can help with more than just entry to the United States. 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. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The qualifications you need to meet vary 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
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 guide you through the process and protect you from mistakes on your application.
Before you can apply, 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 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 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. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
It's hard to imagine something more difficult than having the government attempt to remove you from the country. Whatever the circumstances, you do have ways to fight back. By filing a cancellation of removal, you'll get a chance to argue against your removal. And if you don't receive the outcome you were hoping for, we can file a motion to reopen/reconsider.
Cancellation of Removal 42(b) or 42(a)
If you're facing removal (or deportation) proceedings, don't wait until it's too late. Your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to stop the deportation and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to individuals who already live 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 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 the end of the line. Your Santa Clarita, 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 makes sense when your circumstances have changed in a way that could change the court's decision. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the applicable law has changed. By acting fast, 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 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) to protect children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. 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
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. Additionally, once this time period is up, many T Visa holders can apply to become lawful permanent residents.
To qualify for a T Visa, you must match the criteria below:
- 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 is a lot like a T Visa, but is designed for a much wider type of crimes. It applies to anyone who has been a victim of abuse. If you are filing a U Visa, it's important to work with an immigration lawyer in Santa Clarita, 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
How to Find the Right Santa Clarita, CA Immigration Lawyer
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. The list below goes over some of the most important factors to look for in your attorney:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A plan that's tailored for you
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Cultural sensitivity to your customs
Your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone with the experience and knowledge needed to take on your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you need help with an immigration problem in Santa Clarita, CA, reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Santa Clarita, CA
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, there could be major immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA, should be someone who can help you with more than just the immigration process.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is going to be dedicated to protecting your freedom and wellbeing. Our skillful attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your immigration background is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Santa Clarita, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Santa Clarita, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. By acting now, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Our Santa Clarita, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Santa Clarita, CA. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, applying for asylum, becoming a U.S. citizen, 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 Clarita, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Connect with an immigration lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA, now by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, we are ready to fight alongside you.
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