Immigration Lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Your Santa Fe Springs, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone that has intimate knowledge of U.S. immigration law, not someone without experience. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
It's important to have the right person by your side when you're going through these situations. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will protect your rights and advocate for you. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our offices can assist with all the most common immigration matters, and are ready to talk to you. 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.
What Your Santa Fe Springs, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, CA, but doing so can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes 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 essential to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Lastly, if you're facing removal proceedings, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
What Makes Immigration in Santa Fe Springs, CA, Difficult?
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you could be facing:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting national and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Contacting your Santa Fe Springs, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, 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, professional help can make a major difference: From the moment you first enter the country to filling out your citizenship application, your Santa Fe Springs, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you apply for entry to the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, but three paths that often benefit from legal assistance are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, 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 association with a social group, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you find protection through asylum. 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 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. 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 do not qualify 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 who are already in the United States unlawfully and could be removed from the country. 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 Fe Springs, 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 Fe Springs immigrant residents chasing their 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. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The requirements vary depending on your circumstances – 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 process can be difficult, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges and verify your eligibility.
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 member of the U.S. 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'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 Fe Springs, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
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, you need to act quickly. Your Santa Fe Springs, 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 immigrants who already reside in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, 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 is for people who already have their Green Cards. 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
- 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, this isn't your final option. Your Santa Fe Springs, 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 is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the the law has been updated. By contacting an attorney right away, 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 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. 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 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 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 is a lot like 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, it's important to work with an immigration lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, 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 Santa Fe Springs, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
Your Santa Fe Springs, 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 working with clients just like you
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for clients
- Respect for your heritage
Your Santa Fe Springs, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone who is ready 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 facing an immigration issue in Santa Fe Springs, CA, call us today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Santa Fe Springs, CA
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you're facing criminal accusations, there could be serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, CA, needs to be someone who can fight for your freedom in criminal court as well.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration background is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Santa Fe Springs, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Santa Fe Springs, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. By acting now, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.
Our Santa Fe Springs, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
If you're an immigrant in Santa Fe Springs facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help reuniting with family, becoming a lawful permanent resident, reopening your case, or any similar legal help, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Santa Fe Springs, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, CA, now by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
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