Immigration Lawyer in South Gate, CA. Your South Gate, 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, applying for citizenship, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Don't try to do this alone. Don't settle for less than 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 immigration attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable, and are ready to help you today. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a no strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
How an Immigration Lawyer in South Gate, CA, Will Help You
Working with an immigration lawyer in South Gate, CA, is not required by law, but it can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and give you time back to focus on the rest of your life, while they manage your case.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in South Gate, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. As legal requirements change, it's essential to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Lastly, if you're facing removal proceedings, your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in South Gate, 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 could be up against:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting national and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Contacting your South Gate, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How an Immigration Lawyer in South Gate, 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 don't have to handle these processes alone: for any legal guidance you need, your South Gate, CA, immigration lawyer can offer you support.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you 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 South Gate, CA, helps people who are not safe in their home country immigrate to the United States. If you are under attack because of your association with a social group, nationality, 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 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 new, full-time employment opportunities 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 from a serious medical condition, has serious financial difficulties, or is experiencing another extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is relevant for potential immigrants 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 have entered the U.S. without permission 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 South Gate, CA
Your South Gate, CA, immigration lawyer can help with more than just entry to the United States. 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 South Gate residents reach their immigration 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 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 barrier for many, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated documentation involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help navigate the challenges and check your application for errors.
Before you can apply, 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 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. 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. We offer help for a variety of U.S. citizenship application circumstances in South Gate.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in South Gate, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
One of the most stressful things you can experience as an immigrant is a deportation order. While challenging and intimidating, you can fight back. By filing a cancellation of removal, you can make a case before a judge to stop your deportation. 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, it's important to act fast. Your South Gate, 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 currently live 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. For this procedure, 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
Even if your 42(a) or 42(b) process doesn't work, this isn't your final option. Your South Gate, 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 argues that an error was made in the previous decision, or that the applicable law has changed. By acting fast, you get another opportunity to protect yourself from removal.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
There are times when the normal process for immigration doesn't apply. Notably, people who are crime victims are given special treatment that can help with the immigration process. 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) to protect children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. 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
Getting a chance to stay in the U.S. can be life-changing for some people.
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 match the criteria below:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently reside 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. 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 South Gate, 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
How to Find the Right South Gate, CA Immigration Lawyer
Your South Gate, 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 the process you're involved in
- A plan that's tailored for you
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Respect for your heritage
Your South Gate, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone with the experience and knowledge needed to handle 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 South Gate, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in South Gate, CA
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 serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in South Gate, CA, needs to be someone who can fight for your freedom in criminal court as well.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our dedicated attorneys are prepared to protect immigrants against criminal charges for all of the following case types:
Whatever you've been accused of, and whatever your immigration status is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in South Gate, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your South Gate, CA, immigration lawyer can also help 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.
Work With an Experienced South Gate, CA, Immigration Lawyer
If you're an immigrant in South Gate facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for asylum, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
We also aid with the following legal services in South Gate, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to an immigration lawyer in South Gate, CA, today by calling (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever challenge you're facing, we are ready to fight alongside you.
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