Immigration Lawyer in South San Diego, CA. Your South San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, preparing for a citizenship application, 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 fight for your goals. 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 today at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online to set up a free case review.
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Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in South San Diego, CA
Working with an immigration lawyer in South San Diego, CA, is not required by law, but it can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in South San Diego, 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 from the U.S., your attorney can help you build a defense that guards your legal status against prosecution.
What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in South San Diego, CA?
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. 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
- An intense interview process
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Contacting your South San Diego, 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 South San Diego, 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 through the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: from the moment your first reach out until you've achieved your goals, your South San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you 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 South San Diego, CA, helps people who are not safe in their home country immigrate to the United States. If you are under attack because of your race, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you find protection through asylum. Later, after spending some time in the U.S., our attorneys can help you apply for adjustment of status and earn your green card.
EB5 Visa Program (Commercial Investment)
The EB5 Visa Program helps foreign investors enter the U.S. by giving them a visa for investing enough money and creating enough jobs with that investment. 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 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 extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is designed for individuals who were told they do not qualify to immigrate to the U.S. for reasons such as health conditions, criminal record, and prior immigration fraud. Normally, this waiver is filed by someone currently outside the country. Waiver 601(a), meanwhile, is specifically for people who are already in the United States unlawfully 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 South San Diego, CA
An immigration lawyer is here to advise you after you're in the United States, as well. For many people, the next steps are earning your Green Card, then your U.S. citizenship. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley wants to support South San Diego immigrants pursuing their goals, whatever they are.
Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
Adjustment of Status is a major step for many people who have immigrated to the U.S. It allows you to become a lawful permanent resident, also known as earning your 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 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 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 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 South San Diego, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
One of the most stressful things you can experience as an immigrant is a deportation order. 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 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, don't wait until it's too late. Your South San Diego, 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 immigrants who currently reside in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, these cancellations are not unlimited, 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. additionally, 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 you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, don't give up hope. Your South San Diego, 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 argues that an error was made in the previous decision, or that the the law has been updated. By getting help immediately, you don't have to give up and accept the negative result.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
There are times when the normal process for immigration doesn't apply. 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) to protect children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. Our immigration attorneys are prepared to argue for your special immigration status 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. 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 meet the following requirements:
- 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 San Diego, 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
- You must have suffered abuse in the process
- You provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
What to Look for in an Immigration Lawyer in South San Diego, CA
There are many South San Diego, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A plan for how to help
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Reverence for your lifestyle
Your South San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone who is ready to handle 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 South San Diego, CA, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in South San Diego, CA
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you're facing criminal accusations, there could be serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in South San Diego, CA, should also handle any criminal charges you're up against.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our dedicated attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration background is, we want to be on your side.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in South San Diego, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your South San Diego, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. By acting now, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Get Help From Expert South San Diego, CA, Immigration Lawyers
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in South San Diego, CA. Whether you need help reuniting with family, earning your Green Card, reopening your case, or any similar legal help, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in South San Diego, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Start working with an immigration lawyer in South San Diego, CA, today by calling (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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