Immigration Lawyer in Torrance, CA. Your Torrance, 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, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
Don't try to do this alone. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will treat you with compassion 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 review your case. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online to set up a no obligation case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Torrance, CA, Will Help You
Working with an immigration lawyer in Torrance, CA, is not required by law, but it can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Torrance, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. When trying to understand the current laws, it's important to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Additionally, if you're facing removal from the U.S., your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Torrance, CA
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you could be facing:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Barriers to healthcare access
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Talking to your Torrance, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
How Your Torrance, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
United States immigration law is complicated and varied. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: for any legal guidance you need, your Torrance, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
For many people, the first step is to apply to enter the United States. You could take any of several routes to enter the United States, but some of the ones we most frequently assist with are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Torrance, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing injustice in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you have faced threats or violence because of your race, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you apply for asylum protection. After enough time has passed, 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 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 jobs 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. They can apply in situations where you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and 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. Normally, this waiver is filed by someone currently outside the country. Waiver 601(a), meanwhile, is specifically for people are not lawfully in the U.S. and could be deported. 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 Torrance, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Torrance, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. For many people, the next steps are earning your Green Card, then your U.S. citizenship. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is dedicated to helping Torrance residents reach their immigration 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 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
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 can be a challenge for many people, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated document requirements involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help give you insight in the process and protect you from mistakes on your application.
If you want to become a United States 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 servicemember in the United States 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 Torrance.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Torrance, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. But we're ready to help you fight for your place in the U.S. By filing a cancellation of removal, you'll get a chance to argue against your removal. 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, it's important to act fast. Your Torrance, 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 currently 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. For this procedure, 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 instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. additionally, there are unlimited 42(a) slots available, making it a less competitive process. Below are the requirements you must meet for 42(a):
- 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 Torrance, CA, immigration lawyer can file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider, which can still keep you in the country. 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 is best used if there was an error in the court proceedings, or if the applicable law has changed. By getting help immediately, you don't have to give up and accept the negative result.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. In particular, people who have been victimized by crime are given special treatment that can help with the immigration process. 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 helps immigrants who are victims of human trafficking by giving them lawful status in the country for up to 4 years. At the end of this time, qualifying T Visa holders can apply for lawful permanent resident status.
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 works similarly to a T Visa, but considers a wider range of potential 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 Torrance, 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
How to Find the Right Torrance, CA Immigration Lawyer
When looking for the right Torrance, CA, immigration lawyer, it's important to look for the right criteria. The list below goes over some of the most important factors to look for in your attorney:
- Experience with immigration law
- Knowledge of how to handle your needs
- A plan that is centered around your needs
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Cultural sensitivity to your traditions
Your Torrance, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone with the experience and knowledge needed to help you with your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are respectful to our different clients' needs. If you need help with an immigration problem in Torrance, CA, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Torrance, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Torrance face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing serious immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Torrance, CA, should also be ready to defend you in criminal court.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is isn't going to settle for a 'good enough' outcome – instead, they'll fight for the best deal possible for your situation. Our seasoned attorneys can help Torrance immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your immigration status is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Torrance, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Torrance, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Our Torrance, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Torrance, CA. Whether you need help reuniting with family, earning your Green Card, becoming a U.S. citizen, 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 Torrance, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Torrance, CA, right away by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, we are ready to fight alongside you.
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