Immigration Lawyer in Van Nuys, CA. Your Van Nuys, 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, applying for citizenship, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or being threatened by deportation, working with the right attorney is essential.
Get expert help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. You want to work with 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.
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 tell us about your case online to set up a no strings attached case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Van Nuys, CA
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Van Nuys, CA, but doing so can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Van Nuys, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. As legal requirements change, it's important 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.
What Makes Immigration in Van Nuys, CA, Difficult?
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. 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 forms and required documents
- Restrictions on the number of visas available
- Conflicting national and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Contacting your Van Nuys, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
How Your Van Nuys, CA, Immigration Lawyer Helps You Enter the U.S.
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, professional help can make a major difference: From the moment you first enter the country to filling out your citizenship application, your Van Nuys, 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. 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 Van Nuys, 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, nationality, 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 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 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 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. 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 are not allowed 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 are not lawfully in the U.S. and could be deported. Your Van Nuys immigration attorney can help you present a case that demonstrates 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 Van Nuys, 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 is dedicated to helping Van Nuys residents reach their immigration 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 requirements vary depending on your situation – 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 help you determine which path is best for your circumstances.
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 filings involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure 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 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 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 Van Nuys.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Van Nuys, 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 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, there isn't any time to waste. Your Van Nuys, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to let you stay in the country and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.
42(b) applies to immigrants who already live in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, and many people apply for them. 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. To be eligible for this procedure, you must meet the following criteria:
- 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 Van Nuys, 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 argues that an error was made in the previous decision, or that 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
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 can help you with any of the below situations:
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
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. 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 are 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 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 Van Nuys, 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 violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
What You Need in an Immigration Lawyer in Van Nuys, CA
When looking for the right Van Nuys, CA, immigration lawyer, it's important to look for the right criteria. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A reputation for providing high-quality service
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Respect for your lifestyle
Your Van Nuys, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone that is prepared to take on your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are aware of the cultural needs of our different clients. If you need help with an immigration problem in Van Nuys, CA, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.
Van Nuys, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Van Nuys face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, there could be major immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Van Nuys, 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 isn't going to settle for a 'good enough' outcome – instead, they'll fight for the best deal possible for your situation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you with whatever criminal charge you're facing, including:
Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your situation is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Van Nuys, CA
Many people feel defeated after a criminal conviction, but you don't have to give up yet. Your Van Nuys, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. By acting now, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Our Van Nuys, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
If you're an immigrant in Van Nuys facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help reuniting with family, applying for asylum, appealing a court decision, or any similar legal help, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Van Nuys, CA:
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Van Nuys, CA, now by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Payment Plans
