Immigration Lawyer in Westminster, CA. Your Westminster, 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, 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 help you today. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
How an Immigration Lawyer in Westminster, CA, Will Help You
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Westminster, CA, but doing so can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. When trying to understand the current laws, it's important to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Additionally, if you're facing removal proceedings, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
Legal and Related Problems Immigrants Face in Westminster, CA
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. 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.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you could be facing:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Barriers to healthcare access
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Contacting your Westminster, CA, immigration lawyer gives you a guide who can help you navigate these challenges and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Westminster, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: for any legal guidance you need, your Westminster, 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 Westminster, 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, 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 new, 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 a serious medical condition, has serious financial difficulties, or is experiencing another extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 is designed for people 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), meanwhile, is specifically for people who are already in the United States unlawfully and could be removed from the country. An experienced immigration attorney will help you 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 Westminster, 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 Westminster immigrant residents chasing their goals, whatever they are.
Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)
It's common for United States immigrants to seek Adjustment of Status. It allows you to become a lawful permanent resident, also known as earning your Green Card. The qualifications you need to meet change 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 can help you determine which path is best for your circumstances.
Citizenship Applications
A common end goal for immigrants is to apply for U.S. citizenship. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge for many people, 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 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.
Contact us today to get help with your U.S. citizenship application. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Westminster, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. While challenging and intimidating, you can 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, there isn't any time to waste. Your Westminster, 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 presently 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:
- 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 instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. Also, 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 you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, don't give up hope. Your Westminster, 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 when you have new evidence that could change the result of a hearing. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if 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
Sometimes, immigration cases take place in abnormal circumstances. In particular, people who are crime victims can take advantage of U.S. policies that aid in immigration. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help applicants with any of the below procedures:
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. We will advocate for you and present your case 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 gives victims of human trafficking lawful resident status 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 meet the following requirements:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently are in the United States
- Aid in law enforcement's investigation of the trafficking
- 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 applicable for a broader range of people who have been victimized by crime. 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 Westminster, 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 provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
Top Westminster, CA, Immigration Lawyer Qualities
Your Westminster, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be someone who will put you first. See our list of top immigration lawyer qualities below:
- Experience with similar cases
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A plan for how to help
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Reverence for your traditions
Your Westminster, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone who is ready 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 Westminster, reach out to us today at (800) 755-5174.
Westminster, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Westminster face challenges outside of the immigration and naturalization process. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing serious immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Westminster, CA, needs to be someone who can fight for your freedom in criminal court as well.
A criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to fight for your rights and protect your freedom. 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 situation is, we are ready to fight for you.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Westminster, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Westminster, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Each case's options are unique, but our attorneys help clients seal criminal records, earn certificates of rehabilitation, and more. When you act fast, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Our Westminster, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Westminster, CA. Whether you need help reuniting with family, becoming a lawful permanent resident, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Westminster, CA:
Connect with an immigration lawyer in Westminster, CA, now by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. No matter what kind of immigration legal service you need, we are ready to fight alongside you.
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