Immigration Lawyer in Westminster, CA. Your Westminster, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're seeking a work visa, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, working with the right attorney is essential.
It's important to have the right person by your side when you're going through these situations. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will stand by you and advocate for you. 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 review your case. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to set up a no strings attached case review.
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What Your Westminster, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
Working with an immigration lawyer in Westminster, 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 give you time back to focus on the rest of your life, while they manage your case.
They can also help you navigate the ever-changing United States immigration law landscape. When trying to understand the current laws, it's important to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Lastly, if you're facing removal proceedings, your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.
What Makes Immigration in Westminster, CA, Difficult?
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. And afterward, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Complicated, overlapping 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
Working with your Westminster, 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 Westminster, CA Can Help You Get Into the United States
United States immigration law is difficult on its own, and can be even harder for non-native English speakers. Cases aren't as simple as walking into the country or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Westminster, CA, immigration lawyer will be there to guide you.
Your journey begins when you first 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 Westminster, 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 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 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 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. 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 applies to individuals 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. 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
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Westminster, 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 Westminster 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. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). The requirements change depending on your circumstances – 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 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 navigate the challenges and protect you from mistakes on your application.
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 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. military
- Be a child of a U.S. citizen
- For children of U.S. citizens, you don't need to be over 18, and the English language requirements may be scaled down.
If you're not sure whether or not you're eligible, or need help determining how to qualify, contact our offices today. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Westminster, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. Whatever the circumstances, you do have ways to fight back. By filing a cancellation of removal, you can make a case before a judge to stop your deportation. 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 Westminster, 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 already reside in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, and many people apply for them. 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. 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 you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, this isn't your final option. Your Westminster, 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 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 getting help immediately, you can get a second chance to fight against deportation.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Not every immigration case follows the ordinary rules. 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 has experience helping with each of the following circumstances:
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 gives victims of human trafficking lawful resident status for up to 4 years. Additionally, once this time period is up, many T Visa holders can apply to become lawful permanent residents.
To qualify for a T Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a victim of severe human trafficking
- Currently live 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 considers a wider range of potential 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 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
- 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
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 working with clients just like you
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A plan that is centered around your needs
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Cultural sensitivity to your customs
Your Westminster, 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 facing an immigration issue in Westminster, talk to one of our attorneys today at (800) 755-5174.
Westminster, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing major immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Westminster, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
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 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 background 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 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. When you act fast, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Westminster, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
If you're an immigrant in Westminster facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help navigating complicated paperwork, earning your Green Card, becoming a U.S. citizen, 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 Westminster, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Westminster, CA, now by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever immigration legal situation you are in, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
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