Immigration Lawyer in Whittier, CA. Your Whittier, CA, immigration lawyer needs to be reliable, trustworthy, and experienced. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against 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 treat you with compassion and advocate for you. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our immigration attorneys are friendly, knowledgeable, and are ready to review your case. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a free, confidential consultation.
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The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Whittier, CA
Working with an immigration lawyer in Whittier, CA, is not required by law, but it can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will help you avoid mistakes and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. With the ever-changing legal landscape, 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 Whittier, CA?
Immigrants face a long road just to enter the United States. And afterward, becoming a U.S. citizen can be its own challenge. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you try to handle this by yourself, you could be facing:
- Complicated, overlapping eligibility requirements
- Complex and unintuitive paperwork
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Overflowing courts and lengthy waits
Talking to your Whittier, CA, immigration lawyer is a way to address these challenges and prepare yourself for the process.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Whittier, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law is complicated and varied. 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: for any legal guidance you need, your Whittier, CA, immigration lawyer can explain and guide you through the process.
For many people, the first step is to apply for entry to the United States. There are many paths to enter the U.S., but three paths that often benefit from legal assistance are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.
Asylum
An asylum immigration lawyer in Whittier, 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, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can aid you in your asylum application. After enough time has passed, you'll be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
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 come from an investment of at least $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) 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 extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 applies to potential immigrants who were told they cannot immigrate to the U.S. for reasons such as 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 are not lawfully in the U.S. and are facing deportation. Working with your immigration attorney, you can 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 Whittier, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Whittier, CA, immigration lawyer is still here to help. If you want to apply for lawful permanent resident status, or to become a U.S. citizen, you can get professional help with that, too. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is dedicated to helping Whittier 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. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card). The qualifications you need to meet 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
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 registration involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help give you insight in the process and check your application for errors.
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
- 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 have any questions on these requirements, call our offices now. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Whittier, CA, Can Protect You From 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 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, don't wait until it's too late. Your Whittier, 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 individuals 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 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
- Live in the U.S. for 7 straight years
- No aggravated felony convictions on your record
Motion to Reopen/Motion to Reconsider
Even if your 42(a) or 42(b) process doesn't work, don't give up hope. Your Whittier, 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 argues that an error was made in the previous decision, or that the applicable law has changed. By contacting an attorney right away, 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 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. 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. 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 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. 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 Whittier, 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 provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
- The crime broke U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
What You Need in an Immigration Lawyer in Whittier, CA
There are many Whittier, CA, immigration lawyers to choose from, but not all of them are right for your case. The list below goes over some of the most important factors to look for in your attorney:
- Experience working with clients just like you
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A reputation for delivering for clients
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Reverence for your customs
Your Whittier, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone who is ready to take on your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and are aware of the cultural needs of our different clients. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Whittier, CA, reach out to us today at (800) 755-5174.
Whittier, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you've been accused of a crime, there could be major immigration consequences with a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Whittier, CA, needs to be someone who can fight for your freedom in criminal court as well.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm 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 criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration status is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Whittier, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Whittier, 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. If you get help right away, you can minimize the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.
Get Help From Expert Whittier, CA, Immigration Lawyers
If you're an immigrant in Whittier facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for asylum, appealing a court decision, or any other immigration services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.
We also aid with the following legal services in Whittier, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak with an immigration lawyer in Whittier, CA, today by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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