Immigration Lawyer in Whittier, CA. Your Whittier, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone that has intimate knowledge of U.S. immigration law, not someone without experience. Whether you're seeking a work visa, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, you're facing life-changing circumstances.
Get experienced help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will break down the process for you 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 free case review.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
What Your Whittier, CA, Immigration Lawyer Will Do For You
There is not a legal requirement to work with an immigration lawyer in Whittier, CA, but doing so can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will give you insights into common mistakes people make and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
They can also help you navigate the ever-changing United States immigration law landscape. As legal requirements change, it's essential to find a lawyer who understands the law and can explain the requirements to you.
Lastly, if you're facing removal proceedings, 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, it's hard to become a U.S. citizen. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex paperwork and forms
- Language barriers when working on applications
- Conflicting national and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
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, professional help can make a major difference: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Whittier, CA, immigration lawyer can offer you support.
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 Whittier, CA, is dedicated to helping people facing injustice in their home country gain entry to the U.S. If you are under attack because of your race, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you apply for asylum protection. 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 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 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. For one to apply to your case, you must 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), 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 Whittier, CA
An immigration lawyer is here to advise you after you're in the United States, as well. For many people, the next steps are earning your Green Card, then your U.S. citizenship. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley offers help for Whittier 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. If you qualify, you can be given lawful permanent resident status (a 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
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 documentation involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and verify your eligibility.
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 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. armed forces
- 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. Whatever your path to citizenship looks like, we are honored to be a part of it.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Whittier, CA, Can Protect You From Deportation
It's hard to imagine something more difficult than having the government attempt to remove you from the country. 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 Whittier, 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 individuals who already 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. additionally, there are unlimited 42(a) slots available, making it a less competitive process. 42(a) applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- 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
Even if your 42(a) or 42(b) process doesn't work, this isn't your final option. Your Whittier, 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 the law has been updated. By getting help immediately, you get another opportunity to protect yourself from removal.
Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help
Sometimes, immigration cases take place in abnormal circumstances. In particular, 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 applicants with any of the below procedures:
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
People who've faced abuse or neglect have endured more than enough. Getting help to stay in the country is important.
T Visas
A T Visa gives victims of human trafficking lawful resident status 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 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 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, you will want an immigration lawyer in Whittier, 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 are working or will work with the police to help them catch the abuser
- The crime violated a U.S. law
- You must meet typical admission requirements
How to Find the Right Whittier, CA Immigration Lawyer
When looking for the right Whittier, 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 helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of the process you're involved in
- A plan that's tailored for you
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Respect for your way of life
Your Whittier, CA, immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is someone that is prepared to help you with 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 now at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Whittier, CA
For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you're facing criminal accusations, there could be major immigration consequences if you're convicted. Your immigration lawyer in Whittier, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.
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 will help you fight for justice in all of the following case types:
Whatever criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration background is, we want to be on your side.
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 help you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. If you get help right away, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
You Need a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Whittier, CA. You Need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
If you're an immigrant in Whittier facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, earning your Green Card, appealing a court decision, or any other immigration services, our attorneys are ready to stand by your side.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Whittier, CA:
Talk to an immigration lawyer in Whittier, CA, right away by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever challenge you're facing, our team is ready to advocate for you.
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