Immigration Lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA. Your Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in reality, this is a life-changing event. Whether you're looking for assistance entering the United States, ready to become a citizen, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
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 treat you with compassion and fight for your goals. 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 reach out online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
Hablamos español. Llame ahora al (800) 755-5174.
The Importance of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA
Even though there are some immigration procedures you can technically do on your own, it's always a good idea to check with your Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer before you start. They can make a big difference in your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and keep you informed on what to expect from your case.
Another reason to work with an immigration attorney in Woodland Hills, CA, is because immigration law is often changing. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's essential to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.
Finally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney can help you build a defense that guards your legal status against prosecution.
What Makes Immigration in Woodland Hills, CA, Difficult?
Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. Between paperwork, eligibility requirements, and other hurdles, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
On your own, you could be up against:
- Variable eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Language barriers when working on applications
- Conflicting national and state laws
- Months-long wait times while cases are pending
Contacting your Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.
Lawful Entry to the United States With Your Woodland Hills, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as walking through the border or filling out a citizenship form. Fortunately, you don't have to handle these processes alone: Wherever you are on the immigration pathway, your Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer is available to help.
For many people, the first step is to apply for entry to 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 Woodland Hills, 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 aid you in your asylum application. 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 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. They can apply in situations where you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 applies to people 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. Normally, this waiver is filed by someone currently outside the country. Waiver 601(a), on the other hand, is specifically for people who are already in the United States unlawfully and could be deported. Working with your immigration attorney, you can 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 Woodland Hills, CA
Entering the U.S. likely isn't the end of your journey, and your Woodland Hills, 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 wants to support Woodland Hills immigrants pursuing their 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 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 help you determine which path is most likely to work in your favor.
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 documentation involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure and protect you from mistakes on your application.
Before you can apply, 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 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 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 Woodland Hills.
How Your Immigration Lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, Can Fight Against Removal
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 can make a case before a judge to stop your deportation. And if you don't receive the outcome you were hoping for, 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 Woodland Hills, 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 currently reside 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 many people apply for them. 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 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. 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
If you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, this isn't your final option. Your Woodland Hills, 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 if you have found new evidence that could persuade a judge to keep you in the United States. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if the the law has been updated. 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
There are times when the normal process for immigration doesn't apply. Notably, people who have been victimized by crime 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
For individuals who rely on the court or government for support, this can stabilize your life while you plan for the future.
T Visas
A T Visa effectively gives someone lawful resident status in the United States for up to 4 years, if they were a victim of human trafficking. 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 live 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 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 Woodland Hills, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.
Below are the U Visa eligibility requirements:
- You must be a victim of a qualifying crime
- 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
How to Find the Right Woodland Hills, CA Immigration Lawyer
When looking for the right Woodland Hills, 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 relevant laws
- A reputation of success
- Bilingual communication skills
- A client-centered attitude
- Respect for your heritage
Your Woodland Hills, 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 respectful to our different clients' needs. If you need help with an immigration problem in Woodland Hills, CA, call us now at (800) 755-5174.
Woodland Hills, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer
Immigrants in Woodland Hills 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 Woodland Hills, CA, should be someone who can help you with more than just the immigration process.
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is someone dedicated to finding the best outcome possible for you. Our skillful 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 background is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Woodland Hills, CA
If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, but our attorneys help clients file appeals, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can protect your immigration status from unnecessary side-effects.
Work With an Experienced Woodland Hills, CA, Immigration Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we want to serve the immigrant community in Woodland Hills, CA. Whether you need help reuniting with family, applying for asylum, 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 Woodland Hills, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drug Charges Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Start working with an immigration lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, today by calling (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can find an attorney at our firm to represent you.
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