Immigration Lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA. Your Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in a way, you're doing just that. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, ready to become a citizen, 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. You want to work with an experienced team of attorneys who will guide you through the process 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 help you today. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a no obligation review of your case.
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Why You Need 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 help you avoid mistakes and save time in whatever type of case you're facing.
They can also help you navigate the ever-changing United States immigration law landscape. When trying to understand the current laws, it's essential to pick an experienced attorney who can make the situation easier to understand.
Additionally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will be someone to fight in your corner against deportation.
What Makes Immigration in Woodland Hills, CA, Difficult?
It's difficult for prospective immigrants to enter the country. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. Despite applicants' best efforts, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.
If you start this process alone, you'll be trying to overcome:
- Difficult to understand eligibility requirements
- Complex forms and required documents
- Hundreds of dollars in fees
- Conflicting federal and state laws
- A backlog of immigration cases on the docket
Talking to your Woodland Hills, 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 Woodland Hills, CA Immigration Lawyer
United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as walking into the country or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: From the moment you first enter the country to filling out your citizenship application, your Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer will be there to guide you.
A common first step an immigration attorney can help with is when you apply to enter 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 Woodland Hills, 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, our attorneys can help you apply for adjustment of status and earn your green card.
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 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 from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.
Waiver 601 applies to potential immigrants who were told they cannot 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 have entered the U.S. without permission and could be deported. An experienced immigration attorney will help you 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 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. Applying for lawful permanent resident status or citizenship is a major goal for many American immigrants. 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)
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 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
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 form processes involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help guide you through the process and protect you from mistakes on your application.
Before becoming a U.S. citizen, 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. 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. 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
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 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, it's important to act fast. 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 are in the United States but are not lawful permanent residents. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of these slots available, 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 is for people who already have their Green Cards. Also, there is no limit on the number that the government can give out. 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 your cancellation of removal application is rejected, this isn't the end of the line. Your Woodland Hills, 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 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 the law has been updated. By acting fast, you can get a second chance to fight against deportation.
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 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. 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 effectively gives someone lawful resident status in the United States for up to 4 years, if they were a victim of human trafficking. 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 reside 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. People who have suffered abuse (where the United States has jurisdiction) can apply for a U Visa. If you are filing a U Visa, you should look for 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 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
How to Find the Right Woodland Hills, CA Immigration Lawyer
There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:
- Experience helping people in your situation
- Knowledge of the relevant laws
- A reputation of success
- Bilingual communication skills
- Sympathy for your situation
- Respect for your traditions
Your Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone that is prepared to help you with your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and create a unique plan that is designed for you. If you're an immigrant in a difficult legal situation in Woodland Hills, reach out to us today at (800) 755-5174.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immigrants in Woodland Hills, CA
For some people, immigration challenges don't stop when you earn your Green Card. If you've been accused of a crime, there could be life-changing immigration consequences after a conviction. 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 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 criminal charge you're up against, and whatever your immigration status is, our team is here to help.
Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Woodland Hills, CA
Criminal accusations are difficult to handle. Criminal convictions can be even harder, but don't give up yet. Your Woodland Hills, CA, immigration lawyer can also aid you with post-conviction relief. Different cases require different types of support, 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 Woodland Hills, CA, Immigration Lawyers Will Stand By Your Side
If you're an immigrant in Woodland Hills facing legal complications, you need help from experts. Whether you need help reuniting with family, becoming a lawful permanent resident, appealing a court decision, or any other immigration services, our attorneys will guide you and fight for you.
We also aid with the following legal services in Woodland Hills, CA:
Connect with an immigration lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, now by calling our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help you online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
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