Questions
U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization
- I have a valid green card. Can I apply to become a US Citizen?
Yes, you can apply for US citizenship as long as you meet certain requirements. These include having lived in the United States for a sufficient period of time, fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing), and a willingness to live by the principles of the United States Constitution and laws. There are other requirements as well. Applicants who have not been living in the United States long enough, or who have been accused of committing crimes, are not eligible. Our law offices can provide you with more information.
- If my application for citizenship is denied, can I appeal the decision?
Yes. You can complete the required forms and request a new hearing in front of a different immigration officer, but you must do so within 30 days of receiving the denial notice. If you have not been working with an immigration attorney up to this point, now is definitely the time to find one. An experienced attorney may be able to help you get your citizenship application approved by representing you in your appeal process.
Work Permits and Adjustment of Status
- Can I get a work permit and how?
Yes, you can obtain a work permit. Depending on your situation, you can apply for it along with your adjustment of status application or other immigration processes. The attorney will advise you on how and when to submit your application.
- What process allows me to get a work permit?
You can obtain a work permit (EAD) through various processes, such as adjustment of status, asylum, VAWA, and others. The attorney will guide you on which process is most suitable for your situation.
- Can I sponsor family members for immigration?
Family-based immigration is a common means of obtaining legal permanent residence and citizenship in the United States. In most cases, as a U.S. citizen you can sponsor your mother, father, spouse, brother, sister, girlfriend, or child for a green card. If you are not a citizen of the United States, but you are a lawful permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse and unmarried children in most cases.
- Who can petition for me?
A United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident can petition for certain family members, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The attorney can advise you on who can petition for you and what steps you need to take.
- I have a temporary visa but I want to obtain permanent residence. What should I do?
Many people who for the first time come to study / work in the United States temporarily decide to continue permanent residence. This is known as a change of status. Each individual's situation is unique, so there is no single uniform process to follow. We do not recommend that you pursue permanent residency without the help of a knowledgeable immigration attorney. Contact our offices for the next steps.
Immigration Process
- What are the risks of consulting with an immigration attorney?
Consulting with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney minimizes risks and increases the chances of success in your case. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the attorney is authorized and has a good reputation. An attorney without proper accreditation or experience can cause delays or additional problems in your case.
- What factors does the United States government consider during the immigration process?
Several different factors are considered by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when reviewing an individual's immigration petition, such as:
Does the individual have a permanent job position that meets the eligibility requirements for occupations in the United States?Does the individual have an immediate relative who is a United States citizen or permanent resident?Does the individual qualify for refugee status (someone facing persecution in their home country due to gender, religion, race, political opinion, or affiliation with a certain group or organization)?
The above is not a complete list of criteria; Contact our offices for more information.
Legal Situations
- Can I stop my deportation by obtaining an employment authorization document under the Deferred Action Program for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) consideration?
You may be eligible to defer deportation by obtaining your employment authorization document (EAD) if you entered the country illegally before the age of 16. An EAD allows you to work in the USA while pursuing legal residency. There are certain requirements for eligibility under the DACA program; please contact our offices to determine whether or not you are eligible to obtain legal status under this provision.
- I received a notice to appear in immigration court – what should I do?
If you received a notice to appear, this means that you are in proceedings for deportation from the United States. We strongly recommend that you find an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible and before your court date to review your circumstances and then represent you during the court hearing. You may be eligible for relief from removal, asylum, naturalization, withholding of removal, or other relief. Our law firm offers strong deportation defense and can help you navigate complicated procedures. Learn more during a consultation.
- I have already received a deportation order. Can it be reversed?
Possibly - you have 30 days to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration (BIA). You should definitely meet with an immigration attorney as soon as possible to determine if appealing the decision is a valid option. The Appeals process can be long and complicated, and requires representation from an experienced attorney.
- What happens if I don’t have a legal remedy?
If you do not have an immediate legal remedy, the attorney will explain all the available options and advise you on the next steps to take. In some cases, there may be legal alternatives that are not immediately obvious, and it is important to explore all possibilities with an expert in the field.
- What if I don’t know my criminal record?
If you are unsure of your criminal record, it is important to obtain this information before proceeding with any immigration process. The attorney can guide you on how to properly obtain your criminal records and advise you on how this may affect your immigration case.
Hiring of Foreign Workers
- As a business owner from the United States, can I hire foreign workers and bring them to live in the United States?
Yes, as long as you first apply for an employment-based visa. There are a limited number of these visas, so following the proper procedures is critical for approval. A petition for the foreign worker form must be duly filed with the Department of Labor. It is strongly recommended that you do not attempt to apply for a green card for a foreign worker without legal assistance.
Consultations with the Lawyer
- What types of cases does the law firm handle?
With over twenty years of experience, the attorney handles family immigration cases, humanitarian visas such as VAWA, U, and T visas, and work, investment, and new company visas. Each type of case has its own requirements and processes, and the attorney is qualified to provide you with the best advice and representation in each one.
- How can I schedule a consultation?
Please click to schedule a consultation
To schedule a consultation, you can contact us through our website, call us at the provided phone number, or send us an email. We will be happy to assist you and schedule an appointment at a time that is most convenient for you.
- How should I prepare for my first consultation?
For your first consultation, it’s important to bring all relevant documents related to your immigration case. This may include passports, visas, any correspondence with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), criminal records, and any other legal documents. Additionally, prepare a list of questionsyou might have and any additional information you think might be useful.
- Why is there a charge for the consultation with the immigration attorney?
Charging for the initial consultation allows the attorney to dedicate time and resources to thoroughly and professionally evaluate your case. During this consultation, you will receive a detailed analysis of your situation and the possible legal options available. This approach ensures that you receive high-quality service from the beginning.
- What questions should I ask an immigration attorney at the initial meeting?
Have you handled cases like mine in the past?
What was the result/ success rate?
Are you informed of all relevant changes in immigration laws and regulations?
What are the terms of working with you?
Can I get a written contract in my preferred language?
General Information
- What should I expect during my immigration process?
The immigration process can vary depending on the type of visa or legal remedy you are seeking. The attorney will guide you through each step, from preparing and submitting documents to interviews and any additional procedures. Constant communication and proper preparation are key to a successful process.
- How do I get a green card if I marry a United States citizen?
If you marry a United States citizen, you can apply for a green card through the adjustment of status or consular processing. The attorney will represent you and guide you as to how to choose the best process, prepare and submit the visa petition and adjustment of status application, guiding you through the entire process.
- How do I fix my papers in the USA?
Fixing your papers in the USA can involve several processes, such as adjustment of status, cancellation of removal, or asylum applications. The attorney will help you determine the best path forward based on your particular situation. There are some people that also qualify for humanitarian relief. And humanitarian relief all individuals request an EAD.
- Can I stay here if I came in with a visa?
If you entered the USA with a visa, you might be eligible to adjust your status without having to leave the country, depending on your situation and type of visa. The attorney will guide you on your options and the best path forward.
- What is a waiver? Who qualifies?
A waiver is a special permission that allows an immigrant who has committed certain immigration violations to remain in the USA. Eligibility for a waiver depends on various factors, including the type of violation and the circumstances of the case. The attorney can evaluate your situation and help you determine if you qualify for a waiver. Through a waiver, an immigrant who has violations for fraud, Illegal entry, overstay and even some crimes can still get a green card.