Kentucky Immigration Lawyer

The United States immigration laws are often frustrating and overwhelming for those with no experience navigating them. A Kentucky immigration lawyer could provide you and your family sound legal guidance throughout the process (including any potential issues), help you avoid unnecessary delays, and work with you to reach a favorable outcome. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our diligent attorneys for more information and to review your options.

Understanding the Different Areas of Immigration Law

There are a wide range of federal laws, policies, and regulations to review applications of foreign nationals wishing to enter the U.S. and how long they can lawfully remain. There are many visa types to consider when applying, depending on the individual’s purpose for requesting a permit to enter the country and stay temporarily or permanently. Some areas of immigration law include the following:

• Immigrant visas
• Non-immigrant visas
• Individual immigration
• Deportation defense cases
• Family-based immigration
• Citizenship and naturalization
• Immigration case denial appeals

A Kentucky immigration attorney could also help with visa extensions and criminal cases to prevent deportation and international adoptions.

Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply and bring their spouses, children, and other family members into the country, on which a Kentucky attorney could also provide insight. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) issues unlimited visas for immediate relatives and a limited number to other relatives of U.S. citizens or green card holders. Family members the INA automatically qualifies as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents include:

• Spouses
• Adopted children under 16
• Unmarried children under 21
• Parents of a U.S. citizen who is over 21

Lawmakers signed the INA into law in 1952 to streamline and organize the structure and processes of immigration legislation. It entails the most essential provisions of immigration statutes, and the federal government amends the Act as times change throughout the years.

Citizenship and Naturalization

Anyone over 18 and meeting the requirements must go through the review and approval process and then naturalization to become a U.S. citizen. The requirements under federal legislation include living in the U.S. for a minimum of five years with a verifiable green card or being a current green card holder and living in the U.S. for a minimum of three years while married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Lastly, those living in the country for three years who have served in the U.S. military are eligible to apply. All applicants must also have a clean criminal record and good moral character for approval. The procedures are in-depth and time-consuming, and seeking the guidance of a seasoned immigration lawyer in Kentucky could take the stress off your shoulders.

Standard Testing Requirements

Those who qualify must take a standard test to establish adequate knowledge of the U.S. government and its history. The test requires them to prove they can speak, read, and write in English. There are some exceptions for those with mental disabilities and older adults.

Call a Seasoned Immigration Attorney in Kentucky Today

Finding your way through the immigration process is challenging, and making even a minor error can cause significant time delays. The procedures require substantial paperwork and completing and submitting the applications and petitions with the necessary information.

While starting the process of reuniting with family living abroad is exciting, it also requires patience, time, and organization. A qualified Kentucky immigration lawyer could answer your questions and handle the legal work on your behalf. Reach out today to schedule a consultation for a review of your options.