The term “immigration law” applies to a broad spectrum of legal issues. Immigration matters are complex and often relate to deportation cases or the visa application process.
If you are considering immigrating to the United States or changing your residency status, you should seek the assistance of an experienced Arizona immigration lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney could assess your needs and outline your legal options.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Many of the recent immigration-related headlines have centered around the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. Established in 2012, DACA provides protection from deportation to individuals without legal residency status.
The term “deferred action” suggests that while the government might have the right to deport someone, they will choose not to. This program is designed for young immigrants without valid citizenship who were brought into the U.S. during their childhood. A skilled Arizona immigration attorney could determine whether a young individual is eligible for the DACA program and help them obtain protection.
Cancelation of Removal Protects from Deportation
Deportation from the United States is one of the steepest consequences an immigrant can face. The deportation process could be sparked by many different factors, but one of the most common reasons for removal is committing a criminal act. Examples of actionable offenses include but are not limited to:
- Violent crimes
- Drug offenses
- Firearms charges
- Counterfeiting
- Bribery
- Failure to appear in court
- Rape
- RICO (organized crime) related offenses
Immigrants who have not committed crimes and are facing deportation can protect their rights through the cancellation of removal process. This defense is an option for anyone who has resided in the United States for at least ten years and demonstrated good moral character during this period. Additionally, only individuals who are directly related to a citizen or lawful resident of the U.S. can take advantage of this system.
During the defense process, a U.S. citizen or lawful resident must demonstrate that their loved one would suffer extreme hardship if they were deported from the country. An experienced Arizona attorney understands these procedures and can help an immigrant determine whether cancellation of removal is a valid strategy.
Pursuing a Green Card or Visa in Arizona
Many immigration cases revolve around helping people acquire green cards, which are documents that grant lawful permanent resident status in the United States. A green card does not endow the same rights as citizenship, but it does allow an immigrant to live and work within the country.
Prospective immigrants may also pursue various visas that allow them to live and work in the United States on a temporary basis. Some visas offer temporary residency for travelers and students. Other varieties are more limited in scope but permit a foreign national to work within the United States. Many people pursue visas based on familial ties to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A skilled local immigration lawyer is familiar with the different types of visas and could help an individual in Arizona decide which is best for their circumstances.
Contact an Arizona Immigration Attorney Today
Immigration can be a complex legal subject, and the consequences of improper entry could be immense. If you are navigating an immigration challenge, do not hesitate to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney.
An experienced Arizona immigration lawyer could assist with deportation protection, green card applications, or the DACA program. They could fight to protect your rights and help you secure the future you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.
