Illinois Immigration Lawyer

The process of immigrating to the United States can be long and complicated. From filing applications to navigating the court system, countless things can go wrong. You have the right to seek counsel from a dedicated immigration attorney to deal with these issues.

Counsel is invaluable in situations outside of visa applications. An Illinois immigration lawyer could assist you with any challenges that arise, such as facing the threat of deportation and removal from the country. Reach out to speak with one of our team members and get started today.

Pursuing a Visa

Many people ask for guidance from an attorney in Illinois when they hope to immigrate to the U.S. Whether these individuals are planning a short trip or intend to relocate permanently, they will need an appropriate visa to reach their goal.

Different programs are available depending on the intentions of the applicant. One popular option is family-based immigration, which allows a person to immigrate to the U.S. when a family member who is a citizen or permanent resident sponsors them.

Others seek to enter this country to further their career. Employment-based visas can be temporary, or they can provide a path to citizenship. The right attorney could help a foreign resident determine which option is best.

Applying for Citizenship

When a lawful permanent resident lives here for a certain period, they become eligible to apply for citizenship. There are many reasons to do so, as citizens enjoy far more rights than green card holders. For example, they are entitled to vote in federal elections, cannot be deported, and may travel internationally without fear of being prohibited from returning to the country.

An applicant must meet a few specific criteria to become a naturalized citizen:

• Take a loyalty oath
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Knowledge of U.S. history
• Read, write, and speak English
• Be a person of good moral character
• Hold lawful permanent resident status for at least five years
• Be physically present in the U.S. for at least half the time they’ve held permanent residency

Becoming a citizen does not happen overnight, and the process is not always simple. Challenges are especially common when residents spend a notable amount of time outside of the U.S. after securing their green card. The right Illinois lawyer could help with untangling these problems in immigration cases.

Resolving Delays

Obtaining a visa or becoming a citizen is a lifelong goal for many. Unfortunately, making these dreams a reality can take time. It is normal to wait for a final word on these applications, but there are situations when these delays become unreasonable.

Reaching out to USCIS might be enough to get a case moving in some circumstances. In other cases, it might be necessary to file something known as a writ of mandamus. This proceeding can force the government to perform certain duties required by law—including coming to a conclusion on a petition.

Fighting Deportation

Not every interaction with the federal government is a positive one. For many people, fighting to remain in this country is one of the greatest challenges they will face in life. While the threat of deportation or removal can be intimidating, an Illinois immigration attorney could mount a defense.

Some people involved in this process are not ultimately forced to leave the U.S. Viable defense strategies include asking for asylum, filing for DACA protections, or even requesting prosecutors use their discretion to allow someone to stay in the country.

An immigration lawyer in Illinois might also advise someone on when there are no options left for fighting back. In certain scenarios, the best option for preserving the ability to immigrate in the future is voluntarily leaving the country as part of a negotiated deal with the government.

Consult an Immigration Attorney in Illinois Today

Immigrants frequently face difficult challenges during their time in the United States. Some are related to reaching this country in the first place, while others involve staying here. If you are facing similar issues, you could benefit from seeking advice. While no one is obligated to hire an attorney when dealing with these issues, the support of legal counsel can be invaluable.

An Illinois immigration lawyer could answer questions, ensure an application includes all of the needed supporting documentation, and even work to address unreasonable delays. Call us today to schedule a private consultation.