Whether you have applied for a visa or are fighting back against deportation and removal proceedings, it is never a good idea to navigate the immigration system on your own. The stakes are high, and the law is complex, making the support of a dedicated attorney invaluable.
Instead of putting yourself at risk by acting as your own counsel, consider reaching out to an immigration lawyer. With the right team behind you, it is possible to secure the best available outcome in your case.
Pursuing a Visa
The goal for numerous people is to eventually be able to live and work in the United States. To do so legally, they will need to secure a visa through one of the many programs this country offers.
Some visas are temporary, allowing individuals to study or travel here before returning home. Others provide a path to citizenship and allow a person to live and work in the country indefinitely.
Some programs allow an applicant to file their petition on their own. Others—including employment- and family-based visas—require a sponsor to initiate the process. A dedicated immigration attorney can assist with everything from reviewing eligibility requirements to preparing the paperwork that must be filed along with the application.
Becoming a Naturalized Citizen
When a person lives in the United States with a green card for a long period of time, they become eligible for naturalized citizenship. Many rights come with citizenship, including protections from deportation, opportunities to work for the government, and the right to vote in federal elections.
A green card holder generally must live in the U.S. for five years before seeking citizenship, although some people may apply within three years. Applicants must be able to demonstrate fluency in English and meet a few other requirements.
However, there are some pitfalls that can upend these cases. For example, an applicant might not qualify if they spent too much time away from the United States after earning their green card. Paperwork errors can also cause tremendous problems. An immigration attorney could help applicants navigate these challenges, ensuring that all documentation is accurate, deadlines are met, and potential issues are addressed before they derail the process.
Fighting Deportation
A key aspect of immigration law involves remaining in the country as opposed to securing entry. The federal government has the power to seek deportation and removal on many grounds, including criminal convictions and the violation of immigration law. These situations might feel hopeless, but an immigration attorney could help fight back against being removed.
There are a number of ways to approach these cases, from applying for asylum to requesting the government use its prosecutorial discretion in an immigrant’s favor. The right legal counsel can identify the best available approach.
Contact an Immigration Attorney Today
Your immigration case is important, and you should take every step possible to improve your chances of a positive outcome. When you hire an experienced immigration lawyer to advocate on your behalf, you can avoid the pitfalls that can put visa applications or deportation defenses in jeopardy. Call today to set up a confidential consultation to discuss your legal status.
