The process of immigrating to the United States is complicated, even when you work with a knowledgeable immigration attorney. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a notorious backlog and can take months or even years to review applications. Until their application is under review, there is very little an applicant can do to hurry the process.
In the meantime, applicants may find themselves in the U.S. without the proper paperwork. Even people who could legally claim asylum or refugee status may find themselves confined by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE detainment is generally in jails and jail-like facilities, which are inappropriate, especially for people legally seeking asylum. In addition, people who entered the United States illegally or stayed on an expired visa may be subject to immediate deportation. Whether you are applying for a visa or citizenship or facing removal proceedings, a Maryland immigration lawyer may be able to help.
Immigration Law
In the United States, immigration laws cover noncitizens who want to enter or have entered the country. People can seek visas to enter the country legally, apply to become permanent legal residents, or apply for citizenship. ICE also handles the removal of people who are in the U.S. illegally and those who may be in the U.S. legally but violate laws while they are in the country.
Immigration lawyers in Maryland handle all actions before the USCIS and any ICE proceedings. They can help people apply for visas, citizenship, or lawful permanent resident status.
They can also help people trying to sponsor others to come to the country. For individuals, sponsorship is usually for family members or prospective spouses. Businesses can also sponsor visas for employees. In addition, some people may seek visas without sponsors. A number of education-related visas are available to foreign nationals.
Removal Proceedings
Immigration attorneys can also help with removal proceedings, also known as deportation. The government can remove any person who enters or remains in the United States illegally, and foreign nationals in the country without a valid visa may be subject to removal.
Additionally, the government can legally remove people who are in the country if they commit a crime, threaten public safety, or otherwise violate the terms of their visas. The most common reason for the government to seek to remove people in the country on valid visas is criminal activity, so removal proceedings are often tied to criminal proceedings. To handle a defense, a Maryland immigration lawyer may need to work with a criminal defense attorney.
Generally, people subject to removal proceedings have a hearing before their removal. However, that is not always the case. In expedited removal proceedings, someone may be removed without a hearing. If someone enters the U.S. without the appropriate travel documents, uses forged documents, or fails to comply with their entry document requirements, they could face expedited removal.
An attorney can represent people in removal hearings and appeal removal orders. If someone is removed, it can be more challenging to enter the United States legally later. Lawyers can also help people apply for readmission after deportation.
Talk to an Immigration Lawyer in Maryland
The immigration process can be frustrating, time-consuming, and technical. Trying to handle it yourself can result in rejected applications, unnecessary paperwork, and wasted time and money. An attorney can help you cut through some of the unnecessary red tape.
While an attorney cannot expedite the immigration process, they can help you avoid the mistakes that lead to unnecessary delays. They can also help anyone facing deportation proceedings and appeal unfavorable decisions. Schedule a consultation with a Maryland immigration lawyer to find out more.
