Germantown, Maryland Immigration Attorney

Lawyer for Deportation, Asylum, Green Cards, and More in Germantown

Immigration law affects nearly every aspect of life for those seeking to live, work, or reunite with family in the United States. For immigrants in Germantown, Maryland, understanding the legal options that may be available is essential. With the help of an experienced attorney, they can take steps to protect their rights and achieve long-term stability for themselves and their families.

At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we assist clients in Germantown and the surrounding areas with a wide range of immigration matters, providing clear advice and strong representation throughout the legal process. We address each client's unique circumstances, guiding them through the laws and procedures that govern their cases while working to protect their future in the United States.

Pathways to a Green Card

A Green Card demonstrates that an immigrant has lawful permanent resident status. A person with a Green Card will be allowed to live and work in the United States indefinitely. There are multiple ways to obtain a Green Card, including:

• Family Sponsorship: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can file petitions for immigrant visas on behalf of certain relatives. A citizen's spouse, children, or parents may qualify for Immediate Relative visas, while other relatives of citizens and immediate family members of Green Card holders may qualify for Family Preference visas.
• Employer Sponsorship: U.S. employers can file petitions for workers who meet specific criteria for different categories of visas. In addition to showing that immigrant workers meet the necessary qualifications, employers may need to provide proof that no qualified U.S. workers are available for a certain position. Highly skilled workers, professionals, and those with exceptional ability may qualify for Green Cards through sponsorship from employers.
• Humanitarian Programs: Asylees, refugees, and certain other categories of immigrants may apply for Green Cards after meeting residency requirements.

Our Germantown immigration attorney can evaluate an immigrant's eligibility for a Green Card, prepare the required forms, gather supporting evidence, and provide guidance to prepare for interviews and other steps in the process.

Becoming a United States Citizen

For many Green Card holders, the ultimate goal is U.S. citizenship. To qualify, a person generally must:

• Hold lawful permanent resident status for at least five years (or three years for a person who is married to and living with a U.S. citizen).
• Demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the United States during the required period.
• Show good moral character and compliance with immigration requirements and criminal laws.
• Pass tests on English language skills and U.S. history and government (civics).
• Take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Our attorney can help determine whether a person is eligible to become a citizen, work with them to prepare their naturalization application, and provide guidance on preparing for the interview and tests.

Applying for Asylum

People who have suffered persecution or who believe that they will be persecuted in their home countries based on factors like religion, nationality, or race may be eligible for asylum. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we assist asylum seekers by:

• Determining whether they meet the legal requirements for asylum.
• Preparing detailed personal statements and gathering supporting evidence, such as country condition reports, medical documentation, and witness affidavits.
• Filing asylum applications within the required one-year deadline or establishing exceptions to that deadline.
• Representing clients during asylum interviews or Immigration Court hearings.

Receiving asylum can allow a person to live and work in the United States, petition for certain family members to join them, and apply for permanent residency.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Certain minor immigrants may qualify for protection through SIJS. This status may be available when a minor has been abandoned by a parent or has suffered harm due to neglect or abuse. The process of applying for SIJS involves:

• Obtaining findings from a state juvenile or family court that reunification with a parent is not possible and that returning to the child's home country is not in their best interest.
• Filing an SIJS petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

An SIJS approval can protect a minor from deportation and allow them to apply for a Green Card, providing long-term stability and opportunities in the United States. Our attorney has the experience needed to help minors complete the application process successfully.

Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence or Other Crimes

Certain immigration laws provide relief to victims of abuse or criminal activity, including:

• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Petitions: Spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens may be able to self-petition for lawful status without the abuser's knowledge or involvement.
• U Visas: Victims of qualifying crimes who have been helpful or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime may apply for these visas and receive protection against deportation.

These protections can provide a path to permanent residency. Our lawyer can assist victims with applications and provide representation to help ensure that they can obtain a lawful status in the U.S.

Deportation Defense Options

For those facing removal proceedings, there may be several defenses or forms of relief available, including:

• Challenging the government's charges in the Notice to Appear.
• Requesting bonds that will allow for release from detention.
• Cancellation of removal for certain permanent or non-permanent residents who meet strict requirements.
• Adjustment of status through family or employment sponsorship, if eligible.
• Asylum applications.
• Deferred action or other discretionary relief.

Our attorney can review a case, identify possible defenses, gather evidence, and represent the person in Immigration Court, fighting for their right to remain in the United States.

Contact Our Germantown, MD Immigration Lawyer

Immigration cases often involve high stakes, since they can determine a person or family's future in the United States. However, they may also involve complex rules that can be hard to understand for people who speak English as a second language. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our lawyer works to protect the rights of immigrants while providing clear, practical guidance to help them achieve their goals. Contact our Germantown immigration attorney today by calling 571-441-2233 to schedule a consultation.