Laurel Immigration Attorney

Lawyer for Immigration Visas, Green Cards, Citizenship, and Deportation Defense in Laurel, MD

The immigration laws in the United States are constantly evolving. People who do not follow the correct procedures may be unable to enter the country, or those who are currently in the country may be required to leave. Whether you are trying to reunite with loved ones, build a career, secure a permanent status in the U.S., or defend against deportation, legal support can make a critical difference in these matters.

The stakes of immigration cases can be high. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our Laurel immigration attorney can provide guidance on the steps that will need to be followed, and he can assist with preparing and filing applications while advocating on your behalf at every stage of the process. If you are applying for a Green Card through a family member or employer or taking the final steps toward naturalization, he can help you meet your legal requirements. If you are facing removal, he can help you determine the forms of relief that may prevent deportation. Regardless of your situation, legal representation from our lawyer can provide you with reassurance and improve your chances of success.

Green Card Applications Through Family or Employment

Obtaining a Green Card that recognizes a person as a lawful permanent resident is a key step for immigrants who wish to live and work in the United States on a long-term basis. There are multiple paths that may be available to receive a Green Card, including sponsorship by a family member or an employer.

• Family-Based Green Cards: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor close relatives to help them apply for immigrant visas and obtain a Green Card. Immediate relative visas for spouses, children, and parents of citizens are not subject to annual visa limits, so this may be the best option in many situations. Other relatives may need to apply for Family Preference visas, which have numerical limits and longer wait times. For couples who plan to get married, Fiancé visas can also provide a path to a Green Card for the immigrant spouse.
• Employment-Based Green Cards: Immigrants who have job offers or employment in certain categories may be eligible for a Green Card through employer sponsorship. An employer will typically be required to receive labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, and they can file a petition on behalf of an employee.

Our lawyer can help evaluate a person's eligibility for different types of visas, and he can assist with compiling documentation and submitting applications. He can also take steps to address issues that may arise during the process, such as proving that a family relationship exists or ensuring that an employer complies with wage and labor regulations. He can also assist with professional work visas that will allow employees to remain in the country on a temporary basis.

Applying for Naturalization and U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a citizen through naturalization may be the final goal for many immigrants. The naturalization process involves several eligibility requirements, including:

• Good moral character
• Lawful permanent residence for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Physical presence and continuous residence in the United States
• Ability to speak, read, and write basic English
• Knowledge of the history and government of the United States
• Willingness to support the Constitution and take an Oath of Allegiance

After applying for naturalization, a person will attend a biometrics appointment, complete an interview with an immigration officer, and take English and civics tests. If approved, they will attend a ceremony and officially become a U.S. citizen.

Our attorney can help ensure that an application will be prepared and submitted correctly. He can help clients prepare for the interview and tests, and he can work to resolve issues that may impact a person's eligibility for naturalization.

Defense Against Deportation

For immigrants who are facing deportation, there are several defenses and forms of relief that may allow them to remain in the United States. Our deportation defense attorney can evaluate the situation and determine which legal avenues may apply. Some of the available options may include:

• Asylum: Protection may be available for people who fear persecution in their home countries. A person will typically be required to apply for asylum within one year of arriving in the country, although exceptions may be allowed in certain situations.
• Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status: This status may be available for minors who have faced issues such as abuse or neglect by at least one of their parents. In cases where a minor cannot safely return to their home country, they may be granted permission to remain in the United States. SIJ status can provide a minor with the ability to receive a Green Card.
• Waivers of Inadmissibility: If a person is otherwise ineligible for an immigration benefit due to previous violations, criminal convictions, or other issues, a waiver may be available. Waivers will usually require a person to show that their removal would cause extreme hardship to one or more of their relatives.
• U Visas: Victims of certain types of crimes who have suffered abuse or other forms of harm may apply for a U visa, which will require them to cooperate with law enforcement officials. This visa will provide protection against deportation, and it may allow a person to secure permanent residency.
• VAWA Self-Petitions: Survivors of domestic violence may petition for immigration benefits under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This can provide them with protection against deportation.
• Cancellation of Removal: This form of relief may be available to certain immigrants who meet specific criteria related to the amount of time they have lived in the U.S., whether they have good moral character, and whether deportation would cause hardship to qualifying relatives.

Each of these defenses involves complex procedures and documentation. Our lawyer can help build a strong case, gather supporting evidence, and advocate on an immigrant's behalf during immigration court hearings.

Contact Our Laurel, Maryland Immigration Lawyer

The decisions made in an immigration case can shape the course of your life and your family's future. Whether you are applying for a visa or Green Card, preparing for naturalization, or defending against deportation, Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC can provide the legal help you need. Contact our Laurel immigration law attorney at 571-441-2233 to set up a consultation today.