We understand that many of our clients have questions about the immigration process, and we’re here to provide answers. On this page, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions related to immigration, along with clear, informative responses to help guide you. Our attorneys are available for further consultation if you need personalized advice.
To apply for a U.S. visa, you’ll need to complete the appropriate application forms, attend an interview, and provide supporting documents. The specific requirements depend on the type of visa you are applying for (e.g., student visa, tourist visa, etc.). Our team can guide you through the entire process to ensure that your application is complete and submitted correctly.
There are several ways to obtain a green card, including family-based petitions, employment-based applications, and asylum. The process typically involves filing a petition, submitting an application, attending an interview, and receiving approval. Our attorneys will help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the process from start to finish.
Yes, you can apply for asylum while already in the U.S. The application must be filed within one year of your arrival, and you must demonstrate that you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country. Our team will help you assess your situation and file your application correctly.
If you are facing deportation, it’s crucial to seek legal advice immediately. There are options such as canceling your removal, applying for asylum, or requesting a bond hearing. Our attorneys specialize in deportation defense and will help protect your rights and explore every option available.
The process of becoming a U.S. citizen varies depending on your situation. Typically, if you are a lawful permanent resident, you must wait five years before applying for naturalization. However, this can vary based on factors such as your marriage to a U.S. citizen. Our team will help you determine the timeline and guide you through the application process.
If the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Venezuelans is terminated or not extended, you should act quickly to understand your options. Without TPS, you may no longer have protection from deportation or authorization to work legally in the U.S. It's important to stay updated on potential changes or new programs that could provide protection. You may also want to explore other immigration avenues, such as applying for a green card through family or employment, or seeking asylum. Consulting with an immigration lawyer is crucial to ensure you understand your rights and to find a solution that keeps you in legal status.
Our team can help you assess your specific situation and help you navigate alternative pathways to remain in the U.S. Whether through petitions or other forms of relief, we are here to help you find the best course of action based on the current immigration landscape.
If changes to immigration programs impact Nicaraguans, particularly through the I-134 petition, it's important to stay informed. The I-134 is typically used to demonstrate financial support for visa applications. If new opportunities or changes arise for Nicaraguans, you’ll need to understand how these adjustments affect your case. The most important thing is to follow any updates from U.S. immigration authorities regarding eligibility or procedural changes. If needed, you may have to revise or update your application to meet new requirements.
We recommend working with an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through these changes. We can help ensure that your petition is up-to-date and correctly filed according to any new rules, giving you the best chance for approval.
Yes, if you have committed a crime, seeking immigration representation is highly recommended. A criminal conviction can have serious implications for your immigration status, even if you are currently legal in the U.S. Certain crimes can lead to deportation, denial of immigration benefits, or prevent you from applying for legal status in the future. A skilled immigration attorney can help you understand the consequences and explore options for defending your case or seeking relief from removal.
An attorney will also be able to guide you through both the criminal and immigration legal systems to minimize the impact of the criminal charge on your immigration status. We can work with you to protect your rights and ensure you make informed decisions.
DACA recipients could face uncertainty if there are significant changes to U.S. immigration policies. If DACA is terminated or altered, recipients may lose their protection from deportation and their ability to legally work in the U.S. Policy changes may also affect eligibility for renewals or new applicants. It’s crucial to stay informed about any legislative changes and how they could impact your DACA status.
If DACA is rescinded, there may still be other immigration options available, such as family-based petitions or employment sponsorship. It’s important to consult with an immigration lawyer who can help you explore alternatives to stay legally in the U.S. and protect your future.
If your DACA status has expired, you should act quickly to determine your next steps. If you are still within the renewal window, you may be eligible to renew your status. If it’s been too long since your DACA expired, there may be other immigration options to explore, such as applying for family-based immigration or seeking asylum. The sooner you consult with an attorney, the better your chances of finding a solution that helps you regain legal status.
An immigration lawyer can help you assess your eligibility for renewal or guide you through the process of applying for alternative status. It’s important to not delay in seeking legal advice, as the sooner you address the issue, the more options may be available to you.
If you entered the U.S. without inspection (meaning you didn’t go through a port of entry), obtaining a green card can be more difficult, but it is not impossible. In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a green card through family sponsorship or other immigration programs. However, entering without inspection often means you’re subject to certain bars, which could result in a longer wait time or require a waiver before you can apply for permanent residency.
It’s crucial to consult with an immigration attorney to assess your specific case. There may be pathways, such as family petitions, asylum, or adjustment of status, that could help you secure a green card despite your entry method.
If you overstay your visa, you may be at risk of being deported or barred from reentering the U.S. for a specific period. The length of the overstay affects the severity of the consequences. If you overstay by more than 180 days but less than a year, you could be barred from reentering the U.S. for three years.
If you overstay for more than a year, the bar increases to ten years.If you’ve overstayed your visa, it’s important to seek legal help right away. There may be options available to adjust your status, or you may be eligible for certain waivers or forms of relief, depending on your situation. Our attorneys can help you navigate the process and minimize the impact of overstaying.
Traveling outside the U.S. while your immigration case is pending can be risky. Depending on the type of case and your immigration status, leaving the country may result in your case being delayed or even denied. In some instances, departing the U.S. could trigger a bar on reentry, especially if you don’t have proper travel documentation.
Before making any travel plans, it's important to consult with an immigration lawyer who can assess your case and advise you on whether traveling is safe. We can help ensure that you take the proper steps to avoid complications with your case.
The processing time for a work permit after applying for asylum can vary depending on your specific case and the service center handling your application. Typically, asylum seekers can apply for a work permit 150 days after their asylum application is filed. However, delays in processing or additional requests for evidence can extend this time.
If you need a work permit while waiting for asylum approval, it’s best to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure your application is correctly filed and to explore any opportunities to expedite the process.
If you receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court, it means that you are being formally placed in removal proceedings. It’s critical to take this notice seriously, as failing to attend your hearing can result in an automatic deportation order. Upon receiving an NTA, you should immediately contact an experienced immigration lawyer who can help you prepare your case, represent you in court, and explore any available defenses or relief options, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status.
It’s important to act quickly, as there are often strict deadlines to follow. Our team can guide you through the immigration court process and work to protect your right to remain in the U.S.
If you have other questions or need more specific information, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!
Call us today at (310) 669-8700 or fill out our online contact form, and one of our experienced immigration representatives will reach out to you.
If you have any questions or need legal assistance with your immigration case, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help, and we offer consultations in both English and Spanish.
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