Immigration, Attorney & Lawyers Guide for Individuals

There is no legal/statutory obligation to appoint an attorney when you apply for a green card or an immigrant visa in the US. If your case is fairly straightforward and has no record of getting into trouble with the law or immigration authorities, you can get a residence status/green card on your own. However, there are several instances when you need a lawyer’s help. If you’re a recent international immigrant in the Bay Area, here are a few instances where experienced and professional San Diego immigration lawyer can prove useful: Litigation If you are facing or have ever faced any immigration court deportation (or removal) proceedings, you may need a legal opinion. In such circumstances, the decision on your immigration status lies with the courts. During this time, you may not be allowed to use the same application procedures as other immigrants use. An attorney can advise you on the outcome of the court decision and help you prepare the best possible alternative in the wor...

Migrating to the US is an important, yet complex, decision. It brings its own share of benefits and challenges. Depending on the type of immigrant visa applied for, the process can take up to a few months. San Diego immigration lawyers have prepared a short guide to visa processing for your convenience, as follows. Eligibility Most immigrant visas in the US are family or employment based. To be eligible for a US immigration visa, you must be sponsored by a US citizen relative, any lawful US permanent resident or a prospective employer (with a few exceptions). The sponsorship process is initiated by the sponsor. It begins by filing a petition on behalf of the foreign citizen with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Family-based Immigration A legal US citizen can file an immigrant visa petition for their spouse, son or daughter, parent and brother or sister. However, a lawful US permanent resident (i.e. a green card holder) can only file an immigrant visa for ...

Over the past few years, debates on immigration have dominated our idiot box. But the big question still remains is that why do people prefer migrating to the US than any other country? Is it only because of freedom and diversity, or do we have to offer more? San Diego immigration lawyers attempt to answer this question and come up with seven reasons why people migrate to the US. Seeking Asylum In many developing nations, marked by civil wars, tyrannical military regimes, and mass killings, free-thinkers face a risk of persecution. This comes from their religious and/or political beliefs. For these reasons, they seek religious/political asylums in the US. However, asylum seekers have often been accused of using forged and fake evidence to build their claims. Natural Crisis Natural disasters, soil erosion and a range of other environmental conditions are caused by a global climate change. Some countries face the wrath of these changes. As a result, their residents seek emigr...

Whenever you arrive in the United States, Immigration Officers and other personnel will be the first people to greet you. Depending on your visa or citizenship status, they’re likely to ask you a couple of questions. Here’s what an expert San Diego immigration lawyer has to say in this matter. For US Citizens Arrival through any US port of entry is shorter and easier for US citizens. You will have to produce your passport before the officer/inspector. He/she will then verify your citizenship number and ask general questions about your trip, before welcoming you to US. This, however, does not exempt US citizens from a secondary inspection. In the event a flag has been placed on the passport or passport holder’s name, the second inspection takes place. This process is comparatively lengthy and involves detailed questioning on your foreign trip. For Immigrants 1. Inspection CBP officer ask foreign nationals and immigrants on their purpose of visit. They will have a right to ...