Experienced Immigration Attorney in Los Angeles: Your Path to Legal Residency

Many people move to Los Angeles from other countries in search of a better quality of life. The city has 4.4 million immigrants in its metro area. If you are planning to move here, you will need to deal with immigration laws in the United States to gain legal residence in Los Angeles. 

However, dealing with various application forms, regulations, and policies that govern immigration can make you feel overwhelmed. An experienced immigration lawyer in Los Angeles can help you navigate the process effectively. This article explains the fundamental aspects of immigration, the role of an attorney and the requirements one must fulfil to obtain a green card.

Important U.S. Immigration Law Concepts to Know

Immigration law covers multiple acts and regulations regarding granting residence to aliens in the United States. The primary aspect of this law is immigration visas. There are visitor visas, student visas, work visas, and so on, which are incorporated for numerous purposes.

However, to gain the status of a permanent resident, you mainly need to get a Green Card. You can apply for a diversity visa lottery, family sponsorship, employment, or acquire permission to stay in the USA as a refugee or an asylum seeker. These immigration statuses allow an individual to live and work in the United States of America permanently. 

This is just an overview of immigration law. To learn these concepts in depth, you must seek assistance from reliable legal experts, such as Di Martino Law Group. They will help you understand specific Green Card eligibility requirements.

Road Map for Legal Residency and Requirements for Eligibility 

To obtain legal residency (a Green Card) in the United States, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the main categories and their criteria:

1. Family-Based Green Card: If you are an immediate relative of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents), you can apply for legal residency. If you are the sibling or married child of a Green Card holder, you may qualify to apply but with more extended waiting periods. 

2. Employment-Based Green Card: If you come among employees with extraordinary abilities, advanced degrees, or exceptional skills, you can apply. 

3. Diversity Visa Lottery: If you belong to countries with low immigration rates to the U.S., you can apply through an annual lottery.

4. Refugee or Asylee Status: If you have been granted asylum or refugee status, you can apply for a Green Card after one year of residence in the country.

5. Special Immigrant Categories: This category includes religious workers, certain international broadcasters, and employees of international organizations. If you belong to this category, you can seek a Green Card.

The Role of an Immigration Attorney

Here’s how an immigration attorney in Los Angeles can help you: 

1. Personalized Support in the Immigration Process

The attorney will guide you through every step, from your initial consultation to the final submission of documents, ensuring that everything is done correctly. They help you collect all relevant documents based on your visa type, i.e., identification proof, financial statements, and evidence of relationships. Furthermore, they closely review the contents of your application to ensure everything is accurate and in order, and your attorney will submit it to the relevant immigration authority.

2. Legal Advice and Representation

Rest assured that your immigration attorney in Los Angeles will provide legal advice based on what is best for you and your situation. They act on your behalf when dealing with immigration authorities regarding any additional documents needed, application errors, and other matters. Having an expert on board can significantly increase your likelihood of success.

3. Complex Cases Handling

The field of immigration law is complex, and your case may be subject to specific nuances that can complicate matters. For instance, if you have a criminal record or previous immigration offences, this may impair your eligibility. A skilled lawyer will help you navigate these complexities and determine the best strategies for your case.

4. Compliance with Immigration Regulations

Immigration laws change way too fast. Your attorney remains updated with these changes and ensures that your visa application conforms to the latest requirement standard.

5. Interview Preparation

Your lawyer will coach you for your scheduled interview with immigration officials in advance. Thus, you can be well prepared for the questions and know what to expect and how to answer in the best possible manner. 

6. Deportation Prevention

If you're facing deportation due to any reason, your hired immigration attorney in Los Angeles can provide deportation defense service for your case. They can fight for your rights and explore options to help you stay in the U.S.

7. Common Immigrant Challenges Resolution

Immigrants face numerous challenges, including language barriers, discrimination, and issues securing housing or employment. An experienced attorney can help you overcome these difficulties by providing language assistance through translated materials or connections to ESL programs offering resources for legal aid to combat discrimination. They can also connect you with job placement programs tailored for immigrants. 

How to Choose the Best Immigration Attorney in Los Angeles

Your success depends on the capability of the immigration lawyer you choose. Here are key considerations:

1. Special Qualifications and Experience

An ideal immigration attorney in Los Angeles should obtain a three-year Juris Doctor (JD) degree from any ABA-accredited law school and a Master of Laws (LLM) in immigration and naturalization law, among others. The attorney should be experienced in dealing with cases like yours.

2. Track Record of Success

Review their client reviews and testimonials. It can help you to understand their capabilities and the previous clients' satisfaction with their legal assistance. 

3. Individual Attention to Your Circumstances 

A great immigration attorney recognizes your unique circumstances. Seek a legal expert who is willing to listen and hear about where you are and who can map out a customized solution for you.

4. Dedicated to Proper Communication

Hire an attorney who is dedicated to you and your satisfaction with their service. They should answer your questions, explain the complex terms, and notify you of every update. They must be accessible via standard communication channels, including messaging apps, phone calls, and even video call tools like Skype and Zoom. 

Partner With the Best Immigration Attorney 

Although the route to residency is complicated, an experienced immigration attorney in Los Angeles can help streamline the process. Their knowledge and direction will make you feel comfortable and supported in navigating the complex immigration laws. The right attorney can make a big difference in turning your dreams of legal residency in the U.S. into reality. 

FAQs

1. What types of visas are available for international students in the U.S.?

International students can apply for an F-1 (academic student) or M-1 (vocational student) visa. These visas let students enroll in U.S. schools, but eligibility and application procedures vary by school.

2. How long does the Green Card application process take?

The process times depend on the category you are applying to. It can be as short as a few months or as long as a few years, depending on factors such as backlogs at USCIS.

3. What options do you have if your immigration application is denied? 

You can file an appeal or reapply if your application is rejected. An immigration attorney provides legal assistance on which actions to take.