If you are taking the first steps on your journey to America, let us first offer our congratulations! Whether you are coming to this country on a temporary visa or looking to eventually become a full-fledged citizen, we understand that you are pursuing new experiences full of hope and opportunity. Though America is a land of freedom and excitement, it’s also a place of legal processes and, unfortunately, a lot of red tape and barriers.
At El Camino Inmigracion, our Westlake Village immigration lawyer wants to help you deal with the confusion and frustration that can come with the legal process surrounding immigration. We want to guide you along the path of immigration so you are never unsure about how to fill out applications, what fees to pay, and what to say in hearings and interviews.
Reach out to us to schedule a free initial consultation and we will begin by getting to know you and learning your goals for immigration.
How Our Westlake Village Immigration Lawyer Can Help You
Our Westlake Village immigration lawyer can help you with many different aspects of immigration, which include:
- Asylum: Foreign nationals can qualify for asylum in the U.S. if in their home country they face persecution due to their race, religion, political opinion, or participation in a social group. Those who have sought asylum in the U.S. can reside here without fear of being deported.
- Green Cards: Green cards are one of the most important steps a person can take if they have come to America seeking citizenship. With a green card, you have the right to reside in the U.S., legally work or go to school, and even access state-sponsored healthcare benefits.
There are many types of green cards that are issued to people who are coming to the U.S. for a variety of reasons, and working with qualified legal counsel can help you determine which one is right for you.
- Visas: There are two broad categories of visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant. Nonimmigrant visas are for people who are coming to the U.S. on a temporary basis, such as for travel or medical procedures. Immigrant visas are for people who intend to stay on a more permanent basis and eventually seek a green card, such as those who are coming to the U.S. for marriage or employment.
Many types of visas require sponsorship from someone with the U.S., so be sure to talk to our lawyers about the specifics of each visa and their requirements.
- Adjustment of Status: Adjustment of status is the process by which your legal standing in the U.S. changes. In some cases, this might mean that you currently have a green card and are becoming a naturalized citizen or that you have a visa and are upgrading to a green card. Adjustment of status can also be used as a legal tactic if you are facing removal proceedings.
- DACA: The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Act was passed in 2012 under the Obama administration. It allows people of certain ages who were raised in the U.S. to access necessities such as identification, healthcare benefits, and the right to work. DACA confers a semi-legal status that protects its recipients from the threat of removal proceedings.
El Camino Inmigracion Can Help You On Your Immigration Journey
We understand that the process of immigration can be frustrating. Our 28 years of experience mean that we are qualified to help you through any problem that comes up throughout your journey toward American residency and citizenship. Reach out to El Camino Inmigracion to help you achieve a better immigration experience and request a free case evaluation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a green card?
The length of your green card journey will depend on circumstances such as whether you are present in the U.S. at the time of your application or whether you are a current visa holder. The green card process, in general, can take anywhere from 90 days to 40 months.
If I entered the U.S. illegally, can I still apply for asylum?
Yes, and you should do so quickly. Being granted asylum means that removal proceedings will not be opened against you, which is a credible threat to those who are living in America without documentation.
If I have a green card, can I help my family come to the U.S.?
Yes! One of the great benefits of a green card is that you can help sponsor your family so that they can also come to the U.S. on a visa or a green card.
