An individual who wishes to come to the United States and remain must be aware of the responsibilities and obligations that come with it. For an individual to enter and stay in the United States for any length of time, there are procedures and requirements that they must follow.
Immigration laws govern how individuals from another country may qualify for a visa and under what circumstances those individuals may be deported. There are many different types of available temporary and permanent visas. The purpose of an individual’s entry into the United States will determine the type of visa required.
Immigration laws must be followed by individuals already in the United States. Green cards, or permanent visas, are often issued to immigrants who already legally reside in the United States.
Green card holders may apply to become citizens. They must, however, refrain from any activities that may bring deportation or removal upon them. Whenever possible, individuals should try to reside legally in the United States.
Immigration law is one of the most complicated areas of law. For many people, it is an extremely difficult area of law to understand. An individual who needs help resolving an immigration law issue should contact an immigration lawyer.
Is It Necessary to Have an Immigration Lawyer?
Immigrants should participate actively in the immigration process. A lawyer can guide immigrants through the process and provide any legal arguments they need, but the facts must be provided by the immigrants themselves. Typically, this means going through files and providing the attorney’s office with copies of all the necessary documents. In most cases, immigrants who work with their attorneys to gather the necessary information and file in a timely manner are the most successful.
It may be in your best interest to consult an attorney if you plan on entering the U.S. or if you have an immigration issue. There are no laws or regulations requiring you to hire an attorney to do your immigration paperwork or accompany you to meetings. It is your right to gather information and represent yourself in immigration proceedings. Still, immigration forms can be challenging to understand and misleading.
In most cases, if any of the information submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is incorrect or incomplete, your application will not be processed and may even be denied. With the help of an attorney, you can alleviate your confusion and gain a better understanding of the immigration process.
Why Hire a Lawyer for My Immigration Case?
In order to prepare your case effectively, your attorney will need a lot of information about your immigration history. You may benefit greatly from the knowledge and experience of an immigration attorney due to the complexity of immigration law.
Your citizenship status will affect whether you may enter, remain in, or are required to leave the U.S. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with U.S. immigration law and various application requirements and deadlines.
What Is the Role of an Immigration Lawyer?
Each attorney-client relationship is unique. Consequently, it is your right and responsibility to ask your lawyer what they can do for you. A number of documents must be completed and filed as part of your citizenship application. The proper paperwork is an integral part of the process of getting a visa, getting a loved one residence in the U.S., and settling your marriage with an immigrant, among other things.
Typically, the paperwork is extensive and complex, and without help from an expert, there are lots of opportunities to make mistakes that can sink your entire application. An experienced immigration lawyer can guide you through the correct processes to apply for work permits, marriage licenses, and citizenship without allowing mistakes to derail your chances of having these crucial documents authorized.
An immigration lawyer should be willing and able to:
- Provide you with immigration advice;
- Ensure that immigration forms are completed and answered correctly;
- Based on your current living situation, assist you in making informed decisions;
- Refer you, if necessary, to attorneys specializing in other areas of law, such as criminal law and family law; and
- Work with you to appeal an unfavorable decision from the USCIS and if necessary, represent you in court.
What Will an Immigration Lawyer Not Do?
There are certain moral and ethical standards that all lawyers must follow, and these standards prohibit them from representing you however you wish. Although your lawyer works for you and keeps your best interest in mind, they cannot:
- File papers containing false or misleading information; or
- Work toward getting you a citizenship status for which you are unqualified.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
You may be charged by the hour, by the type of work performed, or by the type of form you file, depending on the attorney you choose. It is important that you fully understand the arrangements you make with your immigration lawyer (which will affect your costs), including information such as:
- Exactly what you want your lawyer to do;
- Any additional fees that may be incurred during the application process; and
- How and when you are to pay.
An Immigration Attorney’s Role in Visas and Green Cards
An immigration lawyer can assist with both visa and green card applications. Lawyers can assist an individual in obtaining a visa to allow them to enter the United States. If an applicant has a criminal record, they may be ineligible. If the original claim is denied, a lawyer can help the individual obtain a waiver or appeal their case.
After an individual enters the United States legally, they may consider obtaining a permanent resident status or a green card. Typically, this is the first step toward obtaining full citizenship in the United States.
Lawyers can assist in determining whether a person is eligible for a green card. An attorney can also advise an individual on how to keep their green card privileges in order not to lose their chance of obtaining citizenship.
Typically, these applications require a lot of paperwork. During the process of applying for a visa, an applicant will probably need to attend immigration hearings at several points. As well as providing advice on these matters, an attorney can represent you during any immigration proceedings.
Where Can You Find an Immigration Lawyer?
Contact an immigration lawyer on LegalMatch if you have questions about immigration policies in the U.S. In addition to giving you peace of mind, a skilled immigration lawyer could be the difference between obtaining the right visa.
Do I Need A Lawyer to Appeal an Immigration Decision?
In light of the fact that you may only file one appeal, you should speak with an immigration attorney. The timeframes to file an appeal vary, but they are short, so you should act quickly. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand your denial letter, explain immigration laws, and suggest alternatives, as well as represent you in an appeal.
How Can I Contact an Immigration Attorney?
If you need help with any immigration matters, including a visa application or a green card application, it is essential to contact an immigration attorney. Immigration laws are complex and have strict deadlines. An experienced attorney will help you determine what type of visa is right for you and can help you obtain it.
