The United States immigration system can be difficult to navigate, especially on your own. From applying for a visa to qualifying for citizenship, one mistake could have a lasting impact on your chances of living in this country over the long term. The good news is that a compassionate attorney could help.
You have the right to seek out legal counsel at any point in this process. Doing so right away gives your counsel the opportunity to build the strongest case possible. Instead of handling your case yourself, it may benefit you to seek guidance from an Elgin immigration lawyer.
For many people, pursuing a visa is the goal. An attorney in Elgin could assist with these efforts, but there are many different types of immigration programs to choose from. Some of the most common options include visas based on the following:
These options are either immigrant or non-immigrant visas. In other words, some of these programs provide a person with a path to citizenship while others do not.
When a person lives in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for five years or more, they could petition for citizenship. Significant benefits come with this change in legal status, as citizens are not at risk of deportation. They also enjoy the right to vote and can always re-enter the country.
In addition to spending time as a permanent resident, applicants must also remain physically in the country prior to applying. There is a citizenship that must be passed, and the person must be fluent in English. A lawyer in Elgin experienced with immigration cases could guide a person through this process step-by-step.
One of the most important roles an attorney could take on is defending against deportation and removal. Non-citizens are always at risk, especially after the commission of certain crimes.
The potential defense strategies in these situations vary. For example, it may be possible to seek asylum or petition for an adjustment of status during the proceedings. An immigration attorney could also request that the federal government use its prosecutorial discretion to drop the case in Elgin. Determining the appropriate strategy can be challenging without the support of legal counsel.
The unfortunate reality with the system is that it can take time to resolve a case. For some people, waiting years to have their visa application approved is not out of the ordinary. There are also circumstances where these delays become unreasonable.
An immigration lawyer in Elgin might resolve these issues in several ways. Often, it only takes contacting the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to get an application moving again. In other situations, it may be necessary to file a type of lawsuit known as a writ of mandamus. This legal action requires the federal government to perform tasks it is obligated to do, like processing visa applications.
There are not the only circumstances within the system where the support of legal counsel is important. When you are concerned about the outcome of your case, you must rely on an attorney who could help oversee the application process, communicate with the government agents on your behalf, and support you through each step of the process. Call today to schedule a private consultation with an Elgin immigration lawyer.
