Living or working in America is a lifelong dream for many people. While the process of coming to this country can be challenging, countless individuals obtain lawful residency or citizenship each year with help from a compassionate attorney.
Navigating the immigration system on your own is risky: The law is complex and constantly changing, making it difficult to ensure you meet the requirements set out by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At the Meza Law Firm, bilingual Fort Worth immigration lawyer Edwardo Meza could guide you through each step of the process.
Under federal law, an immigrant can apply for several different types of visas. Each program has its own purpose, with some offering a path to citizenship and others offering temporary residence. Choosing the right visa depends on your goals and qualifications.
You can apply for a Green Card when you are related to a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States. The ability to immigrate based on these relationships varies, and the process can take time.
For anyone unable to claim birthright citizenship, naturalization is the only other option. This is the process where a person becomes a U.S. citizen after obtaining a Green Card and complying with federal immigration law for a number of years.
First, an applicant must secure an immigrant visa that allows them not only to live in this country but also pursue a path towards citizenship. After five years of complying with federal law and primarily residing in the U.S., they could be eligible to become a citizen.
An immigration attorney in Fort Worth could help a person determine the right visa for their goals.
When seeking a visa, you must go through one of two processes: the “consular process” or an “adjustment of status.” An immigration attorney in Fort Worth could help with either method.
You must go through the consular process if you currently reside outside the U.S. As the name suggests, it involves your home country’s U.S. consulate or embassy. The applicant must remain in their home country as their application works its way through USCIS.
An adjustment of status is different in that it allows a person already in the U.S. to stay here while they await an answer from USCIS. This method is commonly used when a person on a temporary visa applies for a Green Card.
The work of a Fort Worth immigration attorney is not always about helping people gain their citizenship or secure a Green Card; sometimes, it is about building a defense against deportation and removal from the United States.
Not everyone is aware that there are viable defense strategies in these situations. Under certain circumstances, a person facing removal from this country could stay and even gain lawful residency if they qualify for refugee status, are married to a citizen, or can show that their close family members who are U.S. citizens would struggle without their support.
When a person is suspected of violating immigration law or otherwise detained during the deportation process, there is an option available for noncitizens to be released from custody while this process unfolds. Federal immigration bonds involve an individual other than the person in ICE custody paying a monetary bond in exchange for the release of the immigrant. If the person released from custody fails to show up to future hearings or comply with the government, this bond is lost. Securing a bond can be a complicated affair, and not everyone will qualify.
Dealing with immigration cases on your own could be a mistake. When you find yourself in need of guidance regarding your legal status, you should seek out legal counsel immediately. Call Fort Worth immigration lawyer today to schedule a confidential consultation. As a bilingual attorney, Edwardo Meza can help you understand the process and protect your rights—¡Comprenda el proceso y proteja sus derechos!
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