Trying to accomplish anything in the United States immigration system is a frustrating experience. To the untrained eye, the rules can seem unclear and the processes overwhelming. The internet can give contradictory information that often does more harm than good. Even advice published by the government can be confusing and hard to follow. To make matters worse, the stakes are almost always high with immigration issues.
This is where the Las Vegas immigration attorneys at Mills & Anderson Law Group come in. Our attorneys have experience handling a broad range of immigration issues. From visa and citizenship applications to deportation defense and appeals, we know how to get things done. With over 40 years of collective experience, Mills & Anderson has the knowledge to navigate the legal system effectively. Every one of our clients gets the personalized attention they deserve as we guide them through their case from start to finish. Schedule a consultation with us today.
Why Work with an Immigration Attorney
When it comes to immigration law, it can be challenging to figure out even where to start. Trusting information obtained through the internet often leads to unintended consequences. Information that was true last year might already be outdated. Minor missteps lead to significant setbacks. Your case is too important to trust an anonymous blogger or even a well-intentioned friend.
Our experienced Las Vegas Immigration Lawyer has worked through the different processes surrounding immigration law. We know the correct forms to fill out, where to file them, and whom to contact when things go wrong. Immigration attorneys will be your representative and protect your rights at every step. We step in when someone tries to take advantage of your inexperience with the system. We accompany you to interviews, defend you during court proceedings, and appeal your case when necessary. In short, we can be your best advocate.
Visas
There are many options when it comes to applying for an immigration visa in the United States. Some visas are designed for family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Other visas are for workers and students. Each of these broader categories of visas has several different types of visas you can apply for under them. Choosing the correct visa to apply for is often the difference between having your application accepted or rejected.
The Las Vegas immigration lawyers at Mills & Anderson can help you navigate the U.S. visa system. We will advise you on the options available to you, along with the pros and cons of each. Further, if you are an undocumented migrant, we can help you get on the right track toward obtaining a temporary visa and, ultimately, lawful permanent residence.
Spousal Visa
A person who is married to a U.S. citizen is entitled to apply for a visa granting lawful permanent residence (also known as a green card). The application process from the time you apply to approval can be lengthy. Further, the spouse of a green card holder can also apply for a green card.
There are three main steps to obtaining a green card based on marriage. First, your spouse must file a petition for you. Second, once your case makes it to the National Visa Center, your spouse must file an affidavit of support. Finally, you must undergo a medical exam and be interviewed at a U.S. consulate or embassy. The interviewer will be looking for evidence of your marriage.
This process has various possible outcomes depending on your spouse’s status and how long you have been married. It is important to note that same-sex spouses are entitled to the same opportunities as opposite-sex spouses in the U.S.
Family Visa
An unmarried child or parent of a U.S. citizen can also apply for a green card. The U.S. government does not limit the number of green cards for immediate family members.
Further, married children and more distant relatives such as brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens and green card holders can submit an application as well. Unfortunately, the number of green cards granted for these applications is limited.
Special immigration procedures are in place for children who are adopted or will be adopted from abroad. The procedures vary based on whether the applicant is from a Hague Adoption Convention member country or not.
Fiance Visa
The fiance of a U.S. citizen or green card holder can apply for a temporary non-immigration visa. Upon getting married, the individual will need to apply for an adjustment of status to obtain a green card.
Work Visa
Depending on your profession, you might be eligible to apply for either a temporary or permanent work visa.
Temporary work visas are granted based on the occupation the visa applicant will work in. These visas allow holders to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. There are many different types of temporary work visas available to applicants.
Permanent work visas have stricter requirements than temporary work visas and are available to fewer people. An experienced Las Vegas immigration lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for a permanent work visa. Contact us today!
Student Visa
Student visas allow you to temporarily reside in the U.S. while attending a full-time education program. Student visa holders must be enrolled full-time in an accredited academic institution authorized by the government to accept international students.
Diversity Immigration Visa
The Diversity Visa Program, or the green card lottery, is a unique visa program that grants 55,000 green cards annually. Every year the Department of State publishes the dates of the registration period and instructions for the program. The odds of receiving a green card through this program are low, but it may be worth pursuing based on your personal circumstances.
Adjustment of Status
Visa holders can apply for adjustment of status while they are legally present in the U.S. This process allows you to remain in the U.S. while your application is processed rather than leaving the U.S. to apply.
Special Considerations for Undocumented Migrants
People living in the U.S. without legal status might need to apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver before applying for another form of visa. These waivers make it possible to remain in the U.S. while going through the green card process. There are several requirements you must meet to obtain a waiver. A Las Vegas immigration attorney can help you decide if pursuing a waiver is in your best interest.
Asylum Claims
People who cannot return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution might be eligible for asylum status. The fear of persecution must be based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion.
Applying for asylum can be a long and risky process. There is currently a lengthy asylum backlog in the U.S. court system. Further, asylum is often denied once the case is heard in court. If you plan to seek asylum, it is essential to work with an experienced immigration attorney.
Becoming a US Citizen
For many U.S. immigrants, obtaining citizenship (naturalization) is the ultimate goal. U.S. citizenship grants many rights and privileges that permanent residents do not hold.
There are several ways you can be eligible for naturalization in the U.S. First, you are eligible if you are a foreign-born child of a U.S. citizen. Second, you can obtain citizenship through marriage, military service, or employment. Finally, people who hold a green card for five years (3 if married to a U.S. citizen) can become naturalized.
Applying for naturalization and becoming a citizen involves several steps, and it is crucial to satisfy every requirement. Contact an immigration attorney from Mills & Anderson to help improve your chances.
Defending Against Deportation
The consequences of deportation can be dire. If you are deported, you will likely not legally be allowed to return to the U.S. for at least ten years. However, if you are facing deportation, there is still a chance that you will be able to remain.
Before being deported, you will receive a notice to appear that formally represents your charges and begins the removal process. You can argue against your charges during the subsequent proceedings and fight the removal order. Successfully fighting the order will allow you to remain.
At Mills & Anderson, we understand how vital these proceedings are. Our experienced attorneys will work with you to vigorously fight the removal order. If you are facing deportation, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Appealing Immigration Decisions
Even if the court decides against you, the fight is not over. Most individuals who receive an unfavorable ruling in the Las Vegas Immigration Court can appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration appeals. You may need to file your appeal with another appellate body depending on your case. A successful appeal can force the lower courts to reconsider their entire decision.
Mills & Anderson Law Group Can Help
If you or a loved one is dealing with an immigration issue, Mills & Anderson knows how to help. Our dedicated Las Vegas immigration lawyers will relentlessly pursue your interests. We handle each case with the honesty, integrity, and expertise it deserves. We pride ourselves on providing affordable legal services and our straightforward approach to your legal needs. Contact Mills & Anderson today so that we can work for you.