Immigration Lawyer in Fresno

Immigration is a complicated topic in America. Immigration law is complex and ever-changing. The requirements for Green Cards, different types of visas, work permits, asylum, citizenship, and many other aspects of immigration can be difficult to understand, especially for those who grew up in other countries and face barriers of culture and language in trying to navigate U.S. immigration law.

For those coming to America from other countries, the help of an experienced and knowledgeable Fresno immigration attorneys can be a huge help. Here at Bains Law Offices, our immigration lawyers strive to lead immigration clients on a successful journey through the maze of paperwork, required documentation, and court appearances that immigration to America can require. Let one of our skilled and compassionate immigration lawyers in Fresno, CA work with you on your immigration matters. Call our Fresno office today at 559-890-1007.

What Does it Mean to be a Green Card Holder in California?

A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is given to people who have been granted permission to live and work in the United States. There are many ways to be eligible for a Green Card. For example, you may be eligible for a Green Card if you are the family member of a U.S. citizen, an immigrant worker or investor, a physician who agrees to work full time in an underserved area, a religious worker, an international broadcaster.

Certain people who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States may apply for a green card after a certain time period, as may victims of crime, abuse, or human trafficking. These are only a few of the ways a person can be eligible for a Green Card under U.S. immigration law. Accomplished Fresno immigration lawyers can help you determine if you meet these or other requirements.

What Does it Mean to be Granted Asylum under U.S. Immigration Law?

Asylum in the United States may be granted to foreign nationals who seek protection because they have suffered or fear persecution in their home country for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a certain social group. There are two types of asylum: defensive and affirmative. Defensive asylum can happen when a person from another country is caught entering the U.S. illegally or presents themselves to an officer at a U.S. border or point of entry and asks for asylum or states that they are afraid to return to their home country. Affirmative asylum can occur when someone already in the United States, legally or illegally, applies for asylum within one year of arriving. In both cases, the asylum seeker is allowed legal representation by an immigration attorney, and this representation is highly recommended. The benefits of asylum, besides the obvious one of possibly escaping a harmful situation in the home country, are that those granted asylum may work, and may apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship after specified periods of time. Fresno immigration lawyers can help in the process of seeking asylum.

I Am About to Be Deported. How Can a Fresno Immigration Attorney Help?

If you have received a Notice to Appear from the Department of Homeland Security, this means that you are being considered for removal proceedings. This can happen if you have been caught in the U.S without legal immigration status, or if you hold a Green Card but have committed a crime. You will be required to attend what is called a master calendar hearing. If you do not attend this hearing, an automatic order for removal will be filed against you. While it is not required that you have a Fresno immigration lawyer at this hearing, it is recommended.

If you do not have an attorney, it is likely that the immigration judge will recommend that you get one. Fresno immigration lawyers can help you defend yourself against removal in several ways including things like helping you to prove that you have a right to remain in the country, helping you apply for asylum, or negotiating a voluntary removal, which has far less serious consequences than forced removal and does not go on your record. Your Fresno immigration lawyers from Bains Law Offices knows the law and will work with you to find the best solution to your removal case. Call our law firm today at 559-890-1007 to get the skilled, professional legal help you need.

How Can I Become a U.S. Citizen?

Eligible immigrants to the United States can become U.S. citizens through a process called naturalization. To be eligible, an immigrant must be a Green Card holder who has lived in the U.S. for 3-5 years or meet certain military service requirements. Currently, the naturalization process, from the date of application to the citizenship ceremony, takes about 2 years. Hiring an experienced Fresno immigration lawyer from a law office with experience and knowledge of immigration law can help you through each step of the process.