Prince William County Immigration Lawyer

Immigration law is a constantly changing and complex field. There are two major categories for U.S. immigration – temporary visas and permanent residency. The type of visa required depends on the person’s employment skills and country of origin.

Each type of visa requires specific, detailed documentation. Whether you are an individual or an employer, a Prince William County immigration lawyer can help you through the immigration process and achieve the goal of working and living in this country. To get started, consult with an experienced immigration attorney today.

Temporary Visa Classifications

People are permitted to enter the United States via different visa classifications. These classifications revolve around the following categories:

• Family
• Education
• Employment
• Investment
• Refugee status

Immigration and Naturalization Act

Immigration is regulated solely at the federal level, with Congress controlling all related laws, and the White House in charge of enforcement. The Federal Immigration and Naturalization Act currently allows 675,000 permanent immigrants annually, not including some immediate family members. This number does not include people permitted into the U.S. because of their refugee status, which is decided by the U.S. Congress and the President.

Green Cards

Permanent resident status, often referred to as the green card, is the goal of many immigrants. Individuals receive green cards primarily through job offers of permanent U.S. employment, or through family. Certain relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for green cards. These include:

• Spouses
• Unmarried children under age 21
• Parents of U.S. citizens over age 21

Any criminal conviction threatens a green card holder’s status. A permanent resident convicted of an aggravated felony or any crime involving “moral turpitude” should seek the assistance of a Prince William County immigration attorney immediately.

Naturalization

Under 8 U.S. Code § 1427, requirements for naturalization include lawful permanent residence in the U.S., with any periods of absence from the country constituting less than half of that time-period. Individuals filing for naturalization must have lived at their present address for at least three months.

The applicant must also show “good moral character.” In rare instances, an individual making an “extraordinary” contribution to the country’s national security may become naturalized without meeting the physical presence requirements.

Deportation Defense

In general, there are five reasons for deportation, consisting of:

• Entering the country without authority
• Disobeying the country’s terms of admission
• Criminal conviction
• Rejection of an asylum application
• Becoming a “public charge.”

An individual facing deportation requires the help of a Prince William County immigration lawyer. There are methods of relief from deportation in many cases, and it is possible to cancel or withhold removal based on an individual’s situation.

Asylum

Individuals seeking escape from persecution in their native country may be eligible for asylum in the U.S. Eligibility depends on the reason for persecution. It may involve the following elements of an individual’s identity:

• Religion
• Race
• Political views
• Social group membership
• Nationality

How a Prince William County Immigration Lawyer Can Help

We work hard to protect and aggressively defend our clients’ rights, whether in immigration, criminal or family courts. We work with our clients, who may not possess English fluency, and ensure they understand all steps of the process. We know this is a difficult time for many clients and treat them with respect and compassion.

If you are in need of a Prince William County immigration lawyer, contact our office today. We will do our best review your situation and advise you of your options.