Hiring an Atlanta Immigration Attorney
Immigration law is a complex area that encompasses many different legal issues and procedures. It involves a lot of red tape and bureaucracy, so it’s important to hire a qualified Atlanta immigration attorney who knows how to cut through the clutter and get you what you want.
A good immigration lawyer will be up to date on all of the latest changes and laws that affect your case. They will also be knowledgeable about all of the different visa types that are available to you.
Asylum
Asylum is a legal way for people who are in danger of persecution to be granted protection in the United States. It is offered to those who have suffered persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group.
Often, refugees are forced to flee their countries in search of safety after violence, economic exploitation, or political oppression. These migratory journeys are dangerous and costly.
However, those who are able to escape their countries of origin can benefit the US economy by settling here and providing much-needed services for our community. Studies estimate that asylum-seekers contribute billions of dollars in tax and revenue.
Asylum-seekers have a strong desire to remain in the country and provide for their families. They are also willing to invest in the community and help others.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which an immigrant becomes a citizen of the United States. Citizenship gives you the ability to vote, serve on a jury, apply for federal jobs, and become an elected official.
The naturalization process begins with an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
An atlanta immigration attorney can help you complete the naturalization process. They can help you gather all of your relevant documents, fill out the Form N-400, and pay the filing fees online.
You will also need to meet with an immigration officer at a naturalization interview, where you will answer questions about your naturalization application and background. Unless you have been granted an exemption, you will also take the English and civics tests. If you fail the English or civics test, USCIS will send you a denial letter and may ask you to retake them.
Deportation
Deportation is the legal process of removing a non-citizen from the United States. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as having violated the terms of their visa or staying in the country beyond the time that they are legally allowed to be here.
It can also occur if an individual has committed a crime or is deemed to be a threat to public safety. If you are facing deportation, contact an atlanta immigration attorney who can help you find relief.
A good attorney may be able to help you appeal a decision that will result in deportation, or get you released on bond or parole. They will also review your case and identify any other forms of relief that may be available to you.
Employment Visas
Employment visas offer foreign nationals the opportunity to work in the United States. They are offered through various categories and may be for a certain amount of time, depending on the type of visa.
L-1 Visas – Intracompany Transferee – When a company has a location abroad, they can use this nonimmigrant visa to send employees to that country. They must remain employed by that company and have been doing so for a minimum of one year before a L-1 visa can be issued.
O-1 and P-1 Visas – These are for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, business, education, athletics, or art. They are often internationally recognized for their work.
Each year, the United States Department of State issues roughly 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas. These green cards are divided into five preference categories: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers, Third Preference (EB-2), Special Immigration Aliens, and Investors.
Family Visas
US citizens and green card holders are often able to bring their family members into the United States through a process known as family immigration.
A seasoned Atlanta immigration attorney can go over how this process works and help you understand your options. Getting the paperwork filed correctly and on time is important for a successful family-sponsored immigration application.
Some categories of relatives do not need a visa number, such as parents, spouses, and unmarried children under 21 years of age who are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Other family members fall into preference categories that may need to wait for a visa to become available. The Department of State publishes a Visa Bulletin every month with visa number availability for preference categories.