Immigration Attorney Long Beach
While immigration laws in the United States are handled on a federal level and any qualified attorney can represent you, it is always advisable to find someone in your local area because there may be local laws and restrictions that will affect your status while living in that state, or even in that county or city. Additionally, some immigrant attorneys focus on specific types of cases, so they are best able to serve their clients. An immigration attorney in Long Beach can assist clients who are facing dangerous situations seeking legal status in the U.S.
The U Nonimmigrant Status, Or “U Visa”
While only 10,000 U visas are given out each year, you may apply for a U visa if you are the victim of a serious crime committed by a U.S. citizen and can assist the police and prosecutors in the investigation. This visa type does not require you to be married or have a qualifying relative in order to apply. You will need to provide proof of serious mental or physical abuse and have a law enforcement officer vouch for you before submitting a “Certification of Helpfulness.”
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
If you cannot qualify for a U visa then VAWA may be available to you because there is no cap to how many are accepted each year. VAWA was a major piece of legislation that was initially enacted in 1994 to protect people victimized by stalking, sexual assault, and both dating and domestic violence, and has been updated over the last few decades. In terms of immigration, it enables battered and abused spouses, as well as their children and parents, to obtain a green card even without the help of the U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is doing the abuse. Despite the term “women” being used in the title, this law applies to both men and women.
You can apply for VAWA self-petition if your spouse is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and they battered or abused you or your child up to age 21. In order to qualify you must:
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Adjustment of Status
You must have entered the United States legally and have been issued a temporary visa, such as a student visa, and you must be admissible to the U.S. in order to apply for an adjustment of status. You will not be eligible if you have been convicted of a crime or have ever illegally obtained employment in the U.S. In order to apply, you must submit form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status along with supporting evidence and payment. If your parents, spouse, or children over age 21 are U.S. citizens, then you can apply for an adjustment of status if you entered the U.S. legally, even in cases where you’ve overstayed your welcome or worked when not authorized.
Consular Processing
Consular processing only applies to you when your green card is received through an issuance of an immigrant visa by a U.S. Embassy or consulate. To qualify for an immigrant visa, a family member from one of the family preference categories who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident must file a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) on behalf of the person seeking to immigrate. The family preference categories include:
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will notify you of their decision. If approved, the petition will be sent to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) and remain until a visa is available, and you will receive official notice of this in a Notice of Action. If denied, you will be provided the reasons why. Consular processing can apply to someone who is abroad or is currently in the U.S. without status if they do not qualify for adjustment of status.
If you are located in Los Angeles County, contact the Law Office of Sharon Abaud today to discuss your immigration status.
What ARE my Clients Saying?
Sharon is an amazing immigration lawyer.
Sharon is an amazing immigration lawyer. I had her help me out with a couple of immigration issues. A couple of friends of mine have been able to establish residency because of her. She is very affordable and offers an incredible service to all of her clients. I'd recommend her to everybody!
Sharon Abaud is truly a rare find. Work with her if you can. :-)
Sharon is compassionate, knowledgeable, personable, and professional. Work with her if you can. :-) Having her on our team has made my husband and I feel at ease during the immigration process and excited about our next chapter. Her guidance has been a huge gift in our lives and we are so grateful!
Sharon Abaud is truly a rare find. Work with her if you can. :-)
Sharon is the best lawyer I've had the pleasure to work with!
Sharon is the best lawyer I've had the pleasure to work with. She was very professional, but also offered emotional support during sometimes tough episodes and harsh deadlines. Indeed, I would definitely recommend her. Thanks Sharon! Mallory, the kiddos and I appreciate all your hard work!
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