If you or a family member needs help with immigration proceedings, applications, or appeals, the attorneys at Pakpour Banks LLP are a phone call away.
Immigration proceedings can be intimidating and complex, and the outcome of a proceeding could have drastic, life-altering consequences. You should not try to handle immigration processes on your own. Let an experienced immigration attorney at Pakpour Banks LLP help you. Choosing a knowledgeable attorney could be the difference in the outcome. Contact us today.
Removal and Deportation Proceedings
Deportation and removal proceedings often occur after a non-citizen has violated the law and committed a crime. Although these proceedings are not considered criminal proceedings, they are similar in process. Every person facing deportation and removal proceedings has the right to a lawyer. However, this does not necessarily mean the government must provide one free of charge. Choosing the right lawyer could mean the difference in the outcome of your case. Contact the California immigration lawyers at Pakpour Banks LLP today.
The Immigration and Nationality Act governs the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction. There are very harsh and strict standards applied to a non-citizen that commits a crime in the United States. Even before criminal proceedings commence or a potential plea agreement is negotiated, it is imperative to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer. The California immigration attorneys at Pakpour Banks LLP are available for a consultation to discuss potential consequences you may face.
Filing an Appeal
If you or a loved one had an immigration proceeding and the judge did not rule in your favor, you can appeal the decision. Just as in most other judicial proceedings, a federal or immigration judge’s decision is subject to appeal. If you or a loved one has been ordered to leave the United States and return to your home country, you may appeal this decision.
Immigration appeals are presented before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Due in large part to the high volume of cases and the United States government’s intent to fast-track these proceedings, individual cases do not often get the attention they deserve. It often feels like these decisions are rubber-stamped. It can be difficult, although not impossible, to get a removal decision reversed. Luckily, this is not the last stop, and the BIA’s decision can be appealed to the Federal Court of Appeals. Choosing the right attorney is crucial to the outcome. If you hire us, our Davis immigration lawyers will be with you every step of the way.
Visas for Your Family Members
If you are a legal immigrant, you may be able to obtain visas or green cards for your family members. The ultimate goal is to reunite your family here in the United States. However, the road to get there is complex. Our California immigration lawyers are well versed in handling all different types of visa applications including:
- Visas for children under the age of 21,
- Visas for parents,
- Spouse and fiance visas,
- Visas for adult children over the age of 21, and
- Visas for adult siblings and other relatives.
Obtaining any of these family visas can be difficult and will depend on the status of the person petitioning for the visa, i.e., the sponsor. Factors considered are the sponsor’s and applicant’s country of origin, age, and marital status. Applications by American citizens are often prioritized over those of legal immigrants.
This is a complex process best left to an experienced immigration attorney.
What Is a U Visa?
A U visa is a specific type of visa available to victims of a crime. Immigrant victims who have suffered abuse and in some way aided or been helpful to a law enforcement agency or prosecutor may qualify for a visa. The umbrella of a U visa may also include your family members. This allows your spouse, children, siblings, or parents to also obtain a visa. A U visa does not apply to any and all crimes, and there are certain requirements an applicant must meet.
To qualify for a U visa, you must:
- Be the victim of serious crime that occurred in the United State or its territories;
- Have information about the crime that is or will be helpful to police, prosecutors, or another investigative agency; and
- Have suffered from significant physical or mental abuse.
Typically, if you are granted a U visa you can then apply for a pardon for past criminal convictions or immigration violations.
Obtaining a U visa is not easy. It can be a complicated and involved process. If you reside in the Davis area and think you may qualify for a U visa, contact the Davis immigration lawyers at Pakpour Banks LLP to discuss your eligibility.
Can I Become a U.S. Citizen?
The process of a legal immigrant becoming an American citizen is referred to as naturalization. For many of our clients, citizenship is the ultimate goal: the American Dream. Becoming a citizen has its obvious advantages such as being able to live and work permanently in the U.S. The process will be different for everyone. Some applications are straightforward, and some applications are more complex.
There are general requirements to obtain naturalization, which are set out and governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Some of the requirements include:
- Continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.,
- Residence in one particular state prior to filing,
- Good moral character,
- An understanding of United States history and government,
- Favorable disposition toward this country, and
- The ability to read, write, and speak English.
Depending on your status, some of these requirements may be waived.
No matter your situation, the California immigration attorneys at Pakpour Banks LLP will guide you through the process as smoothly as possible. Every applicant is unique, and at Pakpour Banks, you will be given the individualized attention you deserve.
Contact Our California Immigration Attorneys
The Davis immigration lawyers at Pakpour Banks LLP handle all types of immigration needs including appeals, visas, citizenship applications, and more. Just as with many other areas of law, an immigration case can be very detailed and require the knowledge of an experienced attorney. The United States immigration system has rigorous standards and can be difficult to navigate on your own. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are always prepared to fight vigorously for your interests!
Our firm speaks Spanish.
Our experienced legal team handles other types of cases as well, including: