Helping Our Clients Confidently Resolve Immigration Concerns
The U.S. immigration process is a complex and often lengthy process. The complicated, seemingly endless paperwork, interviews, and litigation are a hurdle for many would-be lawful U.S. citizens — complicated further by language barriers and strict citizenship requirements.
Whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking asylum, or navigating the complexities of employment-based immigration, the immigration attorneys at Stacer, PLC are committed to helping our clients make informed decisions and feel confident about their naturalization journey.
How Do I Become a U.S. Citizen?
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for many immigrants living in the country. Here are the general steps to becoming a U.S. citizen:
- Meet the eligibility requirements: To become a U.S. citizen, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, having been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen), and demonstrating good moral character.
- Complete and submit Form N-400: This is the application for naturalization, which can be found on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
- Attend a biometrics appointment: After submitting your application, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be taken.
- Attend an interview: USCIS will schedule an interview to discuss you application and ask questions to test you English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- Pass the naturalization test: As part of the interview process, you will be required to take a naturalization test that overs topics such as U.S. history and government.
If your application is approved, you will attend a ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance and become a U.S. citizen. Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant achievement that provides countless benefits, including the ability to vote, travel with a U.S. passport, and petition for family members to come to the U.S.
How Long Will My Green Card Be Valid For?
The validity period of a green card depends on the type of green card you have.
If you have a Permanent Resident Card (PRC), commonly known as a green card, issued to you after adjustment of status in the United States or through consular processing abroad, it is typically valid for ten years. However, the expiration date can be shorter if you were granted conditional permanent residence status.
If you have a conditional green card, which is given to individuals who are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for less than two years at the time of approval, it is valid for two years. Conditional green card holders must take further steps to remove the conditions and obtain a regular permanent resident card by filing Form I-751 during the 90 days before the conditional green card expires.
It is important to note that, regardless of the validity period of a green card, permanent residents must maintain their status and comply with all immigration laws and regulations. Failure to do so could result in the revocation of the green card or other penalties, including deportation. Therefore, it is essential to keep your green card current and renew it on time to avoid any adverse consequences.
What Should I Do If I Receive A Deportation Order?
If you receive a deportation order, it is critical that you take immediate action to protect your rights and explore all of your options for relief. After receiving the order, your first call should be to an experienced immigration lawyer. Your lawyer can help you understand your legal options and navigate the complex immigration law system.
You and our attorney will then review the deportation order to ensure that it is accurate and based on valid grounds for removal. If there are errors or inaccuracies in the order, your lawyer may be able to challenge it by filing an appeal, asylum, or adjustment of status. You may also be eligible to request a stay of deportation, which halts the deportation process while your case is being reviewed. This can provide you with additional time to pursue other relief options.
How Can I Lawfully Bring Family Members To The U.S.?
If you have immigrated to the U.S. and want to to help your family members join you, there are several options available to you. These options include:
- Spousal visa: If you are married, you may be able to bring your spouse to the U.S. on a spousal visa. This requires filing a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and demonstrating that you have a bona fide relationship with your spouse.
- Children’s visa: If you have children who are unmarried and under the age of 21, you can petition for them to come to the U.S. as well. The process is similar to that of a spousal visa.
- Parent or sibling’s visa: If you want to bring your parents or siblings to the U.S., you may be able to petition for them to come on a parent or sibling visa. However, this option is only available to U.S. citizens, not permanent residents.
The process of chain migration to the U.S. can be complex and time-consuming. The experienced immigration lawyers at Stacer, PLC can help you navigate the process and increase your chances of success.
How Do Criminal Charges Impact My Immigration Status?
Criminal charges can have a significant impact on your immigration status. When Do I Need to Contact an Immigration Lawyer? Depending on the severity of your charges, you may face deportation or other negative consequences. Even if you are a lawful permanent resident, your status may be revoked if you are charged with certain crimes.
If you are a non-citizen who has been charged with a crime, contact an immigration attorney immediately. Our attorneys can help you understand how your charges may impact your immigration status and explore all possible options to help you stay in the country and out of prison.
Do I Need An Immigration Attorney?
Immigration is one of the most complicated legal processes that U.S. law provides. For this reason, it is best to contact an immigration attorney to address any immigration matters. At Stacer, PLC we provide comprehensive counsel to people with a broad range of immigration concerns.
From visa applications to removal proceedings, we handle all legal issues related to immigration and naturalization. If you have questions about an immigration matter, contact our office or call us at 734-453-7878 to discuss your situation.