Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

The truth about US immigration is that many potential immigrants are not fully aware of the immigration laws and procedures that they need to follow. This lack of information becomes a barrier to getting a legal immigration status or permanent residence status in the United States.

Generally, it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer when you apply for a green card or an immigrant visa in the United States or overseas. Not all immigration issues require consultation with an immigration lawyer. For example, if your case is straightforward and you are qualified for the benefit that you seek, you may proceed with the green card application or visa processing without legal assistance from a lawyer.

The United States citizenship and immigration laws are complex. Various immigration issues might be difficult and stressful to deal with on your own. Therefore, consulting a credible The Woodlands immigration attorney can help you save time, money, and effort. Let’s look at some of the most likely situations. This article will explain the benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer. You’ll need to consult with an immigration attorney if:

  1. You Can’t Figure Out Your Options
  2. You Are Overwhelmed by the Paperwork
  3. You Are in Immigration Court Proceedings
  4. You Are an Employer Who Wants to Hire Foreign Workers
  5. You’re Encountering Delays
  6. You Are Inadmissible

You Can’t Figure Out Your Options

Immigration Lawyer No matter what situation you are in, you always have options. Your experienced immigration attorney can lay out these alternatives in front of you, making sure you understand the full scope of your circumstances. For instance, if you are a highly skilled worker hoping to be hired by an employer in the United States, you can be eligible to apply for multiple types of visas or green cards. However, it is difficult to determine the fastest and best option for you. In this case, hiring a qualified The Woodlands immigration attorney can help you decide which type of immigrant visa will suit you best depending on your qualifications for a specific occupation and employer’s needs.

In some cases, you might encounter a similar legal issue related to other types of visa situations. For example, if you are engaged to an American citizen, there can be two ways to enter the United States. The first option is to apply for a K-1 fiance visa which allows entry to get married and later apply for the green card through a procedure known as adjustment of status. The other option is to get married first, then enter the United States on an immigrant visa (with an immediate right to become a green card holder). But before you make a choice, it is important to consult a legal counsel first to guide you in choosing the fastest and most convenient way of express entry considering the processing times, procedures, and government fees.

You Are Overwhelmed by the Paperwork

It is crucial to fill out the immigration forms and prepare the documents needed for your application. Mistakes can result in the denial of your immigration application. This paperwork is usually extensive and complicated, and without the assistance of an expert, there are lots of opportunities to make mistakes that may negatively impact your application permanently. With the legal help from a reliable The Woodlands immigration attorney, you’ll be assured that all the documentation is complete, correct, detailed, and submitted on time to be approved by the authorities.

You Are in Immigration Court Proceedings

Immigration court hearings are civil administrative proceedings that involve foreign nationals who were charged with violating immigration rules. In these hearings, an immigration judge can determine whether the foreigner should be ordered removed or deported from the United States, or granted relief or protection from removal (such as adjustment of status, asylum, cancellation of removal, or other remedies provided by immigration policy) and permitted to remain in the country.

Once an applicant has been placed in removal proceedings, the case becomes procedurally more formal and the stakes for the applicant become much higher. If you are currently facing an immigration court deportation process (removal proceeding), it is advisable to consult a lawyer immediately.

You Are an Employer Who Wants to Hire Foreign Workers

If you own or manage a U.S.-based business, you know how challenging it is to find competent and qualified employees for your manpower. In some cases, the best person for the job might be a foreign national living in their home country outside the United States. As an employer or petitioner, you need to know your basic lawful obligations when providing sponsorship and hiring noncitizens to work in the U.S. You have to be familiar with PERM. The Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) labor certification is a process that employers must go through to hire a foreign immigrant worker permanently. It is the first step for an alien or a foreigner (any qualified nationality) to obtain a green card or a lawful permanent resident status.

The PERM application (ETA Form 9089) is a complicated process. You need to complete Form 9089 accurately with no mistakes. Even the slightest error may result in denial. An immigration attorney who specializes in PERM application can assist you throughout the PERM process and other types of work permit or work visa applications.

You’re Encountering Delays

If there are delays in your application, your immigration lawyer can help you track your application or petition once all the requirements have been submitted to the concerned agencies. Your lawyer can quickly act if there are requests for additional information or clarification. He or she can even help with the immigration appeals process, letting you understand why a petition was denied and how you can proceed with the appeal.

You Are Inadmissible

The most common legal issue encountered by would-be immigrants is the claim by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the consulate that they are inadmissible. People with histories of criminal convictions, illegal immigration, terrorist activities, drug abuse, infectious medical problems, or certain other characteristics will never be allowed a visa, green card, or U.S. entry unless special permission is granted first. This is implemented to protect US citizens. In immigration law terms, these characteristics are known as the grounds of inadmissibility. If any of these grounds apply to you, it’s advisable to request legal representation from your lawyer before you start the application process.

The Role of Immigration Attorney

Most immigrants are working towards the American dream – US citizenship. This dream has become a reality for thousands of immigrants, completing their journey to becoming a citizen of the United States. No immigration procedure is easy, and most of the time, there are many steps to take and papers to file. Contact our competent The Woodlands immigration attorneys at Luis F. Hess, PLLC so that they can give immigration advice and guide you through the complex visa application and immigration process. Our immigration lawyers have extensive experience and an excellent track record. We are knowledgeable on all the immigration procedural strategies necessary to get you where you want to be. We’ll have your best interests at heart, defend your rights when communicating about your case, and protect you from immigration fraud. We’ll help you answer immigration questions, understand your entire case, and represent you through every step of the process.