Manassas, VA Immigration Lawyer

Guidance Through the Immigration Process in Manassas, VA

During the immigration process, people who are seeking to come to the United States, maintain permanent residence, or become citizens will need to meet many requirements. Understanding the steps that must be followed and the information that must be provided to immigration officials can be difficult, but immigrants can benefit by receiving legal guidance from an attorney who has a thorough understanding of immigration law. Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC offers a wide range of immigration services to people in Manassas, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Our firm is dedicated to helping immigrants achieve their goals, and we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Types of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas

The first step in the immigration process will typically involve applying for visas, which will provide authorization for entry into the United States. Immigrant visas will allow a person to apply for lawful permanent residence after their entry, while nonimmigrant visas will typically only allow temporary stays in the country. Most visas will fall into one of two categories:

Family-Based Visas

U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can sponsor relatives for immigration. Immediate relative visas are the fastest and easiest to obtain, and U.S. citizens may sponsor their spouses, children, and parents for these visas. Family preference visas will take more time to obtain, since there are limits on the number of people who can enter the U.S. on these visas each year. Green Card holders can apply for family preference visas for their immediate relatives, and U.S. citizens may sponsor their adult or married children or their brothers and sisters. For U.S. citizens and foreign romantic partners who plan to get married in the United States, fiancé visas may be available.

Employment-Based Visas

Employers can sponsor employees for different types of visas. Professional work visas will generally allow people with high levels of training, skill, accomplishments, and recognition to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. Immigrant visas for employees will allow foreign workers to receive Green Cards through employer sponsorship. These visas may be available for people who have extraordinary or exceptional abilities, or advanced degrees, as well as those who are classified as professionals, skilled workers, or unskilled workers.

Benefits of Receiving Green Cards

Obtaining a Green Card is one of the primary goals of many immigrants. Lawful permanent resident status will provide a person with numerous benefits, including:

• Permanent residency: Green Card holders have the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
• Path to citizenship: After a certain period, Green Card holders will be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
• Family sponsorship: Green Card holders can sponsor their immediate family members for immigration to the U.S.
• Legal protections: Green Card holders enjoy the protection of U.S. laws, and they may travel in and out of the country with fewer restrictions.

Applying for Citizenship

For immigrants who have lived in the United States for multiple years, the next step in their process will usually involve applying for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen. The process involves several steps:

• Eligibility: Applicants must meet residency requirements and demonstrate good moral character.
• Application: The process starts with filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Interview and tests: Applicants must attend an interview and pass tests on English and U.S. civics.
• Oath of Allegiance: Successful applicants will attend a citizenship ceremony to complete the naturalization process.

Defense Against Deportation

There are many situations where immigrants may face deportation. This can be a distressing experience, since it could lead to a person being removed from the United States and separated from their family members. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we can assist with deportation defense, analyzing the circumstances of each case to identify potential legal strategies, providing representation in immigration court, and exploring options that will allow a person to maintain a legal status in the U.S., such as cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or Special Immigrant Juvenile status.

Addressing Other Immigration Concerns

We can help handle multiple types of immigration issues, including:

• Asylum: People who are fleeing persecution in their home countries may request protection that will allow them to live in the United States and eventually receive Green Cards. Our attorneys assist clients in preparing and presenting asylum applications, ensuring that they meet all eligibility requirements.
• Waivers of Inadmissibility: Certain grounds of inadmissibility can prevent immigrants from entering or remaining in the U.S. We help clients apply for waivers to overcome these barriers, allowing them to reunite with their families or continue their lives in the U.S.
• VAWA and U visa petitions: We can help determine the options for immigration relief for victims of domestic violence and qualifying crimes.

Contact Our Manassas Immigration Attorneys

Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC is here to provide compassionate, dedicated legal assistance in matters related to immigration law. Our firm is committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of the immigration process, ensuring that they will be able to live together with their families in the United States. Contact our office at 571-441-2233 today to discuss your immigration needs in a free consultation.