San Juan Immigration Lawyer

Immigration Attorney for Family and Employment-Based Visas in San Juan, Puerto Rico

For people in Puerto Rico, immigration issues can be difficult to understand. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, so the same laws apply for those who seek to come to the island or people who wish to sponsor others for immigration as in the mainland United States. Understanding what steps will need to be followed during the immigration process or how to address legal issues that may affect immigrants can be difficult, which is why representation from a skilled attorney is so important in these cases.

Whether you are seeking to reunite with family, pursue employment opportunities in Puerto Rico or other parts of the U.S., or defend against deportation, the immigration lawyer at Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC can help you. We will work with you to prepare and file the required forms and documents, ensuring that you comply with all applicable immigration laws. If necessary, we can advocate for your rights in cases involving removal proceedings, asylum claims, and other immigration-related matters.

Family-Based Immigration Options

Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs), including residents of Puerto Rico, to sponsor certain relatives to come to the United States and obtain a green card. The relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary will determine the options that are available:

• Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: Spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens may qualify for immigration. Because there are no annual limits on these visas, the process of applying for a visa and receiving a Green Card will often be faster than for other family-based categories.
• Family Preference Categories: Family members such as the siblings and adult children of U.S. citizens and the immediate relatives of lawful permanent residents, must apply for immigrant visas under the family preference system. These visas are subject to annual caps, which can lead to longer wait times.
• Fiancé(e) Visas: A U.S. citizen can sponsor their romantic partner for a K-1 visa, which will allow that partner to enter the United States temporarily. If the couple gets married during the 90-day window after entry, the foreign spouse may apply for permanent residency.

Family-based immigration requires extensive documentation, proof of the familial relationship, and financial support affidavits to show that the immigrant will not become a public charge. Our San Juan immigration attorney can assist with these applications, address complications such as inadmissibility issues, and make sure family members can receive visas and Green Cards.

Employment-Based Immigration Opportunities

Employment-based immigration allows people to work legally in the U.S., either temporarily or permanently. These visas are divided into several categories:

• Temporary Work Visas: Nonimmigrant visas, such as H-1B (specialty occupations that require college degrees), L-1 (people transferring from international branches of a company), O-1 (people who have exceptional abilities), and TN (Canadian and Mexican professionals), allow foreign workers to live and work in the U.S. for a specified period.
• Employment-Based Green Cards: Employees may receive sponsorship from employers for visas that will allow them to become permanent residents of the United States. There are several preference categories, including EB-1 reserved for highly skilled individuals, EB-2 for professionals with advanced degrees, and EB-3 for skilled and unskilled workers.
• Investor Visas and Green Cards: People who will be investing in new businesses in the United States that will create jobs for U.S. workers may qualify for visas that will allow them to become lawful permanent residents.

Employment-based immigration is often highly competitive, with strict quotas and filing deadlines. Our immigration lawyer can assist businesses and foreign nationals in selecting the appropriate visa category, preparing applications, and obtaining labor certification to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect U.S. workers.

Deportation Defense and Asylum Applications

People who have been detained by immigration officials and may be subject to removal have options for challenging deportation and remaining in the United States. Our immigration attorney can represent people in immigration court and explore possible defenses, such as:

• Asylum: Immigrants who believe that they will suffer harm due to persecution in their home countries can apply for protection so that they can remain in the United States. Asylum seekers will usually be required to file applications no more than one year after they first arrived in the U.S.
• Cancellation of Removal: Certain permanent residents and non-permanent residents may qualify for relief from deportation if they meet specific residency and hardship requirements.
• Waivers of Inadmissibility: Some people who are inadmissible to the U.S. due to prior immigration violations or criminal convictions may qualify for waivers based on hardship for a family member who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Adjustment of Status: People who have received approval for immigrant visa petitions through family or employer sponsorship may be eligible to adjust their status and become permanent residents instead of being deported.

Deportation cases are often urgent, and people who have legal representation will be able to make strong legal arguments backed by thorough documentation. Our lawyer can prepare applications for relief and advocate for immigrants in these situations, working to prevent their removal from the United States.

Contact Our San Juan, PR Immigration Attorney

Whether you are applying for a visa or defending against deportation, legal guidance from a qualified lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, our lawyer can provide the assistance you need as you navigate the immigration system, and we will fight for your rights during your case. Contact our office today by calling or texting us at 571-441-2233.