The U.S. immigration system is burdened with ever-changing rules, regulations, and procedures. Failure to comply with them can mean delays, denials, or even deportation. This also means that improperly filled out or inadequately supported applications and petitions lead to unnecessary challenges and problems.
At Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC, our immigration attorney in Colorado knows the journey to immigrate can be both exciting and daunting. We are committed to providing comprehensive legal guidance and advocacy to individuals, families, and businesses. Contact us today at 303-586-1961 to schedule a no-cost 15 minute case evaluation.
Understanding Immigration Law
Immigration law governs the legal rights, obligations, and processes involved in the entry, stay, and status of individuals in the United States. It encompasses a wide range of legal issues, including:
- Family-based immigration involving spousal visas, fiancé visas, family sponsorship, and other processes to reunite families in the United States
- Employment-based immigration involving work visas, such as H-1B visas, L-1 visas, and employment-based green cards
- Nonimmigrant purposes involving academic or vocational studies, temporary agricultural work, other temporary or seasonal work, vacation, tourism, or family reunions
- Asylum and refugee law involving individuals fleeing persecution and seeking asylum and protection
- Removal defense involving individuals facing removal or deportation proceedings and seeking relief from removal and protection of their rights
- Citizenship and naturalization involving lawful permanent residents in the process of becoming U.S. citizens through naturalization
Various laws and regulations shape the immigration landscape. Three key pieces of legislation include:
- Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which is the foundation of U.S. immigration law and outlines the rights, categories, and processes for immigration to the United States;
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization for eligible individuals who arrived in the United States as children; and
- Executive orders and proclamations, which are issued by the President and can have a significant impact on immigration policies and enforcement
At Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC, we provide thorough, comprehensive immigration services. We go above and beyond to ensure applications or petitions are completed properly and in accordance with the law. We provide real advice, smart solutions, and strong defense strategies – all designed or tailored to your specific immigration issue.
An Overview of the Immigration Process
The immigration process involves numerous steps, paperwork, and legal requirements. Key steps in this process include:
- Assessing Eligibility. Our immigration attorney will evaluate your eligibility for various immigration options, such as family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, or humanitarian relief.
- Document Preparation. Our attorney will guide you through the meticulous preparation and submission of the required documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
- Petitions and Applications. Depending on your specific circumstances, we will assist in filing petitions, applications, and supporting evidence to the appropriate government agencies, such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of State.
- Interview Preparation. If an interview is required, we will provide guidance on the interview process, help you prepare for the questions, and ensure you are ready to present your case effectively.
- Case Monitoring and Follow-up. Throughout the process, we will monitor the progress of your case, respond to any inquiries from government agencies, and provide updates on important deadlines or developments.
The immigration process will differ from case to case, depending in large part on your purpose and where you are at in the process. At Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC, our immigration attorney can help you regardless of where you are in the process. Contact us at 303-586-1961 to learn more.
An Overview of Removal Proceedings
The deportation or removal process in the United States involves individuals who may be ordered to leave the country due to violations of immigration laws. Though this process will vary based on individual circumstances, the specific charges, and available legal remedies, the following are key steps that may or may not apply in your unique situation.
- Issuance of Notice to Appear (NTA). The process typically begins when the U.S. government issues a Notice to Appear (NTA) to an individual. The NTA specifies the charges against the person and provides details about the scheduled court appearance.
- Detention. In some cases, individuals subject to removal may be detained by immigration authorities, especially if they are considered a flight risk, a danger to the community, or have a criminal history.
- Master Calendar Hearing. The individual is required to attend a Master Calendar Hearing before an immigration judge. During this hearing, the judge reviews the charges, the individual's response, and eligibility for relief from removal. The judge may also set future hearing dates.
- Filing of Applications for Relief. If the individual is eligible, they may submit applications for relief from removal during subsequent hearings. This could include seeking asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or other forms of relief based on individual circumstances.
- Individual Hearing. A separate Individual Hearing may be scheduled to allow the individual to present evidence and arguments in support of their case. This hearing provides an opportunity to address the specific grounds for removal and present any legal defenses.
- Order of Removal. If the immigration judge determines that the individual is removable and no relief is granted, an Order of Removal is issued. This order instructs the person to leave the country within a specified period.
- Appeal Process. Individuals have the right to appeal a removal order to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) if they believe there are legal errors or if they have additional evidence to present. Further appeals may be pursued in federal courts.
- Enforcement of Removal Order. If the removal order is not successfully appealed, immigration authorities may take steps to enforce the order. This can involve detaining the individual until deportation or coordinating their departure.
In some cases, individuals facing removal may be offered the option of voluntary departure, allowing them to leave the U.S. voluntarily within a specified timeframe. This can have certain advantages, such as avoiding certain penalties, but it is also something you should never do without first consulting a removal defense attorney.
Common Challenges You May Face during Immigration
Immigration law is highly complex, constantly evolving, and subject to interpretation. Companies, families, and individuals alike often face various challenges throughout the journey. The following are some of the most common challenges people could face when fighting deportation or applying for a visa, green card, or naturalization.
Documentation Requirements
Gathering and submitting the required documentation can be challenging. Many immigration applications demand extensive paperwork, and failure to provide accurate and complete documentation can lead to delays or denials.
Language Barriers
Limited proficiency in English can be a significant barrier. Understanding legal documents, communicating with immigration officials, and navigating the immigration system can be challenging for those who are not fluent in English.
Changing Immigration Policies
Immigration laws and policies can undergo frequent changes. Keeping up with the latest regulations and understanding how policy changes may impact one's immigration status can be difficult for applicants.
Long Processing Times
The processing times for immigration applications can be lengthy. Delays in adjudicating applications can result in uncertainty for individuals and families, affecting their ability to work, travel, or reunite with loved ones.
Financial Constraints
The costs associated with immigration applications, filing fees, and legal representation can be significant. Some individuals may face financial challenges in covering these expenses, impacting their ability to pursue certain immigration benefits.
Lack of Legal Representation
Many individuals may attempt to navigate the immigration process without legal representation. However, having an experienced immigration attorney can significantly improve the chances of a successful application and help individuals understand their rights and options.
Health-Related Inadmissibility
Certain health conditions may render individuals inadmissible to the U.S. Navigating health-related requirements and obtaining the necessary medical evaluations can be a challenge for some applicants.
Criminal Convictions
Individuals with criminal records may face challenges in obtaining certain immigration benefits. Determining the impact of criminal convictions on immigration status and addressing related issues can be complex.
Limited Access to Information
Some individuals may struggle to access accurate and up-to-date information about the immigration process. This lack of information can lead to misunderstandings, mistakes, or missed opportunities.
Fear of Deportation
Individuals living in the U.S. without legal status may fear deportation. This fear can prevent them from seeking assistance or pursuing available legal remedies.
Family Separation
The immigration process can result in family separation, particularly if family members are in different stages of the immigration journey or face barriers to reunification.
Understanding the Different Visa Categories
Understanding the requirements of various visa categories, such as employment-based visas, family-sponsored visas, or humanitarian visas, can be challenging. Not only that, but choosing the right visa can also be difficult for some people especially when they may not understand the visa's purpose and requirements.
Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, access to accurate information, and, in many cases, legal assistance. Our immigration lawyer in Colorado will walk you through the complexities of the immigration process while increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Who Needs an Immigration Lawyer in Colorado
You may need an immigration lawyer in the United States in various situations where legal expertise is beneficial or necessary. While not exhaustive, if you answer in the affirmative to any of the below questions, it is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer today.
- Do you find it hard to understand the immigration process itself?
- Do you have a unique situation (e.g., cannot obtain a birth certificate from your country of birth because birth records were not maintained where and when you were born)?
- Are you seeking a visa or naturalization but have a criminal conviction?
- Do you want to work in the United States either temporarily or long-term?
- Do you want to reunite with family members in the United States?
- Has your application been denied and, as such, do you seek a waiver for certain grounds of inadmissibility?
- Are you seeking asylum or want to obtain refugee status, both of which require you to prove a well-founded fear of persecution?
- Do you want to invest or start a business in the United States?
- Do you need to change your visa status?
- Do you need to extend your stay?
- Do you want to become a U.S. citizen?
- Do you want to fight deportation?
For any of the above situations, it is a good idea to consult with an immigration lawyer. Getting personalized advice based on your specific situation will increase the likelihood of a successful immigration process.
Why Choose our Immigration Lawyer in Colorado
Working with our immigration attorney offers numerous benefits, the first of which is our in-depth knowledge of complex immigration laws, regulations, and procedures. This knowledge ensures we provide accurate advice and representation. It also allows us to streamline the process so that deadlines are met, paperwork is filed correctly, and proceedings move forward efficiently.
You would also benefit from tailored strategies. We address your immigration needs while taking into consideration your unique circumstances. We believe this approach maximizes chances of success and helps you avoid potential pitfalls. Ultimately, we act as your advocate, representing your interests and presenting your case effectively in immigration court or during interactions with government agencies.
Contact an Immigration Attorney in Colorado Today
Whether you want to immigrate for work or family, visit or study here, or fight deportation, having a trusted immigration law attorney by your side will make all the difference. At Flatiron Legal Advisors, LLC, we are committed to providing comprehensive legal guidance, personalized strategies, and strong advocacy to individuals, families, and businesses who want to make sure they have the best chance possible for a positive outcome.
Contact us today by filling out the online form or calling us at 303-586-1961 to schedule a no-cost 15 minute case evaluation and embark on your immigration journey with confidence.