Immigration Law: Why It Is Important to Hire a Qualified Attorney

Immigration law is a complex area that can have a major impact on your life and that of your family. It is important to find an experienced attorney if you are seeking asylum, a green card, citizenship through naturalization, or employment-based immigration.

The state of Georgia is home to around 18,000 DACA recipients who rely on this program for work and deportation protection. These individuals deserve a permanent solution that will not change on a whim.

Employment-Based Immigration

Employment-based immigration allows workers from abroad to seek lawful permanent residence in the United States in exchange for their work. The process can be complex, and it is always best to consult an attorney early on to improve a petitioner’s chances of success.

A seasoned employment-based immigration lawyer in Atlanta may be able to help ensure that the necessary documents and preparation are in order. This could make a significant difference in the outcome of a case, and avoid unnecessary complications or errors.

EB-1 (Priority Workers): Aliens who have outstanding academic credentials or a distinguished record of achievement in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; multinational executives and managers; or persons with extraordinary ability are eligible for a priority worker visa.

EB-2 (Workers With Advanced Degrees): Aliens who have advanced degrees or their equivalent in certain professions, including medicine and engineering, are eligible for a green card.

Family-Based Immigration

When it comes to family immigration law in Atlanta, you want a lawyer who understands the complexities of the process. Whether you’re applying for naturalization, filing a visa petition for a loved one, or dealing with employment-based immigration issues, you need a team of knowledgeable attorneys that can handle all aspects of your case.

There are two main categories of family-based visas: Immediate Relative and Family Preference. Both groups have different waiting periods and a limited amount of visas available each year.

The family-based green card is one of the most common ways to obtain permanent residence in the United States. These visas are generally granted to foreign nationals who are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and who are planning to marry that person within 90 days of entering the United States on an immigrant visa.

Family-based green cards are often filed by a sponsor, such as a spouse or parent. The sponsor must meet a set of requirements, including being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanently resident and having a stable financial situation. The visa application process is also complex and can take years to complete.

Criminal Defense

If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime in Georgia, you may need an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges. A conviction can lead to jail or prison time, large fines, and a lifetime of social stigma.

A skilled Atlanta criminal defense lawyer can assist you with all your legal needs, including challenging a conviction, avoiding a formal charge, or even obtaining a non-conviction expungement of your criminal record. They will take your case to court and work hard to make sure that you receive the justice you deserve.

A defense attorney will review all the evidence the state has against you. This includes investigative reports, GBI reports, witness statements, pictures, phone calls, confessions, recorded interviews, and much more. The attorney will also conduct a thorough independent investigation of your case and interview witnesses who can provide helpful information for your defense. This discovery phase is crucial to your defense.

Deportation Defense

A deportation defense lawyer in Atlanta can help those who have been accused of entering the United States illegally, committing a crime, or violating their visas. Immigration law is complex and confusing, and a strong deportation defense attorney can make the difference between success and failure in immigration court.

Often, individuals who are arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will receive an Notice to Appear in Immigration Court. This will tell them why they have been ordered to leave the country and give them ten days to appear in the immigration court.

An immigration judge will hold a Master Calendar Hearing (MCH) that allows you to present your case and submit documents for review. This process will include a merits hearing, where you can ask for relief from deportation and show why it is a violation of your constitutional rights.

If you are facing a deportation hearing, an experienced immigration lawyer may be able to apply for cancellation of removal or other types of waivers. These can delay or stop deportation and allow you to remain in the United States.