Lawyers Specializing in Green Card Issues: Everything You Need to Know
Immigrating to the United States is a dream come true for millions of people from around the world. The US offers a plethora of opportunities and resources, and its multicultural society is inspirational and welcoming to newcomers. However, it can be a daunting task to navigate the complex legal system to obtain a green card, which is essential to living and working in the US permanently.
Green Card Issues and the Role of Lawyers
A green card is a permanent resident card that enables an individual to live and work in the US indefinitely. However, obtaining a green card is often a daunting and complicated process, with many rules and regulations that must be followed. A green card lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in helping clients obtain green cards and resolve issues related to them.
Green card lawyers assist clients in navigating the complex legal system, providing guidance on the application process, documentation, eligibility criteria, and visa categories. They advise clients on the various ways to obtain green cards, such as family sponsorship, employment-based immigration, and the Diversity Visa Lottery, and help them overcome any hurdles they may encounter during the application process.
If you are facing any issues related to your green card, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a skilled and experienced green card lawyer. They can help you address issues such as visa denials, revocations, and delays, as well as work with you to maintain your permanent residency status.
Types of Green Card Lawyers
There are different types of green card lawyers, and each specializes in a specific area of immigration law. Some of the most common types of green card lawyers are:
Family-Based Immigration Lawyers
Family-based immigration lawyers specialize in helping clients obtain green cards through family sponsorship. They assist clients in submitting petitions for family members who are immediate relatives, such as spouses, children, and parents, as well as those who are not immediate relatives, such as siblings and adult children.
Employment-Based Immigration Lawyers
Employment-based immigration lawyers help clients obtain green cards through their employment. They advise clients on the various visa categories, such as EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-4, and assist them in submitting their applications for permanent residency.
Diversity Visa Lottery Lawyers
Diversity Visa Lottery lawyers help clients obtain green cards through the Diversity Visa Lottery, which allows citizens of eligible countries to apply for green cards through a random lottery system. They provide guidance on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines.
Green Card Lawyers for Athletes and Entertainers
Green card lawyers for athletes and entertainers specialize in helping clients in the sports and entertainment industries obtain green cards. They assist clients in obtaining the O-1 visa, which is reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
Asylum and Refugee Lawyers
Asylum and refugee lawyers specialize in helping clients who are seeking refuge in the US due to persecution in their home country. They assist clients in obtaining an asylum or refugee status, which allows them to live and work in the US permanently.
Green Card Process
The green card process is complex, time-consuming, and requires a lot of paperwork and documentation. It involves various steps, such as filing a petition, obtaining a visa, and attending an interview. A green card lawyer can help you navigate the process, ensuring that you submit complete and accurate documentation required by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Petition
A petition is the first step in obtaining a green card. Typically, the petitioner is a US citizen or a permanent resident who sponsors the applicant, usually a family member or an employer. The petitioner needs to submit a petition to USCIS along with supporting documents, such as proof of relationship, employment, and financial support.
Visa
Once the petition is approved, the applicant needs to obtain a visa, either through consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on several factors. Consular processing involves attending an interview at a US consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country, while adjustment of status involves filing an application with USCIS.
Interview
The final step in the green card process is attending an interview with USCIS. The interview is conducted to review the applicant’s documentation and assess their eligibility. A green card lawyer can represent the applicant during the interview, ensuring that their rights are protected, and all legal procedures are followed.
Conclusion
Obtaining a green card is a crucial step in a person’s journey to living and working in the US. However, the process is complex and requires a lot of effort and documentation. A green card lawyer can be immensely helpful in navigating the process and ensuring a favorable outcome. If you are facing any green card issues, it is best to seek the advice of an experienced and skilled green card lawyer to guide you through the process.
Government Resources
The USCIS website provides updated information on green card issues, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and visa categories. The government website also provides useful resources, such as videos, forms, and information guides, to help applicants navigate the green card process. Additionally, the US Department of State offers information on the Diversity Visa Lottery, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and timelines.
In conclusion, obtaining a green card is a significant milestone for those who wish to live and work in the US permanently. Lawyers specializing in green card issues play a critical role in helping people navigate the complex and often daunting process, ensuring a favorable outcome. If you are facing any green card issues, do not hesitate to seek the advice of an experienced and highly skilled green card lawyer.
Many “green card lawyers” will be identified more generally – Experienced immigration attorneys with degrees of higher learning from credible institutions and experience with immigration law will probably not be listed only as “green card lawyers” or “permanent residence lawyers.” As a trusted member of a law firm that provides more than just immigration services, such as marriage adoption child custody.
Be prepared to pay significant fees – An immigration lawyer or green card lawyer will rarely work for free. For the fees of filing your petition form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plus the professional fee for filing your petition according to the letter of the immigration laws, you could expect to pay upwards of $1000 for your troubles. While the fees for filing your petition with the government are non-negotiable, you should be aware of how much your bottom line could increase due to your legal representation.
You might be arguing on behalf of someone other than yourself – While green card lawyers should ideally meet with everyone involved in the application of a familial visa or green card, based on infirmities of a relative or commuter status of a spouse (these are merely examples), there might not be an opportunity for each member of a party to meet with the lawyer. Besides, some members of the party, in the case of a family card, might not be of age to legally make decisions for themselves. You should have an understanding on the list of issues that face your associated group.
