If you’re dealing with immigration matters or thinking of moving to the United States, you’re probably wondering, “Why hire an immigration attorney when I can do this myself?” The sad truth is that immigration law in the United States is complicated, and navigating it is not an endeavor you might want to go through alone.
Although some cases can be successfully handled without the help of an immigration lawyer, certain situations are best left in the hands of these experts. They can guide you through the whole process and help you save time, aggravation, and even money. To help you make the best decision for your case, below are some situations where hiring an immigration lawyer is recommended.
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You Are Uncertain About Your Eligibility And Immigration Benefits
When you’re applying for a visa or a green card, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the number of categories and types. An immigration lawyer can lay out the choices in front of you and help you understand the full scope of each option. With their knowledge about various immigration programs and benefits, you can take advantage of the opportunities you might not even know.
They will be able to help you figure out which visa or green card is faster, more advantageous, or best suits your circumstances. For example, if you’re engaged to a U.S. citizen, you can get a K-1 fiance visa to enter the country, get married, and later apply for a green card. You also have another option of marrying them first, then entering the country through an immigrant visa with an immediate right to a green card.
You Are Planning To Move To The United States To Work
Immigrants who want to live and work in the U.S. will be able to do this by applying for an employment visa. In most cases, your employer will offer some help with the process and even sponsor your visa. But if they aren’t assisting you with the immigration procedure, then you should consider hiring an immigration lawyer.
Similar to family-based visa petitions, there are various types of employment visas available for foreign-born workers. Some may lead to lawful permanent residency, while others are only issued temporarily. No matter the case, working with an immigration lawyer will help ease and facilitate the transition.
You are Inadmissible
Under the immigration law, a person who has a history of infectious medical problems, criminal activities, or other grounds listed on the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 212 are inadmissible. That means they may not be allowed a visa, green card, or entry to the country. It’s the most common problem faced by would-be immigrants.
Fortunately, there are some instances where you might not be completely barred from processing your application. For example, if your illness can be cured, you may be able to get around the problem. You may also be able to apply for a waiver and work with an immigration lawyer to help advocate for the best possible outcome.
You Have Been Notified About Your Deportation Or Removal Proceedings
As soon as you’re called to immigration court or made aware that there’s a deportation or removal proceeding against you, you must hire an immigration lawyer immediately. When you face this situation, your best chance of staying in the country is to seek help from a legal expert.
An immigration attorney will be able to represent you at court and help protect your rights and future. They know the ins and outs of the complex immigration system, required documents and evidence to strengthen your case, and the deadlines you need to meet.
You Are Seeking Asylum Or Discretionary Relief
If you’re suffering from persecution due to race, nationality, religion, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion in your country, you may request asylum to enter the U.S. However, this route comes with many challenges, and having a competent lawyer will play a vital role in the success of your case.
When you work with an experienced and reliable immigration worker, you can ensure your application will be complete and correct to avoid delays in the process. It’s highly recommended that you work with a lawyer to increase your chances of having a favorable result and lower the risk of being denied or sent to removal proceedings.
Takeaway
Although no law requires you to do so, hiring an immigration lawyer can be the best decision for certain situations. These legal professionals can help ensure your application is correct and complete to avoid delays and costly mistakes. If your case proceeds to court, having a competent immigration lawyer can also mean the difference between staying in the U.S. and being denied, deported, or removed.