Any person wishing to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States should contact an immigration attorney in the Dallas TX area to represent them and help them understand the rules and paperwork involved in obtaining visas, work authorizations, and residency. The situations immigrants encounter vary widely. Here, are three instances where an immigration attorney can help you or a family member secure permanent residency or your desired status.
Potential Deportation
If you’ve been served with a notice to appear before an immigration judge with the possibility of being deported, you have a right to be represented by an immigration attorney in the Dallas TX area. Immigration law is federal law, not state law, so any lawyer who represents you in a deportation case should be authorized to practice law anywhere in the U.S. There are several ways you can obtain relief from deportation, including adjustment of status, cancellation of removal, asylum, waivers, voluntary departure, and prosecutorial discretion. If you or a loved one appear before an immigration judge without representation, you can tell the judge you’d like time to find an immigration lawyer.
Asylum/Refugee Status
If you or a family member are currently residing in the U.S. and want to be granted asylum, you’ll have to show adequate reasons for fear of persecution in your home country. Reasons for persecution include political beliefs, religion, nationality, race, or membership in a certain social group. You’ll need to show that persecution is due to government activities or the actions of a group the government can’t or won’t control. You’ll need to apply for asylum within one year of entering the U.S. If you are granted asylum, it may eventually result in permanent resident status. Consult an immigration attorney in the Dallas TX area to help you obtain asylum in the U.S. even if you have entered the country illegally.
Temporary Protected Status
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted to eligible nationals from certain countries. When a country is designated for TPS, beneficiaries may stay in the U.S. and obtain work authorization. However, temporary protected status doesn’t lead to a green card. After a TPS is terminated, the beneficiary returns to the status she/he had before the institution of TPS. If an immigrant didn’t obtain lawful status during temporary protected status designation, he or she will revert to unlawful status.
Contact Nathan Christensen of Christensen Law Firm if you need an experienced immigration attorney in the Dallas TX area. Nathan knows how the immigration process works, and his knowledge can benefit you, regardless of your situation. Call Christensen Law Firm today at (972) 497-1017 to set up a low-cost consultation.