An immigration lawyer is an attorney who helps individuals and families immigrating to the United States obtain the rights and benefits of United States citizenship. Immigration law encompasses all the federal, state, and local laws that govern immigration into and exit from a nation. They can be confusing, but the intent is to allow immigrants access to services and resources so they may enjoy the freedoms of life in the United States. This brief primer will help you better understand immigration law.
What exactly is immigration law? Immigration law refers to all the federal, state, and local laws that govern immigration into and immigration out of the United States. They can often be confusing, but generally speaking, they are separate from other issues like naturalization and residency, although occasionally they are sometimes confused. When an immigrant is unsure about whether or not their status under the law is valid, they should consult an immigration lawyer. An immigration lawyer will review the paperwork involved with obtaining legal status in the United States and tell the client if their status is valid.
One important part of the immigration lawyer’s job is to establish that the applicant is not guilty of crimes that would classify them as criminal aliens. For example, if the applicant’s ancestors were born in Mexico but have become naturalized in the United States, they would not be guilty of aggravated felonies as part of their immigration benefit claims. Similarly, if their ancestors were born in the United States but have received a green card that allows them to reside permanently in Mexico, they would not be guilty of deportation. However, if they have been convicted of a crime, they must show proof that they are rehabilitated, or they cannot apply for a naturalization visa. If an immigration lawyer helps an applicant to establish these defenses, their application might be denied.
Naturalization involves proving to the immigration lawyer that the applicant is a U.S. citizen by showing a valid birth certificate. If either parent is not a U.S. citizen, a valid divorce decree must be proven or a child must be raised entirely in the United States. If either parent is a U.S. citizen or green card holder, they may petition for an adjustment to their status to allow them to live in the United States without being required to leave their home country. When these types of visas are granted, however, the spouses are not allowed to work while their applications are pending.
Another duty of an immigration lawyer is to prepare and submit the paperwork necessary for a green card application. These forms, called a ” petitions for immigration relief,” must be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services division. If the forms are approved, the applicant will now be able to legally live and work in the United States. However, the status of the immigrant may not be immediately granted because the forms must be filed within a specific period of time after receiving approval.
An immigration lawyer can assist with many aspects of the immigration process, including the filing of paperwork and the handling of criminal matters. Some immigration lawyers specialize in specific areas of immigration law. A criminal law attorney, for instance, would help clients who have been accused of crime related to their immigration status or who claim to have been victims of human rights abuses in the United States.
Before taking the steps to become an immigration lawyer, an individual needs to obtain a degree from an accredited law school. The school should be certified so that the person will be able to take the bar exam once they become an attorney. To become an immigration lawyer, the individual must pass the state bar exam. It is not required for attorneys to have an undergraduate degree in law but it is helpful and often considered helpful during the licensing process.
Many states require that lawyers specialize in either civil law or criminal law. In some cases, immigration lawyers choose to specialize in family immigration appeals. There are several ways to become an immigration lawyer. Many aspiring lawyers attend law school and pass the bar exam. Others take over existing practices while others seek out job as associates in smaller firms. Many immigrants come to the United States legally and choose to stay to build a better life for themselves and their families.
