Immigration Law
Immigrants in Washington, D.C.
We offer full services in Immigration Law
Since 9/11 the Immigration and Naturalization Agency (INA) has been integrated into the Department of Homeland Security. When you deal with the government, any particular process is cumbersome and time-consuming and this is no different. There are many rules and regulations which have to be followed precisely, step by step, and deadlines have to be met. Often, this is very laborious. If English is not your first language—and I know what I am talking about, many years ago I went through the same process—it is often very difficult to make sense of the many different ways a solution can be approached or, even more so, must be approached.
I am here to help you to maneuver as smoothly as possible through the process. You can make an appointment with me for an initial consultation; the fee is $300.00. If we agree that I shall handle your case, this fee will be applied towards the amount that you are billed.
If you make an appointment to discuss criminal matters that may or may not apply to your immigration case, you may have to sign a retainer. The research and necessary hours acquiring your criminal records or police reports are not covered by the consultation fee.
US law classifies all noncitizens as either immigrants or nonimmigrants
1. Nonimmigrant Visas for Temporary Stay
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Business visitors
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Students
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Temporary workers
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and many more
2. Immigrant Visas for Permanent Stay
There are three main programs:
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Family reunification
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Employment
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Diversity
Each of these categories is numerically limited, depending on the number given for worldwide admission and/or depending on the home country of the applicant—they are given for every fiscal year.
3. Removal and Deportation Notices
We can help with Deportation Notices which you may have received for the following reasons:
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Economics
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Crime
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Health
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Morality
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Politics
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National Security
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Unlawful presence in the US
Lawful admitted noncitizens—even Permanent Residents—can also be deported for conduct or circumstances not concerned with the immigration system itself; a criminal conviction is the most common example.
4. Criminal Offenses
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Illegal entry
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Unlawful presence
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Transporting, smuggling, or harboring noncitizens unlawfully in the US
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Fraud, including marriage fraud
5. Sanctions
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) punishes employers for knowingly employing noncitizens who are not authorized to work, for hiring persons without observing specified paperwork requirements (even if the employees turn out to be authorized to work), or for discriminating on the basis of national origin or, in certain cases, citizenship status.
6. Bars and Waivers
Depending on your particular situation, there may be a way to achieve your goal of admission into the United States, although in most cases this will be a very lengthy and cumbersome process.
If you are the wife of an abusive husband who is either an US citizen or a LPR (legal permanent resident) you can achieve permanent residence in the US under VAWA (Violence Against Women’s Act), provided that you have proof.
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