You likely have many questions about your immigration case. Our Glendale lawyers have the answers. Take a look at our responses to these common immigration questions.
What’s the Process for a Family-Based Immigration Petition?
If you are an eligible relative of a United States citizen, your family member can submit Form I-130. This is known as a Petition for Alien Relative (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Examples of qualifying eligible relatives in the U.S. include a spouse or children (married or unmarried). Also, if they are at least 21 years old, a qualifying relative may be a parent, brother, or sister.
When your relative submits this form, you’ve taken the first step in a family-based immigration petition. If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves the petition, you can then file an application for lawful permanent residency.
What Can I Do if My Immigration Application Was Denied?
Unfortunately, denials happen. But that doesn’t mean the end of your immigration case. We can guide you through the process of challenging a denial, also known as a motion to reconsider or reopen. This means that the same agency that reviewed your initial application could take another look and ensure that they made the correct decision.
With a motion to reopen, we can ask that the relevant agency take a look at new evidence. This can be helpful if your initial application lacked important supporting evidence, or your paperwork was incomplete.
With a motion to reconsider, we can argue that the initial denial was a mistake, meaning that the law was incorrectly applied. Our attorneys can review your case and tell you which approach might be best for you.
What Is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) offers a way to defer deportation for those who came to the United States during childhood. Applicants must have come to the U.S. before turning 16, among other qualifications. USCIS explains other criteria for people who qualify.
Our attorneys can tell you if you could seek DACA benefits. These benefits may include a two-year work permit, Social Security card, and driver’s license.