The United States is a country founded on immigration. In Florida, the immigrant population is particularly high. Miami Lakes is a popular destination for immigrants, with about 48% of residents being foreign born.
Despite the prevalence of immigration, getting and staying in the country is no easy task. Immigration law is one of the more complex niches of the legal system, and many immigrants struggle to comprehend the laws. With the help of an immigration lawyer in Miami Lakes, you can learn more about your options for staying in the country.
Here at the Florida Immigration Law Counsel, we can answer all of your immigration questions. We give you the help you need to get your affairs in order.
The Complexities of Immigration Law
Finding a legal way to remain in the U.S. can be difficult. Often, people struggle to understand the many facets of immigration law. Here are some of the most frequent troubles people have when it comes to immigration:
1. Choosing the Right Visa
There are many different types of visas available. If you choose the wrong visa, you’ll be denied. For that reason, it’s important to understand the different visas available to you. Additionally, you should know about the requirements for each visa. You need to meet all of the qualifications of your chosen visa.
First, you need to decide whether you need an immigrant or a non-immigrant visa. If you only want to stay in the country for a short time, you can obtain a non-immigrant visa. Although there are restrictions limiting these visas, they are easier to obtain than immigrant visas. Student, travel, and business investor visas are common non-immigrant visas.
If you want to immigrate to the US, you need a different type of visa. Individuals engaged to U.S. citizens can apply for a fiancée visa. If you have family members in the US, you could seek a family visa. Meanwhile, people with certain skills and experience can apply for work visas.
2. Filling Out the Paperwork
Once you choose the right visa, the process is only beginning. You still need to fill out the paperwork. Unfortunately, this can be a challenge for many individuals.
By working with an immigration lawyer, you can improve your chances at a successful outcome. They can help you through the process from start to finish. Therefore, you can avoid making a detrimental mistake on the application.
3. Knowing Green Card Limitations
Your green card allows you to live and work in the United States. However, it’s important to realize the limitations of your green card. At first, you might only receive a temporary green card. This only gives you permission to stay in the country for two years.
After the initial two years, you can apply for a permanent residency visa. However, there are a few requirements you must meet. You need to have a clean criminal record and you need to have maintained your eligibility status. If you have done both, you can apply for a permanent residence visa. The visa remains valid for ten years.
4. Going Through Naturalization
If you have a green card, you might want to consider naturalization. The process makes you a U.S. citizen and not just a green card holder.
However, there are many requirements to the naturalization process. For example, you need to have been in the U.S. for at least half of your time as a green card holder. Additionally, you can’t have left the U.S. for more than one year before you apply for citizenship. If possible, you should limit that to less than six months.
You also can’t have a criminal record that shows a serious crime. Equally important is your ability to speak and write English. Before you start the naturalization process, you should learn more about all of the requirements. A lawyer can help you understand if you are eligible.
Common Immigration Problems
There are many immigration problems you can encounter. One of the most common problems is an expired visa. If this happens to you, the first thing you should do is contact a lawyer. They can examine your situation and look into your options. Then, they can help you take the necessary steps to get the desired outcome.
Another problem arises when people want to change a temporary visa to a permanent one. Unfortunately, switching your immigration status isn’t easy. There are no guarantees that you will be able to stay permanently.
Once again, your best chance is to speak with an attorney. They can let you know if you have a possibility of changing your status and they can explain the process.
Finally, there’s the issue of deportation. A deportation order can change your life, and it could be unexpected. If you receive a deportation lawyer, there may be hope. You should contact a lawyer and come up with a strategy for defending your immigration status.
Working with an Immigration Lawyer in Miami Lakes
Only about 37.2% of people in Miami Lakes are from Florida. No matter where you go in Miami Lakes, there are immigrants. Unfortunately, many of those foreign-born individuals need to work hard to maintain their legal status. Changing laws make it difficult for immigrants to remain in the country.
There are two main reasons people choose to work with immigration lawyers. The first reason is to learn more about their immigration options. Whether they are looking to immigrate to the area or want to change their visa, people often consult with attorneys. It’s one of the best ways to learn more about the process and the requirements.
The second reason is to handle an immigration problem. Deportation and expired visas happen. By working with a lawyer, immigrants can improve their chances at a favorable outcome.
Here at the Florida Immigration Law Counsel, we want to help you. We have years of experience in immigration law. More importantly, we can use our experience and resources to help you meet your goals. Whether you need advice or legal representation, we can assist you. Contact us today to learn more.
