Connecticut Immigration Attorney
Call an Experienced Lawyer Today (203) 753-7300
Immigrating to the U.S.? Turn to an attorney who can help you navigate the process with minimal complications. At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we know how to protect the rights of undocumented immigrants in Connecticut.
Even as an undocumented immigrant, you have legal rights. Becoming more informed and actively aware of the protections available to you can help make certain that your rights are not violated. Our lead attorney, James A. Welcome, is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has an AVVO rating of 10.0 in immigration law. We are not afraid to represent your rights in court if they have been impeded upon by law enforcement or public defenders, you can trust our legal team to fight tirelessly on your behalf in court.
Contact us or call (203) 753-7300 to start a consultation with an immigration lawyer. We serve throughout Connecticut. ¡Se habla español! Nós falamos Português!
Why Choose Us
- We take a personalized approach to immigration law, tailoring our legal services and strategies for the needs of each individual client.
- Our lawyers won’t keep you in the dark. We understand how stressful an immigration matter can be for your family. We will keep you updated about your case each step of the way.
- Attorney James A. Welcome has over 17 years of experience and proven results for his clients. He keeps up with the latest immigration laws and knows how to handle all types of cases.
What Does an Immigration Attorney Do?
An immigration lawyer can handle many processes and elements connected to immigration law, from applying for a visa to defending immigrants from deportation. If you have immigrated to the United States or wish to do so, a Connecticut immigration lawyer can guide you through the process while protecting your rights as an immigrant. A lawyer can also help you with issues related to your status as an immigrant, such as the threat of deportation.
An immigration attorney can perform the following services on your behalf:
- Answer your legal questions about immigration
- Provide honest and trustworthy legal advice
- Help with confusing immigration and visa paperwork
- Help you submit immigration documents
- Work to expedite or rush your immigration application
- Appeal a denied immigration application
- Act as a mediator between you and U.S. immigration authorities
- Attend civil hearings or trials in your place
- Provide information and advice about deportation and exclusion
Working with an experienced Connecticut immigration attorney from the very beginning of your case can help you correctly handle the legal process. Your lawyer can make sure you properly fill out and file all necessary paperwork, as well as overcome obstacles such as a denied application or complications connected to criminal law. The right immigration lawyer can make a big difference to your future as an immigrant in the United States.
Immigration Cases We Handle
Just as there are many reasons why an individual or family may want to immigrate or establish permanent residency in the United States, there are also many ways to go about completing the immigration process. Our lawyers have spent countless hours helping individuals and families reach their goals in America.
We handle cases involving the following:
- Applying for a green card
- Applying for citizenship
- Political asylum
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Deportation/removal defense
- Family visas
- Special immigrant juvenile protection
- Waivers
Discuss your specific legal needs or immigration issue with our lawyers at no obligation to hire our law firm. During your consultation, our attorneys will listen to your story, review all relevant paperwork, and let you know how we can help you with a difficult or stressful legal matter.
What Is the Legal Immigration Process?
If you are looking for professional assistance with the U.S. immigration process, a lawyer is the right choice. A lawyer will look out for your best interests through each phase of the official process. Knowing more about the immigration process can help give you and your family greater peace of mind moving forward.
Although each case is unique, the general process for legal immigration into America is:
- Show a valid passport upon arrival in the U.S. If you are immigrating from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, a U.S. passport card, a Trusted Traveler Program card or an enhanced driver’s license is also acceptable.
- Show a green card if you are a permanent resident. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., you do not need a passport. Instead, you must show a Permanent Resident Card (green card). You may also need a U.S. visa depending on where you are traveling from.
- Apply for an immigrant visa. If you are not a permanent resident but wish to immigrate, you must apply for an immigrant visa. There are many different types of visas. You will need someone to sponsor you or file an immigrant petition on your behalf.
- Attend the interview. Once your initial petition is approved, you can apply for a visa through a U.S. consulate abroad in your country. You will then need to attend a medical examination and go to an interview. After this, a decision on your visa application will be made.
If your application gets accepted, you will need to pay a USCIS immigrant fee before receiving your green card. You will then be sent a sealed packet of documents that you must give U.S. officials upon entering the country. Note that if you are already living in the U.S., you do not have to apply for an immigrant visa. Instead, you can request an adjustment of status to receive your green card. This will allow you to stay in the U.S. during application processing. An immigration lawyer can assist you with every step of the process.
What Are My Rights as an Immigrant?
Due to misconceptions and misguided assumptions, many people think that undocumented immigrants do not have rights or protections under the law. This could not be further from the truth. The United States Constitution extends legal protections to all individuals residing within the borders of the U.S., which includes undocumented immigrants.
Your rights can include the following:
- Protection from unreasonable search and seizure
- Protection from self-incrimination
- The right to remain silent and the right to retain legal counsel
- The right to defend yourself from deportation
- Employment rights, including protection from discrimination
If your rights have been violated during a confrontation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, speak to an immigration attorney at our firm. We believe that there is nothing that can excuse behavior which infringes upon your rights. If law enforcement arrested you without a valid warrant or if you have been threatened in any way, you could be facing deportation. As a result of illegal tactics, countless individuals have suffered the consequences and have been forced apart from their families and jobs.
Does Having an Immigration Lawyer Help?
Hiring an immigration lawyer in Connecticut can save you time, money and stress. Immigration laws in the U.S. are incredibly complicated and always evolving. A lawyer will have the knowledge and information you need to fully understand your rights and take critical actions to protect yourself, such as applying for an immigrant visa. Even if you are currently living in another country, you can get help from a lawyer based in any U.S. state.
An immigration attorney can help you avoid mistakes on your initial immigration application for the smoothest and most efficient immigration process possible. This can help you avoid having to redo an incorrect application or even face removal proceedings if your application goes seriously wrong. Furthermore, if you run into any issues, your lawyer can handle them for you. Having a lawyer in your corner can give you and your family peace of mind during this time.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer for Immigration?
Most immigration lawyers in the United States charge an hourly rate of $150 to $300. There may also be a flat-fee option for specific services, such as assistance with a green card. The price will depend on many factors, including the experience of the law firm, the complexity of your case and how much time the lawyer will have to spend on your legal matter. You may be able to negotiate your fee with the lawyer based on the specific facts of your case and how much work is required.
If you cannot afford to pay upfront, many immigration lawyers will work with you to create a flexible payment plan or find another affordable solution. Do not assume you cannot afford to hire an immigration lawyer. Consult with an attorney in Connecticut to ask about his or her fees before you make your decision. Your immigration attorney should be upfront and honest with you about how much his or her services cost right from the beginning.
Start a Case Review With a Connecticut Immigration Lawyer
The best way to assert your rights as an undocumented immigrant in Connecticut is by retaining the help of an attorney with a thorough understanding of immigration law at the Law Offices of James A. Welcome. We know your rights and can provide you with effective legal representation after you have not been treated with the protection you deserve. We know what is on the line and can help you through the process of asserting your constitutional rights. Reach out today.
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If you wish to learn more, call our firm to speak with a Connecticut immigration attorney at (203) 753-7300.
We proudly represent English, Spanish, and Portuguese speakers throughout Connecticut from our offices in Waterbury, Norwalk, and Danbury.