New York Immigration Attorney

If you’re trying to enter the United States and you are not a citizen, it can sometimes be very complicated. If you’re going to the United States to begin school, start a new job, or for any other reason, and you wish to stay in the United States for an extended period of time, it’s essential to contact an experienced New York immigration attorney who can ensure that you’re doing everything correctly and legally. The expert attorneys at the Law Offices of James A. Welcome is here to help.

Contact us or call (203) 753-7300 to start a consultation with a New York 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 services and strategies for the needs of each client.
  • 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.
  • We do everything we can to achieve the best possible outcome. We won’t take your case unless we believe we can help.

What A New York Immigration Lawyer Can Help You With

Immigration lawyers handle several different issues – an immigration lawyer isn’t only for people trying to become citizens or obtain a green card. When you find a qualified immigration attorney, they can help you with the following:

  • Asylum requests

Asylum protects foreign nationals who are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to a prior persecution or a reasonable, well-founded fear of being persecuted if they return, on the basis of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular group, or political opinion. Applying for asylum can be a lengthy and complicated process and it is important enough that it shouldn’t be attempted without assistance from a professional.  

  • Deportation proceedings

Deportation proceedings are initiated for a number of reasons, such as overstaying your visa, being convicted of a crime that warrants deportation, committing fraud by marrying someone in order to obtain a green card, and many other scenarios. In order to be deported, the government must show by clear and convincing evidence that you are removable from the United States. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you prevent deportation, for example, by obtaining evidence that shows you didn’t do what the government has accused you of doing. Whatever the scenario, it’s always a good idea to contact a lawyer when dealing with deportation proceedings because by design, the government doesn’t make the process easy for you to handle on your own.

  • Obtaining a green card or dealing with other green card issues

There are many different ways one can try to become a permanent resident of the United States. Some countries have green card lotteries, where if you win the lottery, you may receive a green card if certain conditions are met. In other circumstances, you might be able to get a green card if you married a United States citizen or you have a family member who is a United States citizen. You can even apply for a green card on your own. It’s also possible for an employer to sponsor you for a green card in some circumstances or for you to receive a green card through your schooling in the United States. An immigration lawyer can also help if you already have a green card and need help renewing it or there are any other related legal issues. 

  • Helping if you’ve overstayed your visa 

Many people who are facing or are about to face deportation proceedings entered the United States legally but then failed to take the proper steps to extend their visa, or they have overstayed their visa and are no longer permitted to stay in the United States. If you find yourself in this position, there are options. Typically, you must apply for a green card before your visa expires. In some circumstances, you might be able to apply even if it’s expired if you can show that an emergency prevented you from applying. Attempting to extend your stay or obtain a green card once your visa has already expired is more difficult, so contact an immigration lawyer is a good idea.

  • Work permits

If you’re not a United States citizen, you must have a valid work permit (also referred to as an employment authorization document) in order to work in the US. All green cardholders have the right to work in the United States, as do individuals who have received a work permit through sponsorship by an employer. An immigration lawyer can assist in obtaining a work permit.

  • Citizenship process 

The citizenship process takes a long time to complete, and it can be quite confusing, so having an experienced immigration attorney is vital. There are many different forms you have to fill out, fees you have to pay, and the rules are stringent. If you incorrectly fill out a form, it could lengthen the process by months or years, or your application could even be rejected. 

  • Assisting with criminal matters

If you’d like to enter or stay in the United States, but you have a criminal background in your home country or in the United States, this is an issue that absolutely requires the help of an experienced immigration attorney.  Even having been involved in seemingly minor crimes that might not seem like a big deal could be life-altering for someone who isn’t a citizen. If you are convicted of an aggravated felony or crimes of moral turpitude, the collateral consequences could be devastating and lead to deportation.  

Aggravated felonies are crimes that the United States government has classified as being serious enough to warrant the removal of a non-citizen. Many violent crimes and drug crimes are considered aggravated felonies. Crimes of moral turpitude are those that the US government has deemed will only be committed by individuals who are dangerous to the community and who the government does not believe should be permitted in the United States. 

If you get arrested and you aren’t a United States citizen, it’s crucial that, in addition to a criminal defense attorney, you consult with an experienced immigration lawyer as well. Not all criminal defense lawyers are well-versed in the collateral consequences of certain convictions, so this is essential. 

Contact A New York Immigration Attorney For Help

The above list isn’t exhaustive, but these are some of the most common issues an immigration attorney handles. While you aren’t expected to be an expert on immigration law, the more information you have, the better you can assert and defend your rights if necessary. As you’re probably aware, immigration issues can be complicated and sometimes might even seem unfair. If you need help, contact our experienced New York immigration attorneys today.