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6 Reasons You’ll Need an Immigration Attorney in 2018

By January 18, 2018 No Comments
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Every day, it seems like there is a new hurdle thrown in the path of anyone looking to immigrate to the United States. Between travel bans, program changes, and executive orders, it’s hard for the average person to keep track of the laws governing immigration. If you or a loved one are thinking about moving to the US, it might be a good idea to seek out an experienced immigration attorney.

Starting a life in a new country is difficult. Even if you’ve been a resident working in the US for several years, the differences between being a legal citizen and a visa holder can be night and day. The number of rights, the options for travel, and the ability to vote make it all a very exciting journey.

If you’re new to the process or if expediting your immigration paperwork is urgent, you may not be able to manage the process on your own. Here are 6 of the most pressing reasons to seek out an immigration attorney.

1. Immigration Laws Are In Flux

If you’ve watched the news at any point in the last year, you know that immigration is in danger. Depending on the country you’re coming from, you may be facing unprecedented hurdles to continue working in the US.

Some countries have seen legal barriers introduced while others might be facing physical barriers, as unfeasible as it might be.

Ideally, lawmakers find ways to improve the process of immigration regardless of whether or not it becomes more or less difficult to immigrate. But depending on the political climate, the relationships between countries, or natural disasters, immigration laws will be introduced or suspended.

While the news might report one thing, a good immigration attorney can tell you whether or not what’s in the news applies to you.

2. Immigration Is a Long Process

From the day you apply for a green card to the day you become a citizen, you could find yourself in the midst of a years-long process. Immigration laws will give you an idea of how long you’re required to live and work in a country before you can start the citizenship application process.

If you’ve got a great handle on the language and history of the country, you’ve got a leg up. Otherwise, you should take some language courses. You’ll be given a citizenship test to show that you know about the culture of the country.

You’d be advised to read through some Wikipedia articles to get a basic idea of the country’s cultural history. Lots of things you can pick up from living in the country long enough. Your immigration lawyer can help point you in the right direction of how to prepare for your test.

3. Lawyers Can Provide A Referral

If you or your loved one isn’t proficient in the language and is new to the culture, but has a pressing reason for citizenship, an immigration attorney can help. Perhaps there’s a family emergency or a need to escape because of a dire political situation.

Regardless of the situation, immigration attorneys know where the new arrival can find learning centers that can help. There, the citizen-to-be can learn the language and some basic history of the country they’re trying to live in.

Immigrants who get a leg up through an attorney will be able to pass their citizenship exam much easier than those who don’t. It can be a difficult course to navigate and having someone who knows the ropes is critical. Choose the right lawyer and the process will be a breeze.

4. Attorneys Provide Representation

In the case that an immigrant is set to appear in front of a judge for their immigration hearing, the court loves to see an attorney by their side. This means that in the case there is any confusion or language barrier, the immigration attorney will be there to explain everything. It also shows that the citizen-to-be takes this process seriously.

Immigration attorneys can speak on behalf of their client and present a strong case for why citizenship should be granted. If the judge or court staff have any questions, they know that the lawyer will be able to answer them in the way the court demands.

5. An Attorney Can Appeal A Denial

Because your attorney has a clear understanding of the aims of the newcomer and why they need to be in the country, they’re equipped to handle appeals. In the case of a denial, the attorney will be able to efficiently file an appeal for reconsideration of the case.

An immigration attorney can also help to halt any deportation actions that are attempted in the interim. As the appeal process can last anywhere from a week to a year, temporary visas can expire and put the client at risk of deportation. As this is an all-too-familiar course of action in the immigration process, your attorney will know just what to do.

In the interim, your attorney can prepare you or your loved one for their next court appearance.

6. Immigration Lawyers Know The System

For those cases that fall in a gray area, it can be a frustrating every step of the way. If your case is denied, it can be confusing to know what steps are next. Every step of the process can appear to be opaque.

It can be an emotional time for families and friends to deal with. Those emotions can interfere with the next steps that are taken by the applicant. Immigration attorneys can help advise along the way.

Your immigration attorney will be able to help you even in the case of a denial. They can help ensure that if you apply again, your application will be stronger and easier for the court to process.

An Immigration Attorney Is Vital To Any Application

Regardless of whether you’re a working-class person moving to take care of a loved one or a sports star making a splash in a new country, an attorney can help. The time wasted on looking up terms and filling out paperwork incorrectly can be saved by getting an expert to help out.

If you’re ready to start working with an immigration attorney, contact our immigration lawyers to get the ball rolling.