Immigration Law in Badger, AK

Do you feel like it would take an act of Congress to resolve your immigration problems?

The process for a temporary visa or becoming a citizen can be convoluted and frustrating. Regrettably, it can take an attorney who spends every day working on these issues to resolve your problem. Badger residents who have experienced the system first-hand will want to pay careful attention to the details below. Reading this article today could help you plan and find a lawyer to advocate for you.

What Is Immigration Law?

Immigration laws are the federal regulations that decide who is eligible to visit, work, and live in the United States. It also establishes the naturalization process for permanent residents that want to become U.S. citizens. Finally, it contains the standards for prosecuting or deporting anyone who enters the country illegally.

Some cities in the United States have declared sanctuary status from immigration enforcement. However, no cities or counties near Badger have recognition from the Center for Immigration Studies.

Which Government Agencies Enforce Immigration Law?

Multiple federal agencies manage immigration regulation in the United States. Here are the three major ones to know about:

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement: ICE investigates people who violate immigration laws and carries out enforcement.
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services: USCIS handles applications to become United States workers, residents, or citizens.
• Customs and Border Protection: CBP maintains and strengthens the country’s borders.

How Does Immigration Into the U.S. and Badger, AK Work?

There are several applications required to immigrate to the United States. Furthermore, the regulations change constantly. As a result of this reality, we recommend that you hire a Badger, Alaska immigration lawyer to help you.

An example of the turmoil you have to navigate comes from May 2022. The Alaska Department of Law challenged changes to the asylum process by the executive branch. As a result, anyone seeking this status in the Badger area will likely need avid legal representation.

Types Of Immigration

Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigration is the most common way to immigrate to the United States. An eligible family member has to complete a petition on your behalf. But some additional restrictions and laws apply to migrants and their families.

Anyone who does not have an immediate relation to the person who sponsors them must go through additional reviews. This status places you into a pool of applicants based on preference. Generally, preferential treatment goes to anyone who is under 21 and unmarried. This fact means that older relatives will likely have to wait longer than others. In fact, it can take years for them to receive a visa.

Employment-Based Immigration

This visa is temporary for anyone who wants to work or seek business opportunities in America. There is a broad collection of options for employment-based immigration. A few visa options to note are for:

• Diplomatic employees
• Entertainers
• Religious workers
• Athletes
• Nursing
• Agriculture workers

Any of the visas mentioned above require sponsorship from an employer. When the temporary status ends, that organization can apply to make the immigration status permanent. In some situations, a Badger business owner or investor can sponsor themselves through their company.

Refugees And Asylum Seekers

Immigrants can use special conditions to get to the United States. One example that can apply is people fleeing dangerous conditions in their home country.

The executive branch and Congress decide who can apply for this refugee status. However, anyone with a genuine fear of persecution can apply for asylum. There is no limit to how many people can enter the U.S. or how long their status lasts in immigration law currently.

Immigrants in the Badger area can find some self-help resources from the Alaska State Library. Among other helpful items, they provide links to the most relevant federal programs. For instance, there are humanitarian aid programs through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The Difference Between a Visa and a Green Card

A visa allows you to enter the U.S. and remain for a certain period. But permanent residents receive a green card which means they can stay for as long as they want.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas exist for people who plan to leave when it expires. Consequently, this status does not convert to permanent residency without another valid reason. But it may work well for students, tourists, or temporary workers.

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant visas offer the opportunity for permanent residency in the United States. If you have one, you might be eligible to apply for a green card. However, these visas are harder to obtain and require someone to sponsor you.

The Role of Badger, AK Immigration Lawyers

Badger, Alaska immigration lawyers advise applicants on how to get through the process. Their help can be vital to handling complicated issues like deportation, green cards, or naturalization.

Most immigration lawyers do not attend endless hearings in federal courts. They act as mediators between U.S. immigration services and their clients in Badger, AK.

When Should I Consider Hiring A Badger, AK Immigration Attorney?

Hiring an immigration lawyer in Badger, Alaska is not always necessary. But even so, there are some situations where they are practically mandatory:

• You received a denial for previous applications
• You are a convicted criminal
• You have already been through an extended waiting period
• You were deported previously or became barred from entering the U.S. 
• Your immigration status depended on a marriage that ended in divorce
• You have a child approaching their 21st birthday
• You became confused by the process and could not complete the paperwork

Are you experiencing complications due to any of the problems listed above? If so, we can set up a meeting with an immigration attorney in Badger, AK. 

We also have options for anyone that needs to find a lawyer across Alaska state lines. Send us a request online or call today at (866) 345-6784!