Immigration Law in Chandler, AZ

While most immigration laws involve the federal government, there also are state-level concerns. Arizona is no different, but it also has a history of controversy in this area of law.

As a result, immigration concerns in Arizona can be bothersome battles to fight. But a local attorney can represent you to the fullest and help you remain in the country. This article will teach you the essentials of the law and how to hire legal counsel to defend your interests.

What Is Immigration Law?

Immigration law pertains to the rules for eligibility to live and work in the United States. The naturalization process for permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship is also a part of immigration law. However, those who enter or stay in the country without permission can have legal problems. They may lose their status and become subject to prosecution or potential deportation.

Some cities in the United States have become immigration sanctuaries in response to harsh federal policies. However, Chandler is not one of them currently. The Center for Immigration Studies does not list a single city in Arizona that has adopted this status.

Which Government Agencies Enforce Immigration Law?

There are various federal government agencies responsible for enforcing immigration laws. The three primary federal agencies are as follows:

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) protects the country’s borders and finds ways to strengthen them.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigates individuals who breach the law. They also detain them when necessary.
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) manages applications for those aiming to become US citizens, residents, or workers.

How Does Immigration Into the U.S. and Chandler, AZ Work?

Multiple applications are necessary to immigrate to the United States. There are also immigration regulations that are subject to constant changes. Accordingly, it is advisable to hire an immigration lawyer in Chandler, Arizona to help. It is crucial to ensure that immigration law is the main practice area of the law firm.

Arizona has a history of passing or attempting to enact immigration laws that get the country talking. For example, July 2020 marked a decade since the passage of the “Show Me Your Papers” law. This legislation allows law enforcement to ask people in Chandler to prove they are in the U.S. legally.

Types Of Immigration

Family-Based Immigration

This type of immigration is the most prevalent. It involves an eligible family member filing a petition for the person seeking naturalization. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can have their petition filed by the citizen on their behalf. However, permanent residents and other migrants may have to face additional limitations.

Immigration applicants who are not immediate relatives of the petitioner face more scrutiny. These applications get grouped into a pool and evaluated based on several factors. Individuals under 21 and unmarried receive priority. However, less preference goes toward older relatives. It may take several years for these applicants to acquire a visa.

Employment-Based Immigration

Individuals seeking employment or business opportunities in the U.S. can apply for a non-permanent visa. There is a wide range of categories, including (but not limited to):

• Athletes or entertainers
• Diplomatic employees
• Religious workers
• Employees in specific industries like healthcare and agriculture

Usually, an employer sponsors the immigrant for a temporary visa. After the expiration, the organization may choose to make the immigrant’s status permanent. Some business owners and investors in Chandler can sponsor themselves through their companies.

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Under special circumstances, immigrants may be lawfully permitted to enter and reside in the United States. These situations may involve individuals escaping persecution or hazardous situations. The President, in collaboration with Congress, determines the number of people who receive refugee status.

Anyone with a well-founded fear of persecution upon returning to their country may request asylum. Currently, there is no prescribed cap on the number of people granted this status.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is a well-established organization that helps refugees in Chandler. They have been a helping hand to immigrants since 1975. The non-profit can help with settlement, finding employment, and educational opportunities.

The Difference Between a Visa and a Green Card

A visa permits an individual to enter the United States and stay for a specific duration. On the other hand, a green card enables a person to enter and remain in the United States indefinitely. Individuals with green cards are also known as permanent residents.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas are for individuals who plan to depart the United States once it expires. These visas do not result in permanent residency unless they have other qualifications. Examples include tourist, student, and work visas.

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant visas provide an opportunity for permanent residency in the United States. This status could make someone eligible for a green card. However, obtaining these visas is more challenging, and sponsorship is necessary.

The Role of Chandler, AZ Immigration Lawyers

Immigration lawyers in Chandler, Arizona act as consultants. They guide applicants throughout the process. People often hire them for a wide range of issues, such as the following concerns:

• Deportation concerns
• Green card application
• Citizenship
• Naturalization
• Employment
• Visa applications

Immigration lawyers in Chandler, AZ do not handle cases in court often. Instead, they act as intermediaries between their clients and the U.S. immigration services.

When Should I Consider Hiring a Chandler, AZ Immigration Attorney?

It may not always be necessary to hire an immigration lawyer in Chandler, Arizona. Regardless, there are specific situations where retaining an immigration attorney is indispensable:

• Denials of previous applications.
• The waiting period for an application has been lengthy.
• The applicant has criminal convictions.
• The applicant has previously been through deportation.
• The employer refuses to help facilitate the process for an employment visa.
• The previous status of the applicant depended on marriage, which resulted in divorce.
• The child of an applicant is close to reaching the age of 21 before applying.
• The applicant cannot complete the paperwork.

Are you experiencing any of the issues above or other immigration-related challenges? If yes, we can assist you in finding the appropriate attorney in Chandler, AZ.

In addition, we can also help you connect with a lawyer in a different state across Arizona lines. You can either submit a request online or call us now at (866) 345-6784 to talk to a representative.