Immigration Law in Juneau, AK

Are you concerned about the costs of immigrating to Juneau?

According to The Economic Times, you can spend $4,000 to $10,000 on this endeavor. Even more burdensome is the fact that the process is often lengthy and frustrating. As a result, the arduous procedure of getting your green card or other goals lends itself to mistakes. If you are ready to work through immigration as efficiently as possible, you will need the details in this guide.

What Is Immigration Law?

Immigration law deals with federal regulations dictating who can live and work in the United States of America. It also involves the naturalization process for permanent residents who wish to become United States citizens. As for those who enter the country illegally lose their status, U.S. immigration law mandates their prosecution, detention, and possible deportation.

Some cities in the United States have declared themselves sanctuary cities that offer protections. As of 2022, the Center for Immigration Studies does not list Juneau as one of them.

Which Government Agencies Enforce Immigration Law?

There are multiple federal government agencies that oversee immigration law in the United States. Here are the three major federal agencies:

• 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 is tasked with maintaining and strengthening the country’s borders.

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

In order to legally immigrate into the United States, one must submit several different applications to the federal government. Immigration regulations can change constantly. We recommend hiring a Juneau, Alaska immigration lawyer to help with the process. Note if immigration is the main practice area of a law firm.

One of the unique complications under Alaska law for immigration is the Permanent Fund Dividend. Current law only allows its distribution to individuals with one of the following statuses:

• U.S. citizen

• Aliens with permanent residence

• Aliens with refugee status

• Aliens who have received asylum

Types Of Immigration

Family-Based Immigration

Family immigration is the most typical way to migrate to the United States. It involves an eligible family member filing a petition on behalf of the individual seeking naturalization. U.S. citizens can file on behalf of anyone considered an immediate relative. However, permanent residents and other migrants may face additional restrictions.

Those seeking immigration who aren’t immediately related to the petitioner are subject to further review. The preferential treatment goes to those who are under 21 and unmarried. On the other hand, less preference goes to older relatives of those filing a petition. It can take years for these kinds of applicants to obtain a visa.

Employment-Based Immigration

This is a temporary visa given to those seeking work or business opportunities in America. Employment-based immigration is a broad category with many different categories. Some of these include (but are not limited to):

• Visas for athletes or entertainers
• Diplomatic employees visas
• Visas for religious workers
• Visas for employees in specific industries, such as healthcare and agriculture

In these cases, a specific employer typically sponsors the immigrant. Once the temporary window closes, the company can make the status permanent. Some Juneau business owners and investors can also sponsor themselves via their companies.

Refugees And Asylum Seekers

There are special conditions where immigrants may legally enter and remain in the United States. These situations can involve people fleeing persecution or who cannot return to where they came from due to unsafe conditions. The president dictates how many people can obtain refugee status in coordination with Congress.

People who fear persecution upon returning to their country may seek asylum from the United States. There is no mandated limit on how many people can receive asylum or how long their asylum lasts.

Refugee Council USA reports that Alaska takes less than 1% of refugees who come to America. The ones that arrive in Juneau can seek assistance from Catholic Social Services. This religious nonprofit helps people from around the world of any faith resettle their families in the area.

The Difference Between a Visa and a Green Card

A visa allows you to enter the U.S and remain for a certain period of time. However, a green card allows you to enter and stay for as long as you want. Permanent residents are people who hold green cards.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas are for people planning to leave once their term has elapsed. These visas do not lead to permanent residency unless the person has another qualifying reason. For example, this includes tourist visas, student visas, and work visas.

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant visas offer the opportunity for permanent residency in the United States. If you have one, you might become eligible for a green card. However, these visas are harder to obtain and require someone to vouch for you via petition by a qualifying U.S. person.

The Role of Juneau, AK Immigration Lawyers

Juneau, Alaska immigration lawyers serve as advisors that guide applicants throughout the immigration application process. Matters that typically invoke the service of an immigration lawyer are extensive. These are deportation issues, green cards, citizenship, naturalization, employment, and visa or green card applications.

You will not typically find Alaska immigration lawyers in court dealing with cases. Instead, they serve as mediators between their clients and the U.S immigration services. Specifically, Juneau, AK immigration lawyers deal with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services department.

When Should I Consider Hiring a Juneau, AK Immigration Attorney?

Hiring an immigration lawyer in Juneau, Alaska is not always necessary. But even so, there are some instances where hiring an immigration attorney becomes almost mandatory:

• The applicant is a convicted criminal.
• Government has denied previous applications.
• The applicant has been through deportation and barred from entering the United States.
• Waiting period for an application has taken unreasonably long.
• The applicant seeks an employment visa, but the employer refuses to help.
• The applicant’s previous status depended on marriage, but that marriage resulted in divorce. You must prove there was no fraudulent activity.
• Child of an applicant is close to reaching the age of 21 before the granted application. There are different provisions for people under 21.
• The applicant is confused with the application process. The applicant is unable to complete the paperwork on their own.

Do you suffer from any of the problems above or have other immigration problems to resolve? If so, we can help connect you with the right Juneau, AK attorney to help you navigate this complicated legal system. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Alaska state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!