Immigration Law in Knik-Fairview, AK

An application to become a naturalized U.S. citizen costs $725. But the costs to dispute rejected applications can mount quickly. If you do not have precise and effective legal counsel, you can spend thousands of dollars to get nowhere.

Immigrants in Knik-Fairview deserve competent representation to make their American dream come true. This guide will help you understand this complex process and how to find an attorney to get you through it.

What Is Immigration Law?

Immigration laws regulate who has permission to live and work in the United States of America. It also dictates how the naturalization process happens for those who want to become United States citizens. Finally, these regulations mandate how to prosecute, detain, and deport those who enter or remain in the country illegally.

Some cities or counties have become sanctuary cities in response to harsh immigration policies. However, Knik-Fairview and other cities in Alaska have yet to take this step.

Which Government Agencies Enforce Immigration Law?

Enforcing immigration law falls on several federal agencies. Three major ones that handle most of the concerns are:

• US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes applications to become a resident, citizen, or worker.
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) maintains and strengthens the borders of the United States.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigates violations of immigration law and enforces them.

How Does Immigration Into the U.S. and Knik-Fairview, AK Work?

There are several applications and requirements necessary to legally immigrate to the United States. These regulations are subject to constant changes. Accordingly, it is our recommendation to speak with a Knik-Fairview, Alaska immigration lawyer.

Refugees that find their way to Knik-Fairview also have a state program that may benefit them. Alaska Statutes allow those that qualify to receive the permanent fund dividend.

Types Of Immigration

Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigration is the most common way to come to the United States. An eligible family member can file a petition for the person who wants to become a naturalized citizen. However, this effort needs to be on behalf of an immediate relative.

If you do not have an immediate relation to the person who wants to immigrate, then further reviews must happen. This process also puts the application into a pool with applied preferences. The government gives preferential treatment to people who are unmarried and under 21 years of age. Older relatives can wait years to obtain a visa.

Employment-Based Immigration

Employment-based immigration involves temporary visas to work or seek business opportunities. Many categories exist under this option. A few of these include:

• Religious worker visas
• Entertainer visas
• Athletics visas
• Diplomatic visas
• Healthcare, agriculture, or other specific industries

These visas require sponsorship by an employer. The organization can apply for permanent status when the temporary window closes. In some situations, Knik-Fairview business owners and investors can sponsor themselves.

Refugees And Asylum Seekers

Special conditions can allow immigrants to enter and remain in the United States. For instance, they could have reason to fear returning to their home country.

Congress and the President of the United States decide how many people have eligibility. Refugees who fear persecution can apply for asylum, and there is no limit to how many can receive it.

Knik-Fairview receives few refugees. Less than 1% of them in the United States find a home in Alaska. But there are pro-bono services available to those that do.

The Difference Between a Visa and a Green Card

A visa allows an immigrant to stay in the U.S. for a specific period. But a green card grants you the ability to remain as long as you desire. People who receive one are known as permanent residents.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Non-immigrant visas exist for immigrants who plan to leave at a certain point. They do not have a path to permanent residency unless there is another qualifying reason. A few examples include student, tourist, or work visas.

Immigrant Visas

Immigrant visas allow you to obtain permanent residency. Accordingly, you may have eligibility for a green card. But they are burdensome to acquire, and someone must sponsor your petition.

The Role of Knik-Fairview, AK Immigration Lawyers

Knik-Fairview, Alaska immigration lawyers are legal counselors and advisors that guide you through the process. Legal situations that involve them are often vast and complicated. There are many concerns they have to handle, including the following:

• Deportation
• Citizenship
• Naturalization
• Temporary Visas
• Green Card Applications

Most immigration lawyers do not spend a significant amount of time in court. Instead, they are mediators between U.S. immigration services and their clients. More specifically, Knik-Fairview, AK immigration attorneys work with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

When Should I Consider Hiring a Knik-Fairview, AK Immigration Attorney?

You do not always need a Knik-Fairview, Alaska immigration lawyer. But they are necessary for applications in the following situations:

• Denials of previous applications
• Prior criminal convictions
• Previous deportations
• Unreasonably long waiting periods
• Applying for an employment visa with an employer that refuses to participate
• Immigration status that depended on a marriage that ended in divorce

Do you have one of the challenges listed above? Then connect with us today to connect with a Knik-Fairview, AK immigration attorney. You can send a request through our website or call (866) 345-6784. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Alaska state lines.