Practice Areas By Dallas Immigration Lawyers
Applying For A U.S. Visa
If you plan to lawfully enter the United States, you must have a valid Visa. Below is essential information on the steps and procedures involved.
An in-person interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy is typically enough, so book your appointment as soon as you can. Remember that wait times for both interviews and applications may be lengthy, which can lead to delays.
If your spouse or unmarried children under 21 are traveling with you, they can apply for dependent Visas to accompany you to the U.S.
Consulates and embassies generally run background checks on all Visa applicants. These checks can sometimes cause significant holdups. If your application faces extended delays, consider consulting an immigration law firm promptly.
• DS-160 application form.
• Visa application fee payment.
• Photo that meets U.S. passport requirements.
• Passport(s) valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay for each applicant.
By following these steps, you can streamline your Visa process and better prepare for your journey to the United States.
Applying For
A Green Card
A Green Card allows an individual to live and work in a country for an unlimited duration, sponsor family members who wish to move, and potentially obtain citizenship. However, those holding a Green Card may have limited access to certain public benefits and are not permitted to vote in federal elections.
Various factors can shape the Green Card application process. For instance, a foreign national who is temporarily outside the country must coordinate with the American consulate—Ministry of State—before moving forward.
Once an immigrant Visa is available, individuals already in the U.S. with a valid immigrant petition can pursue permanent residency or adjust their status by submitting the required paperwork. If someone in the U.S. does not have an approved immigrant petition, they should review the specific qualifications for their Green Card category to see if they are eligible to file.
U.S. Citizenship Approvals
Foreign nationals have the opportunity to become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process, though only select individuals are eligible. Typically, this includes those who have maintained Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident) status for three to five years or those who meet certain military service requirements.
Along with this status come important responsibilities, such as fulfilling tax obligations and participating in the voting process.
Citizenship can also be obtained at birth or later in life. To qualify for citizenship by birth, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Being born within the United States or a territory under U.S. jurisdiction.
- Having at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, even if you were born abroad.
Paths to avoid Deportation In Dallas, Texas
Every removal proceeding has its own circumstances, which means certain strategies may apply to one case but not another. Fortunately, there are several legal methods to help prevent deportation in Dallas, TX.
Under this law, an individual must show they cannot or will not return to their home country due to discrimination or a credible fear of persecution. This fear must stem from factors such as gender, race, nationality, political opinion, or belonging to a particular social group. The person also needs to prove they qualify for a positive exercise of discretion.
A person cannot be sent to a country where it is determined that their life or freedom would be threatened based on race, religion, nationality, political views, or membership in a certain social group. Successfully arguing this point may stop deportation.
If it is established by a public official or someone acting with governmental consent that an individual would be at serious risk of torture, they cannot be returned to that specific country.
Those who have held lawful permanent residence for at least five years and have continuously resided in the country for seven years may pursue this option. They must demonstrate that their admission as a permanent resident was valid and meets these residency requirements.