New York Immigration Lawyer

Many people desire to immigrate to the United States. However, the procedures for doing so have changed significantly over the past 100 years. In fact, U.S. immigration laws and procedures can be complex.

If you are facing immigration issues, contact a New York immigration lawyer to review your situation and analyze what options are available to you so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you and your family. A qualified immigration attorney can advocate for you.

Common New York Immigration Issues

Immigration issues in New York range from simple to extremely complex based on a person’s home country and its current diplomatic relationship with the United States, the person’s background, and their reason for seeking to immigrate. The most common New York immigration issues include:

Meeting Visa Requirements

There are many types of visas – each with their own set of rules – depending on the nature of an individual’s stay, which include, but are certainly not limited to:

• B1 visas: B1 visas are issued to those who wish to visit the U.S. for a specific period of time to conduct business. They also may be available to certain domestic employees, researchers, and students
• F1 visas:  F1 visas are issued to foreign students who wish to study in the United States for a specific period of time
• J1 visas: J1 visas are visitor exchange visas which are generally issued to foreign university students to work in the U.S. over the summer as interns and academics
• H1 visas: H1 visas are employment-based visas issued to foreign university graduates who have a specialized skill needed by U.S. companies. These are generally associated with healthcare and informational technology jobs. J1 visa holders can generally work in the U.S. for three years
• H2 visas: H2 visas are also employment-based visas issued to foreign individuals who do not have a specialized skill, but are needed to fill in U.S. employment gaps for a few months. Most jobs relate to farming and agriculture or are seasonal in nature

Overstaying a Visa’s Limits

Remaining in the United States after a visa expires can not only lead to deportation, but it can often be a bar to re-entry in the future.

Illegally Re-entering the U.S. After Removal

Anyone who illegally re-enters the U.S. after having been removed will likely face less leniency with future requests to enter the country.

Securing a Green Card

A green card allows someone to permanently live in the United States without being a citizen. However, the process can be very complex and procuring one depends upon the specific facts and circumstances of an individual’s situation.

Changing Visa Status

After obtaining a visa, it is possible to change a visa’s status for several reasons, including obtaining a green card, accepting employment as a skilled worker, or marrying a U.S. resident.

Violating immigration laws often results in a removal proceeding and likely being deported back to one’s home country. However, there may be numerous immigration defenses at a person’s disposal.

An experienced New York immigration lawyer understands how the immigration process works and can help an individual determine the best cause of action for their situation.

Relying on the Experience of an Attorney

There is no understating the importance of hiring a lawyer when it comes to handling immigration issues. The laws are complex, and many people must resolve complicated immigration issues immediately or face deportation by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) or similar agencies.

• Naturalization and Citizenship
• Securing a Green Card and Permanent Residence
• Types of Visas for Foreign Nationals in the United States
• Visa Overview: Understanding Visas
• Immigration Forms: An Overview

If you or someone in your family is facing an immigration issue, contact a New York immigration lawyer to discuss your situation and determine which immigration laws might apply to you based on your resident country, your background, and your reasons for being in the United States.