Individuals not born in the United States can become naturalized citizens by completing a long and complex application process. This often includes a citizenship interview.
Attorneys can assist with anyimmigration cases in Los Angeles, but you need to choose the right one for you and your situation. The best way to select an immigration lawyer is to conduct thorough research. Check for the following qualifications:
Family Unification
In the United States, family reunification is the process by which a US citizen or green card holder sponsors his immediate family to immigrate to the US. These family members may include spouses, children, parents and siblings.
Claudia worked hard at her minimum wage job to support her four kids, but high housing costs made it difficult to make ends meet. When her social worker informed her that they could no longer provide her with housing assistance, Claudia jumped at the chance to participate in the county’s Family Reunification Housing Program (FRHS).
The FRHS uses Department of Housing and Urban Development vouchers to offer rapid re-housing for families who have children in out-of-home care. Applicants must comply with court orders and have a specific need for short-term, emergency housing. The re-housing is intended to prevent children from being placed in foster care. Several agencies collaborate to provide housing and services to families in this situation.
Naturalization
Citizenship is the final goal of many immigrant families and offers individuals full rights as citizens of the United States. The process for becoming a citizen is often lengthy and complicated.
Typically, an individual seeking naturalization must have been a permanent resident in the United States for three to five years and must demonstrate an understanding of the Constitution and the form of government of the United States. A citizenship lawyer can help ensure that all the requirements are met before filing a petition for naturalization.
A Los Angeles citizenship lawyer can also help prevent denial of naturalization for reasons such as a criminal conviction, failure to file taxes or register for selective service, or long periods spent outside the United States during the period of permanent residency. Defending yourself against these types of claims with the assistance of an experienced attorney is vital.
Asylum or Refugee Protection
People who fear persecution in their home country can seek asylum and remain in the United States. Those seeking this status must file within one year of their arrival in the United States. They must also have a credible fear interview and meet certain criteria. For example, they must be able to prove that they have been persecuted in the past or have a well-founded fear of future persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion, domestic violence, honor killings, statelessness, sexual orientation, business and wealth, and family relationships.
People who seek asylum from outside the United States are called refugees, while those who apply for protection from within the U.S. are called asylum seekers or asylees. People who are granted refugee status can then eventually become U.S. citizens. Thousands of refugees, asylees and survivors of human trafficking come to Southern California each year. The office helps them access critical services and resources to support their families and integrate into community life.
Writ of Mandamus
If you have filed a petition for any type of visa or citizenship and it appears to be moving along normally only to hit a wall of unexplained delays that last months or even years, filing a mandamus lawsuit might be your best option. This legal remedy (sometimes referred to as an ordinary mandate or administrative mandate) is a court order that compels an inferior tribunal to perform a legally required duty.
When it comes to immigration applications, the courts are obligated by statute and regulation to review a petition for an approved or denied decision. Filing a mandamus lawsuit doesn’t guarantee that your application will be approved, but it reminds USCIS that they have a responsibility to act and cannot simply ignore your case for unreasonable periods of time.
At Sarian Law Group, APLC, our Los Angeles immigration attorney is experienced in filing mandamus lawsuits against USCIS in cases where an agency has acted unreasonably. Contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.