U.S. Immigration laws are complicated, and they are changing.
There are over 70 types of temporary visas and immigration statuses.
Whether you are an immigrant yourself, a family member, or someone who employs an immigrant, the best way to protect your status is to talk to an immigration lawyer before you run into problems.
If you do have problems, consult an immigration lawyer right away.
Kinds of Immigration and Immigration Problems
Family Immigration
- You want to bring relatives from another country to live in the U.S.
- You want to bring a fiancé(e) to the U.S. and get married.
- You want your relatives from another country to visit you in the U.S.
- You want to adopt a child who was born in another country.
- You or your children have been subject to abuse by your USC/LPR spouse.
Business and Employment Immigration
- Your company needs the services of a foreign born-worker.
- You are a foreign-born worker and would like to work in the U.S. temporarily or permanently.
- You were born outside the United States and would like to invest or start a business in the U.S.
- Your company wants to develop a hiring process that complies with immigration laws.
- You want to audit your employment records for compliance with the immigration laws.
- The Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Labor has asked to audit your company’s employment files.
U.S. Citizenship
- You want to apply for via naturalization to become a U.S. citizen.
- You want your foreign born children to derive U.S. citizenship from you.
- You were born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s).
- You want to retain or renounce foreign citizenship upon naturalization.
Asylum and Other Forms of Protection
- You are in the U.S. and would like to apply for asylum because you fear persecution.
- You want to apply for, extend, or retain Temporary Protected Status.
- You or a family member has been placed in deportation/removal proceedings.
- Immigration has detained you or a family member and will not release you or them from their custody.
- You have received a departure letter from immigration.
Other Immigration Issues
Some immigration cases do not fall within one of the above categories and others may extend beyond a single category. A few examples are:
- Your immigration case is taking too long to resolve.
- You entered the U.S. with a temporary visa and your plans have changed.
- You want to study in the U.S.
- You are not a U.S. citizen and you have been charged with or arrested for criminal activity.
- You need assistance in applying for a visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
- You need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility either in the U.S. or abroad.
Be Smart About Who Helps You
Only a U.S.-licensed lawyer or accredited representative is authorized and qualified to assist with your immigration case. Beware of “notarios” and people who call themselves “immigration consultants” and promise quick or easy solutions to immigration problems, or who claim they can get a work permit or visa for you and your family in a few weeks.
If you are not sure if the person offering you immigration services is a lawyer or an accredited representative, ask for their state license number or their accreditation letter. If you are still not sure, call the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar, 207-623-1121. Remember, in the United States it is illegal to practice law without a license.
For Referral to an Immigration Attorney call
