A removal defense attorney is also an immigration attorney. Immigration attorneys in Fort Lauderdale help to handle some of the most important aspects of your case when looking to gain citizenship or avoid deportation. Determining when you may need a removal defense attorney is not always easy, but knowing when to contact one is the most important factors in your case process. Before you begin you will need to know exactly why you need an attorney. When you know why, it is best to also know what process your attorney will take for the specific matter.
Criminal Activity
If you have committed any type of criminal activity then this will be for you. When you commit a crime as an immigrant no matter the type of crime, you could be facing deportation. Whether it was a DUI (driving under influence), or homicide, each crime can likely send you back. In some courts you may need a criminal lawyer to defend you. If this is the case then your removal defense attorney will work alongside your lawyer. Together they will find a solution to best protect your rights and the best way to present your case. In some cases you may have a negotiation agreement. A negotiation agreement can include:
- Cancellation of deportation
- Section 212 (c) Relief
- Political Asylum
- Adjustment of Status
Any one of these may be your solution for remaining in the United States.
Illegal Residency
Living in the United States without a legal residency or a green card is illegal and can have you facing deportation. The United States Immigration Law offers few options to make you go from being an illegal resident to a permanent legal resident. However, your defense attorney has a few possible solutions to use that may ensure you can remain in the states. That will require as much information you can provide as supporting documents. With supporting documents your attorney may be able to build a case that proves your residency is necessary and thus a visa may be reissued. These options include:
- Marriage to a United States citizen
- Current or former service in the United States military
- Cancellation of removal
- Asylum
- Temporary Protected Status
Each of these will help you in gaining a type of legal residency.
Visa Expiration
Most of the time immigrants come here on a legal United States visa. However, this visa does have a temporary status and will expire. When it expires this means that your legal status in the United States is over. Staying past this expiration date can have serious consequences. Depending on the amount of time you overstayed you may face a ban from entering the United States for a period of 3 to 10 years. It can also ban you from obtaining a new visa. If your visa has expired it is in your best interest to seek an attorney immediately. Staying for a longer amount of time can cause you immediate deportation. Your experienced removal defense attorney understands how the laws work and may be able to protect your status in the country. Here are a few options that may help you:
- Re-applying for a visa stay
- Cancel of deportation
- Asylum
Violations
Violations are rules that have been broken. These rules, when broken, have certain consequences including possible deportation. There are many rules that you must follow while in the United States as an immigrant. Some of these rules you may not even know exist so it important to keep in touch with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney in Fort Lauderdale. Regardless of your knowledge you will still face legal action. Your removal defense attorney will have certain options to help your case depending on the violation you have come across. These violations include:
- Failure to advise USCIS a change of address
- Failure to obey Visa terms
- Receiving public assistance
- Working on a tourist visa
Any of these violations are an immediate reason for deportation.
How to Choose Immigration Attorney
Identifying if you need a removal defense attorney will help you stay on top of your case and give you peace of mind. To begin the process meet with an experienced immigration attorney that is well-versed in removal defense. Finding the right attorney to represent your case is the most important step.
As you begin to search for your attorney look for someone that has your best interest in mind. Having the right attorney can determine your entire future and residency in the United States. Once you choose the right attorney for your deportation case you can begin to work together on your case. Your attorney will help you understand your options and identify the best residency status for you and your future.