Allen Immigration Attorney

Experienced Immigration Lawyer for Clients in Allen, Texas

Every immigrant comes from different circumstances. You may be fleeing persecution in your home country, looking to reunite with family in the United States, or seeking out new opportunities for work. In any case, having legal guidance can make a serious difference when it comes to navigating obstacles. An Allen, Texas immigration lawyer can provide you with advice and representation for different issues, keeping your needs in mind from the start.

At the Law Office of Jae Lee, we have over 10 years of experience in immigration law, giving us a deep understanding of the issues faced by people coming to the United States. Attorney Jae Lee has received many awards over his career, including recognition as one of the Best Immigration Lawyers in Plano.

Helping Immigrants Obtain Green Cards in Allen, Texas

A Green Card gives an immigrant the right to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. Permanent residency also opens the door to future citizenship, sponsoring certain family members, and traveling with fewer restrictions. Many people in Allen and across Collin County pursue a Green Card through a close family relationship. Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens are known as immediate relatives, and they do not have to wait for a visa number to become available. Other relatives, such as siblings and married children, are placed in preference categories that can involve long waits.

Employment is another common path. A U.S. employer may sponsor a worker with specialized skills, an advanced degree, or extraordinary ability. Some people also qualify through asylum, refugee status, or the Diversity Visa Lottery. Applicants already in the U.S. may be able to file for adjustment of status, while others must go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. At the Law Office of Jae Lee, we review your history and help you choose the path that fits your situation.

Steps to Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization usually starts with holding a Green Card for at least five years, or three years if the applicant is living with a U.S. citizen spouse. Applicants must also show continuous residence, physical presence in the country for at least half of that time, and at least three months of residence in their state or USCIS district before filing.

The process begins with Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. Once the form has been filed, a biometrics appointment will be conducted to get photos and fingerprints. The immigrant will then be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer, which includes an English test and a civics test on U.S. history and government.

The officer will also review the applicant's background for good moral character. Long trips abroad, unpaid taxes, or past arrests can raise questions at this stage. Upon approval, the immigrant takes a sworn oath at a ceremony before being granted citizenship.

Obstacles to Green Cards and Waivers of Inadmissibility

Obstacles to a Green Card often come from the grounds of inadmissibility in federal immigration law. These grounds can block an applicant who is otherwise eligible. Common examples include certain criminal convictions, past immigration fraud or misrepresentation, prior deportation, and certain health-related issues. Unlawful presence is one of the most frequent problems. A person who stayed in the U.S. without status for more than 180 days and then left can face a three-year bar from returning. A stay of one year or more can lead to a 10-year bar.

A waiver of inadmissibility can sometimes remove these barriers. Form I-601 and Form I-601A allow certain applicants to ask the government to forgive a ground of inadmissibility. Many waivers require proof that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent would suffer extreme hardship if the applicant were denied.

Strong waiver requests usually include medical records, financial documents, letters, and other evidence that tells the family's full story. A denied waiver can delay a case for years, so careful preparation from the start is important.

Contact Our Allen, TX Immigration Lawyer

The road to a Green Card or citizenship can feel long, especially when a single mistake could set your plans back. At the Law Office of Jae Lee, we guide families and workers in Allen through each filing with patience and close attention to detail. Call 214-799-5062 or contact our Allen, Texas immigration attorney to schedule a free consultation.