Immigration Law

Vazquez Law is committed to providing the most effective and efficient representation to our clients. We will identify any and all legal options and remedies that are available and help guide our clients through the often-confusing field of immigration law.

Practice Areas: Naturalization and Citizenship, Permanent Residence, Deportation Defense, Family Petitions, Special Immigrant Visas (Juvenile, Religious, etc.), Work Permits, and more.

Naturalization and Citizenship

U. S. citizenship is obtained by birth or through the process of naturalization. The process is complex, must be done in compliance with the requirements of the law, and includes physical presence in the U. S., residency in the U. S. for a number of years, good moral character, knowledge of U.S. history and government, and the ability to speak, read, and write English. Other aspects to take into consideration include if you are a Lawful Permanent Resident serving in the U. S. Military, if you were a foreign-born child of U. S. citizen parents, or if you have a criminal record. Vazquez Law will guide you through the application process, prepare you for your interview with an immigration officer, and even provide you with resources to help you pass the citizenship exam.

Permanent Residence

There are many benefits that come with lawful permanent residence; most notably the freedom to live and work permanently in the U. S. There are residence categories that are subject to a limited number of approvals each year, and categories where the number of approved applications is unlimited. It is very important that the immigrant is informed about the law and understands the requirements for eligibility. Vazquez Law can identify if you have eligibility and help guide you through needed applications and approvals.

Deportation Defense

Deportation, also known as removal, is the formal legal process of removing an individual from the country for violating the immigration laws. This process can be a frightening experience with long lasting and severe consequences. The process may also mean that an individual must return to a country where that person may face harm or persecution. Unlike criminal defendants, the U. S. government does not provide legal representation for immigration proceedings. The removal process is lengthy and challenging. Vazquez Law can equip you with the support and aggressive advocacy you will need to protect your interest.

Appeals

Once an immigration judge issues an order of deportation, the decision may be appealed. The appeals process is complex, time consuming, and often frustrating. However, in most cases, the appeal does allow the alien to remain and often work in the country while the appeal is being processed. Vazquez Law will advocate on your behalf and guide you through the appeals process.

Asylum

Asylum is a form of relief granted to people who suffered past persecution or who have a well founded fear of future persecution if returned to their home. Whether your asylum case is before the Immigration Court (defensive claim) or before USCIS (affirmative claim), the persecution must be based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. After being granted asylum, after one year that person will be eligible to receive permanent legal status in the U. S. If you do not qualify for asylum, you may still be eligible for Withholding of Removal or Protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT). Vazquez Law has extensive experience in applying for all three forms of relief and can review your case to see if you qualify.

Victims of Crime

Victims of crime, domestic abuse, or human trafficking may be eligible to apply for immigration relief in the form of a special immigration status under the Violence Against Women Act, a U-Visa, or a T-Visa. There are important differences between the eligibility requirements and benefits conferred by each to include the immigration status of the person conducting the abuse, the specific type of abuse or crime, and the victim's willingness to assist law enforcement officials. Vazquez Law can confidentially review your case and help determine the most appropriate form of relief available.

Work Permits

Immigrants with pending matters before the Immigration Court or USCIS may be able to legally work through an Employment Authorization Document or work permit. Depending on your specific case, Vazquez Law can assist with your initial work permit application or with the renewal process.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

A visa acquired through SIJS can provide immigration relief to minors in the U.S. who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. The visa allows them to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) if a state court determines that reunification with a parent is not viable and that staying in the U.S. is in their best interest. Vazquez Law provides “one-stop-shopping” as we provide representation before the state court in custody determination hearings and through the visa application process with USCIS.