More Immigration Services

Crime Victim Visas (U-Visa, S-Visa, T-Visa)

A U-visa is a temporary, non-immigrant status available to victims who have suffered a violent or serious crime in the U.S. and who helped law enforcement detect, investigate, and prosecute the crime. These crimes include domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of noncitizens, among others. S-visas are available for witnesses or informants who are aiding law enforcement in a crime investigation. T-visas are available for people who have suffered severe human trafficking and are willing to help law enforcement detect, investigate and prosecute human trafficking. Each of these visas include a pathway to residency and eventually citizenship after complying with the terms of the visa for a specified amount of time.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Victims of battery or extreme cruelty committed by an immediate family member of legal status may be eligible to become lawful permanent residents by self-petitioning under the federal Violence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA. VAWA self-petitioners can file without the knowledge or consent of the abusive family member. Family members include current and former spouses, parents, or children; however, the abuser must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Obtaining lawful permanent residence through VAWA is a two-step process and many VAWA self-petitioners are eligible to adjust within the United States.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

TPS stands for Temporary Protected Status. TPS provides work authorization and a stay of deportation to nationals of specifically designated countries that are confronting an ongoing armed conflict, environmental catastrophe, or extraordinary conditions. The countries covered under TPS are subject to change and are only eligible for certain periods of time.

DACA

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is for individuals without lawful status who were brought over as children and have continuously resided in the United States. An individual who has been granted deferred action through DACA has authorization to be present in the United States lawfully and may receive employment authorization and advance parole for travel.

Asylum

Asylum is legal protection to foreign nationals already in the United States. An asylum seeker is someone who fled their home country due to past persecution or a well-founded fear of being persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. There are two ways to apply for asylum in the United States: affirmatively and defensively. A person not in removal proceedings may affirmatively apply for asylum through USCIS at a designated asylum office. A person who is in removal proceedings may apply for asylum defensively with an immigration judge. Those granted asylum are eligible for work authorization and can live in the United States permanently and gain a path to citizenship for themselves and family members.

Removal Proceedings

Removal proceedings are initiated when the U.S. government has decided to remove an individual from the United States. This legal process is also known as a deportation proceeding and is carried out by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The individual in removal proceedings must appear before an immigration judge. During these proceedings, eligible individuals can apply for various immigration benefits including cancellation of removal, adjustment to lawful permanent status and certain waivers of inadmissibility, and asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. If granted, the individual receives relief from removal or deportation.

The Importance of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

Navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming and confusing. Mistakes can set your paperwork back for months, if not more. An experienced immigration lawyer can make all the difference. We know the paperwork required regardless of your particular circumstances and understand what the USCIS is looking for during interviews. In the event of any denials, your immigration attorney can step in as your advocate and dispute the denial as well as correct any issues and get you back on track to obtaining your green card or citizenship.

The experienced team of immigration law professionals at Siri & Glimstad LLP understands the importance of this process and has the tools and knowledge to guide you through it as efficiently as possible.

At Siri & Glimstad LLP, we have represented thousands of clients in immigration matters. Our motto is simple – Dedication, Efficiency, and Commitment to the end goal.

We also handle other types of immigration cases including:

• Adjustment of status cases with and without vaccine waiver
• Consular cases with vaccine waiver
• Employment based visas
• Asylum
• Fiancé Visas

If you or a loved one need help with any issues concerning immigration, please contact us by filling in the form or call us directly at 212-532-1091. Hablamos español.