Our Comprehensive Immigration Services.
Expert immigration services including visa applications, family-based and employment-based immigration, asylum, deportation defense, naturalization, and more. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration lawyers and start your journey towards a better future.
Adjustment of Status
Legal process to change from a nonimmigrant to an immigrant status.
Advance Parole & Re-Entry Permits
Legal representation for those facing removal or deportation proceedings.
Appeals
Legal process to challenge an immigration decision.
Asylum
A protection granted to foreign nationals in the U.S. or at the border who meet the international law definition of a “refugee” due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Withholding of Removal
A form of protection for individuals who can demonstrate a more than likely chance of persecution in their home country, but it does not lead to permanent resident status and is more difficult to qualify for compared to asylum.
Relief under the Convention Against Torture
Protection granted to individuals in the U.S. who can prove that they would likely be tortured if returned to their home country, under any circumstances, including instances where the torture is not directly inflicted by the government but with its acquiescence or implicit consent, regardless of the applicant’s criminal history or the reason for the torture.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
A classification that provides a pathway to lawful permanent residency for foreign children in the United States who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents.
TPS
A temporary immigration status given to eligible nationals of designated countries facing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions.
Waivers of Inadmissibility
Legal provisions that allow an individual who is otherwise inadmissible to the United States (due to reasons like illegal presence or certain criminal offenses) to obtain a visa, adjust status, or seek other immigration benefits.
Deferred Action
A discretionary, limited immigration benefit that defers removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion and may grant work authorization, but does not provide lawful status or a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.
Naturalization
The process by which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes an American citizen, typically after meeting requirements set by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
U Visas
Nonimmigrant visas for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
T Visas
Nonimmigrant visas provided to victims of human trafficking who assist in an investigation or prosecution of human trafficking and who would suffer extreme hardship if removed from the U.S.
Family-Based Adjustment of Status
The process for individuals who are family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to apply for lawful permanent resident status (green card) while inside the United States.
Cancellation of Removal
A form of relief from deportation available to certain permanent and nonpermanent residents who meet specific criteria, allowing them to remain in the U.S. and potentially gain lawful permanent resident status.
Bond Proceedings
A legal process in which a detained non-citizen seeks release from immigration custody, typically through a hearing where the immigration judge determines whether the detainee can be released on bond based on factors like flight risk and danger to the community.
Appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
Request a Consultation
At Blanco Law Group, we are open to all consultation requests. You will have the opportunity to meet with Jose Blanco, Esq. on a one-on-one basis to discuss your situation and explore the available services that may be of help to you.
Or please call the office to speak to our scheduler.
*Our Immigration services are subject to an $80 consultation fee.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Asylum and Refugee Status
Both asylum and refugee status are granted to individuals who have been persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The main difference is the location of the applicant: asylum is sought by individuals already in the U.S., while refugee status is sought from outside the U.S.
To apply for asylum, you must file Form I-589 with USCIS within one year of your arrival in the United States. The process includes an interview and, in some cases, a hearing before an immigration judge.
If you are facing deportation, it is crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. An immigration attorney can help you understand your rights and explore options such as cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status.
Yes, you can appeal a deportation order to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). It is important to act quickly, as there are strict deadlines for filing appeals.
DACA and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that allows certain individuals who came to the U.S. as children to receive deferred action from deportation and work authorization.
TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to nationals of certain countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. for a limited time.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a classification that allows certain undocumented immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents to apply for a green card and remain in the United States legally.
To be eligible for SIJS, an applicant must be under 21 years old, unmarried, and present in the United States. Additionally, a state juvenile court must determine that the child cannot be reunified with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and that it is not in the child’s best interest to return to their home country.
The application process for SIJS involves two main steps:
- Obtaining an order from a state juvenile court making the necessary findings regarding abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
- Filing Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the court order.
Required documentation includes:
- The state court order with findings of fact regarding the abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
- Birth certificate or other proof of age.
- Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.
- Additional supporting evidence as needed.
After filing Form I-360, USCIS will review your petition. If your petition is approved, you can apply for a green card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if you meet the eligibility requirements and your priority date is current.
Obtaining SIJS allows you to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card), which grants you the right to live and work in the United States permanently. As a green card holder, you may also be eligible for certain federal benefits and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
No, SIJS does not provide any immigration benefits to the applicant’s parents. It is specifically designed to protect the child and does not extend to family members.
If your SIJS application is denied, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney immediately. You may have the option to appeal the decision or explore other forms of immigration relief.
Family-Based Immigration
A family-based visa allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring certain family members to the United States. There are two main categories: immediate relative visas and family preference visas.
Immediate relatives include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old.
An employment-based visa allows foreign workers to enter the United States for the purpose of employment. These visas are divided into five preference categories based on the type of employment and the applicant’s qualifications.
Your employer can sponsor you by filing a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The process varies depending on the type of visa and may require labor certification from the Department of Labor.
Green Cards and Permanent Residency
A green card, or permanent resident card, allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. It is often the first step toward becoming a U.S. citizen.
You can apply for a green card through family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylee status, or other special programs. The process involves submitting a petition to USCIS and attending an interview.
Naturalization and Citizenship
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. It requires meeting certain eligibility criteria, including residency requirements and passing a citizenship test.
Benefits include the right to vote, eligibility for federal jobs, the ability to sponsor family members for immigration, and protection from deportation.
Asylum and Refugee Status
Both asylum and refugee status are granted to individuals who have been persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The main difference is the location of the applicant: asylum is sought by individuals already in the U.S., while refugee status is sought from outside the U.S.
To apply for asylum, you must file Form I-589 with USCIS within one year of your arrival in the United States. The process includes an interview and, in some cases, a hearing before an immigration judge.
If you are facing deportation, it is crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. An immigration attorney can help you understand your rights and explore options such as cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status.
Yes, you can appeal a deportation order to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). It is important to act quickly, as there are strict deadlines for filing appeals.
DACA and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that allows certain individuals who came to the U.S. as children to receive deferred action from deportation and work authorization.
TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to nationals of certain countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. for a limited time.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a classification that allows certain undocumented immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents to apply for a green card and remain in the United States legally.
To be eligible for SIJS, an applicant must be under 21 years old, unmarried, and present in the United States. Additionally, a state juvenile court must determine that the child cannot be reunified with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and that it is not in the child’s best interest to return to their home country.
The application process for SIJS involves two main steps:
- Obtaining an order from a state juvenile court making the necessary findings regarding abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
- Filing Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the court order.
Required documentation includes:
- The state court order with findings of fact regarding the abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
- Birth certificate or other proof of age.
- Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.
- Additional supporting evidence as needed.
After filing Form I-360, USCIS will review your petition. If your petition is approved, you can apply for a green card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if you meet the eligibility requirements and your priority date is current.
Obtaining SIJS allows you to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card), which grants you the right to live and work in the United States permanently. As a green card holder, you may also be eligible for certain federal benefits and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
No, SIJS does not provide any immigration benefits to the applicant’s parents. It is specifically designed to protect the child and does not extend to family members.
If your SIJS application is denied, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney immediately. You may have the option to appeal the decision or explore other forms of immigration relief.
Additional Questions
The length of the immigration process varies depending on the type of application, current USCIS processing times, and individual circumstances. Some processes may take a few months, while others can take many years.
Yes, you can check the status of your application on the USCIS website (https://egov.uscis.gov/) using your receipt number.
