Visas
Our Atlanta immigration lawyers or associates will assist you in getting a visa. Aliens seeking to enter the United States must first secure a visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy. Visa holders may enter the United States for a set duration and purpose, depending on the visa type. Immigrant visas, which may be employment-based or family-based, enable their holders to remain in the United States permanently and to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. Aliens holding immigrant visas may legally work in the country. Our Atlanta immigration office helps our clients obtain immigrant or nonimmigrant visas throughout the United States by working closely with them and dealing with foreign consulates. In addition, Our Atlanta immigration attorneys represent clients in removal or deportation hearings, in obtaining other status such as TPS or DED (temporary protected status), religious visas, battered spouse visas, advance parole (travel documents), renewal of documents, adjustment of status and in properly filing out their affidavit of support documents by working closely with the United States Department of State and DHS (Department of Homeland security).

Permanent Residence
To become a legal permanent resident (or green card holder), you must first be admitted as an immigrant. The most common methods for obtaining an immigrant visa are: 1) through family relationship with a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, or 2) through employment. Other methods are: through a grant of asylum, green card lottery or special amnesty provisions.  An immigrant is a foreign national who has been granted the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States. You must go through a multi-step process to become an immigrant. In most cases, USCIS must first approve an immigrant petition for you, usually filed by an employer or relative. Then, an immigrant visa number must be available to you, even if you are already in the United States. After that, if you are already in the United States, you may apply to adjust to permanent resident status (If you are outside the United States, you will be notified to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete the processing for an immigrant visa.)

Work Authorizations
There are different ways of obtaining a work authorization in the United States. Any method will depend on the applicant’s immigrant status and eligibility. We represent professionals, CEOs, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and employers interested in pursuing economic and work-related opportunities in the United States. Working closely with our clients, we prepare necessary paperwork and documentation required by employers and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Citizenship and Naturalization
All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character. Other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. Citizens or individuals currently serving in the United States military. Additional requirements include:

• A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States
• The ability to read, write and speak English
• Good moral character
• Knowledge of the principles of the U.S. Constitution
• Favorable disposition towards the United States
• Pass the United States Citizenship test.

Asylum
The asylum applicant’s burden of proof is to demonstrate that there is a “reasonable possibility” that he or she will be persecuted. An applicant for asylum may establish a “well-founded fear” by showing that a reasonable person in his or her circumstances would fear persecution. Asylum is a form of protection that allows individuals who are in the United States to remain here, provided that they meet the definition of a refugee and are not barred from either applying for or being granted asylum, and eventually to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident. Asylum may be granted to people who are arriving in or already physically present in the United States. You must apply for asylum within one year of your last arrival in the United States, but you may apply for asylum later than one year if there are changed circumstances that materially affect your eligibility for asylum.

Removal / Deportation Defense
We defend immigrants facing deportation or removal due to a violation of the terms of their visa or entering the country illegally and we also provide criminal defense representation. By working with immigration officials and the courts, we carefully review actions taken by the government to determine if the client's rights were violated and whether or not extenuating circumstances mitigate the client's responsibility in failing to appear in court, renew their visa, or enter the country properly. Because of the harsh provisions of the 1996 laws, even relatively small misdemeanors can lead to one's removal from the United States, no matter how long he or she has been a lawful permanent resident. Nor does it matter how long ago the act took place; you could have shoplifted 25 years ago as a youthful prank. Depending on the wording of particular statues violated, drunk driving, simple battery, etc. can all be a basis for a removal proceeding. Waivers or cancellation of removal may be available to qualifying applicants depending on the client’s circumstances.