Immigration law is, to the say the least, a complicated area, requiring navigation of the enormous U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) bureaucracy. By choosing an experienced and diligent immigration lawyer, you can give your application for permanent residence, citizenship, or a nonimmigrant visa the greatest chance of success. And, if you are placed in removal or deportation proceedings, the right immigration attorney can give you the best chance at obtaining one of the available forms of relief, e.g., Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Cancellation of Removal, Temporary Protected Status, or Voluntary Departure.

The process of immigrating to the United States can take years. If you are immigrating through a family member, it may be many years before you obtain lawful permanent residence (green card) status in the United States. Even if you are immigrating with the help of your employer, it may be several years before you complete the process. Keep in mind that very little is automatic in the field of immigration. For example, just having a spouse who is a U.S. citizen does not mean that you have permission to remain in this country. Your spouse and you must file the correct paperwork with USCIS before you are authorized to remain in the United States. Similarly, nonimmigrant working visas such as H or L visas do not lead automatically to green cards even after living and working in the United States for many years. If you are seeking a family or employment based green card, it is important that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney early in the process.

Similarly, if the government institutes removal proceedings against you-- i.e., attempts to deport you from the country-- then it is critical that you seek legal counsel from an experienced immigration attorney, to learn about your potential forms of relief.

Explore the following links to learn more about immigration law:

Advance Parole Citizenship Criminal Convictions Deportation Green Cards Employment-Based Family-Based

E-Verify Immigration Agencies Immigration Definitions L-1 Visas Temporary Protected Status Temporary Visas

Upcoming Reduced Rate Consultation Dates

Our immigration lawyer Jennifer Varughese will be holding the following Immigration Law Open Houses, at which she will provide free consultations in immigration law:

• at our Fairfax Office on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; and
• at our Manassas Office on Saturday, February 20, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Call (703) 361-7735 now for a reserved appointment. We will consult with walk-ins on a first come, first served basis at these Open Houses, but we strongly encourage that you call ahead to reserve a spot.