Cook County Green Card Attorney

Cook County Green Card Attorney

 Immigration is an unsettling process. While on a temporary visa, you might have limitations on your ability to work. You will also have to renew your visa frequently under immigration laws and rules that are constantly changing. A green card gives you more stability and certainty in your immigration status. Learn more about how a Cook County green card attorney can help you upgrade your visa to a more settled immigration status as a lawful permanent resident. 

What is a Green Card?

A green card is issued to an immigrant who is given “lawful permanent residency.” Permanent residency is an immigration status that allows the immigrant to live and work in the United States. Because green cards are usually valid for a longer period than a visa, this can give your family more stability and certainty. Most green cards are valid for ten years. Some do not have an expiration date, but this is rare. There is also a “conditional permanent residency” status that is valid for two years. Your green card lawyer can help ensure that you do not miss any expiration deadlines. 

How Do I Get a Green Card?

There are many different categories of eligibility for a green card. You can become eligible through the sponsorship of a family member or employer. You might also be eligible under humanitarian categories that protect refugees, those seeking asylum, and victims of human trafficking and other serious crimes. Battered spouses and children may also be eligible for green cards under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This act is intended to prevent an abuser from being able to threaten victims with revoking their immigration status. By obtaining their own immigration status, these abuse victims are no longer at the mercy of a U. S. citizen or green card holder who is threatening to have them deported. 

What Should I Do If My Green Card is Investigated?

The government investigates many immigration cases. Just because an investigation is opened does not mean that you will automatically be deported. Once you learn of an investigation, it is important to get legal advice from a green card attorney as soon as possible. The earlier an immigration lawyer is able to intervene in your case, the better options he or she will have for resolving the investigation. A lawyer can gather evidence that supports your eligibility and status. If your green card has expired or was filed under the wrong category, your lawyer can help explore options for obtaining the right immigration status for you. It is important that your immigration attorney has as much time as possible to explore these options and build your case. 

Experienced Green Card Attorneys for Cook County Immigration Issues

 The experienced Cook County immigration lawyers at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C.   have experience with all types of green card cases. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you have a green card lawyer on your side, the better protected your legal right to obtain a lawful immigration status will be.