Immigration Lawyers Near Me

Immigration Lawyers Near Me

A quick search for “immigration attorneys near me” will give you many options for lawyers in your area. But who is the best? The experienced Chicago family immigration lawyers at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan have experience handling immigration cases at all stages of the immigration process. We serve clients throughout the Chicagoland area, and clients trust us to help them keep their families together. Learn more about the different stages of the immigration process: 

Visas

In order to enter the country lawfully, you must first obtain a visa. Visas can be sponsored by specified family members or by an employer. There are also certain humanitarian visas available to refugees seeking asylum, victims of human trafficking, and other specific crimes. Visas are only intended to be for a short duration. It is important to be sure you apply for the correct type of visa to prevent delays in the immigration process – or worse, getting into trouble with the immigration authorities. For example, a visa might restrict the type of work you can perform or which employer may act as a sponsor. Issues with your visa can prevent you from obtaining a more permanent immigration status.

Green Cards

Lawful permanent residence is – as the name implies – a more long-term solution for immigration. Lawful permanent residence is obtained when you receive a “green card.” This card allows you to live and work in the United States so long as you remain eligible. You could become ineligible for green card status by committing a serious crime or by failing to renew your green card on the expiration date. An immigration attorney can help you avoid these problems so that your permanent residence remains valid.  Like visas, green cards can be sponsored by a family member or employer, and there are also humanitarian grounds for claiming permanent residency.

Citizenship

Though a green card is a long-term immigration solution, many immigrants still choose to become naturalized citizens in order to receive the full benefits of citizenship. Citizens may vote and enjoy the protection of certain U.S. laws overseas. They also cannot have their immigration status revoked in the way a visa or green card can be. If the government wishes to remove a naturalized citizen, they must go through the complex denaturalization process. This is far more difficult than simply revoking a visa or green card. Citizenship does not require a sponsor. Your family member or employer can provide moral support and help you prepare for the tests, but they do not have to become formally involved in the citizenship process. 

Experienced Immigration Lawyers Serving the Entire Chicagoland Area

The sooner you find the right immigration strategy for your particular situation, the sooner you can begin the process of securing lawful immigration status. Whether you need a visa, green card, or citizenship, the experienced Chicago family immigration lawyers at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible.