Employment visas
Every year a set number of employment based visas are available to foreign workers who meet the educational and background requirements for their visa program. Employment based immigrant visas are divided into five preference categories. Certain spouses and children may accompany or follow-to-join employment-based immigrants. Velasquez Law Group, LLC has successfully handled H1b, L and O visas.
Naturalization
Lawful permanent residents (also known as green card holders) of the United States, who meet the eligibility requirements, can apply to naturalize, or become United States Citizens. Some of the requirements are:
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Be 18 years of age or above.
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A lawful permanent resident for 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
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Have maintained continuous residence during the past 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
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Have maintained physical presence during the past 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
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Have good moral character.
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Have basic knowledge of English.
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Have basic knowledge of US government and history.
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Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Velasquez Law Group, LLC is ready to assist you with becoming a citizen. We can evaluate your case for potential problems or roadblocks in the citizenship process and help you navigate the process.
Complex immigration matters
Velasquez Law Group, LLC handles complicated immigration matters competently and professionally, including: Removal (deportation) defense, representation in ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) matters, NACARA and asylum cases, among others.
Although the firm's primary focus is immigration law, we are also experienced in general civil litigation. We are happy to discuss your legal matter with you to determine if we can assist you.
I-9 and E-Verify business consultations
Form I-9 is the core of E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from the Form I-9 to government records to confirm that an employee is authorized to work in the United States. Although E-Verify uses information from Form I-9, there are some important differences between the two. Attorney Amy Velasquez is available to consult with your company's human resource professional about immigration matters, assist with internal I-9 audits, or assist with setting up or navigating the E-Verify system.
Permanent residency
A Green Card holder (permanent resident) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, a person is granted a permanent resident card, commonly called a "Green Card." You can become a permanent resident several different ways. Most people are sponsored by a family member but others may become permanent residents through refugee or asylee status or other humanitarian programs. In other cases, the individual sponsors themselves or is sponsored by an employer. Velasquez Law Group, LLC attorneys have successfully gained permanent resident status for many clients.
Attorney's Fees
Velasquez Law Group, LLC charges an initial consultation fee of $175 for immigration matters. During the initial consultation the attorney will provide you with an explanation of the immigration process and possible outcomes for your case.
For most legal services, Velasquez Law Group, LLC offers a flat fee. No two cases are alike and, accordingly, no two fees will be the same.
Since the amount of time needed on your case can never be predicted with precision, your attorney will do her best, during the initial consultation with you, to estimate the work involved in your case and base her fee accordingly. Velasquez Law Group, LLC will also advise you of any costs that will be involved, such as USCIS filing fees, National Visa Center fees, postage, and courier fees. There may be variables that cannot be anticipated in any legal case, but Velasquez Law Group, LLC will make an honest effort to try to help you determine and anticipate all the costs involved from the outset of the case.
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Temporary Protected Status ("TPS"), U Visas, VAWA visas, Affirmative Asylum Applications
Velasquez Law Group, LLC is experienced at handling TPS renewals and has won several appeals of TPS revocations. We are experienced at handling U Visa (crime victim's visa) and VAWA (battered women's visa) cases with dedication and compassion. We will also assist you with the filing of your affirmative asylum application if you are unable to return to your home country for certain reasons. We understand that immigration is a complex area of the law with very high stakes. We strive to never forget that our representation affects families and lives.
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