What is the Keeping Families Together Program?

Facing deportation can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Whether you are facing removal proceedings due to a visa violation, criminal conviction, or any other reason, having the right legal representation on your side can make all the difference. At Martinez Immigration Law, we specialize in providing nationwide assistance with immigration matters, including deportation defense. In this blog post, we will discuss how an attorney can help you avoid deportation and protect your rights. Understanding Your Options: One of the first steps in avoiding deportation is understanding your legal options. An experienced immigration attorney can review your case, assess the circumstances leading to your removal proceedings, and determine the best course of action to take. Whether it involves seeking relief through cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status, an attorney can guide you through the complex immigration process. Building a Strong Defense: Deportation cases often involve presenting evidence and arguments to demonstrate why you should be allowed to remain in the United States. An attorney can help gather supporting documentation, prepare persuasive legal briefs, and represent you in court hearings. By building a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case, an attorney can increase your chances of successfully avoiding deportation. Navigating Complex Legal Proceedings: Deportation proceedings involve navigating complex legal procedures and requirements that can be challenging for individuals without legal training. An experienced immigration attorney understands the nuances of immigration law and knows how to effectively navigate the system on behalf of their clients. From filing necessary paperwork to representing you in court hearings, an attorney can provide valuable guidance and advocacy every step of the way. Protecting Your Rights: Throughout the deportation process, it is crucial to ensure that your rights are protected and upheld. An attorney can advocate on your behalf, challenge any violations of due process or procedural errors, and work to secure a fair outcome for your case. By having legal representation by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that someone is fighting for your rights and interests. Providing Ongoing Support: Dealing with deportation proceedings can be emotionally draining and stressful for individuals and their families. An attorney can also offer emotional support and guidance throughout the process. From answering your questions to keeping you informed about updates in your case, an attorney can provide ongoing support to help alleviate some of the stress associated with facing deportation. When facing deportation proceedings, having an experienced immigration attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Martinez Immigration Law, we are committed to providing nationwide assistance with immigration matters and helping individuals navigate through complex deportation proceedings successfully. If you are facing deportation or have concerns about your immigration status, do not hesitate to reach out to us for legal representation and support. 

Navigating the complex world of immigration law can be overwhelming. With so many rules, regulations, and paperwork to contend with, it's no wonder that many people turn to immigration lawyers for assistance. But do you actually need an immigration lawyer? In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of working with a professional immigration attorney like Martinez Immigration Law and how they can help you successfully navigate the immigration process. Knowledge and Experience: One of the primary reasons to consider hiring an immigration lawyer is their experience in handling immigration matters. Immigration laws are constantly changing and can be difficult to understand for someone without legal training. An experienced immigration attorney will have a deep understanding of the intricacies of immigration law and will be able to guide you through the process effectively. Personalized Guidance: Every individual's situation is unique when it comes to immigration matters. A skilled immigration lawyer will take the time to understand your specific circumstances and provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs. Whether you're applying for a visa, seeking asylum, or facing deportation proceedings, having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome. Legal Representation: In many cases, having legal representation is crucial when dealing with complex immigration issues. An experienced attorney can represent you in court, handle negotiations with government agencies, and advocate on your behalf throughout the entire process. This level of support can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights. Avoid Costly Mistakes: Filing incorrect paperwork or missing important deadlines can result in delays or even denial of your immigration application. By working with an immigration lawyer, you can avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of success. A skilled attorney will ensure that all necessary documents are correctly filled out and submitted on time, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome. Nationwide Assistance: Martinez Immigration Law offers nationwide assistance with all types of immigration matters. Whether you're located across the country or overseas, our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law. From family-based petitions to employment visas, we have the knowledge and resources to guide you through every step of the process. While not everyone may require an immigration lawyer for their specific situation, working with a knowledgeable attorney like Martinez Immigration Law can greatly increase your chances of success in navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law. From personalized guidance to legal representation and nationwide assistance, our team is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their immigration goals effectively and efficiently.

Navigating the Path to Citizenship: How Long Do I Have to Be a Resident Before Applying?

Immigration courts are specialized courts within the U.S. Department of Justice where immigration cases—called “removal proceedings”—are decided by immigration judges. Unlike federal or state courts, immigration courts focus specifically on cases related to immigration laws and regulations. Currently, there are over 60 immigration courts in the United States, including the Kansas City Immigration Court. Key People in Immigration Court Immigration Judge: The immigration judge presides over the hearings, makes determinations on evidence and legal arguments, and decides the outcome of the case. Immigration judges are appointed by the Attorney General and are responsible for ensuring the proceedings are conducted impartially. Respondent: The respondent is the individual facing removal proceedings. The respondent can be represented by an attorney or choose to represent themselves. Immigration Attorney: A defense attorney represents the respondent in immigration court, providing legal advice, presenting evidence, and making arguments on their behalf. Having an immigration attorney who is experienced in immigration proceedings is crucial as immigration law is complex and the stakes are high. One study estimated that immigrants who are represented by an attorney are 5 times more likely to win their case than people who do not have an attorney. Government Attorney (Trial Attorney): Representing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the government attorney is responsible for presenting the case against the respondent. Their role includes demonstrating why the respondent should be removed (deported) from the country or why their application for relief should be denied. Courtroom Clerk: The clerk manages the administrative aspects of the court, including scheduling hearings, maintaining records, and assisting with the filing of documents. Interpreter: Immigration courts are required to provide an interpreter to respondents who need them. The interpreter help ensure that all parties understand each other. Their role is vital in making sure that individuals who do not speak English can understand the proceedings and present their case effectively. The Process in Immigration Court Initiation of Removal Proceedings: Immigration court proceedings begin when a Notice to Appear (NTA) is filed with the court and served on the respondent. This document outlines the charges under the law and reasons for removal or other actions Master Calendar Hearings: The first type of hearing is a master calendar hearing, where procedural matters are discussed, This hearing is often brief and focuses on scheduling and preliminary issues rather than substantive matters. Individual Merits Hearing: In the individual merits hearing, the respondent presents their case in detail. This involves submitting evidence, calling witnesses, and making legal arguments. The government attorney also presents evidence and arguments supporting the case for removal or denial of relief. Decision: After the evidence and arguments have been presented, the immigration judge will give their decision. This could involve granting relief, such as asylum or cancellation of removal, or ordering removal from the United States. In some cases, the judge may issue a written decision later, rather than delivering it from the bench. Appeals: If the respondent disagrees with the judge’s decision, they have the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The BIA reviews the case and the judge’s decision for legal errors and can either uphold, modify, or overturn the decision. Further appeals can be made to federal courts. Immigration court proceedings can be complex and emotionally taxing but understanding the basics of the process can help demystify what happens and prepare you for what to expect. 

As summer 2024 winds down, we are anxiously anticipating the start of President Biden’s Keeping Families Together program, set to begin on August 19th. The program will allow spouses of U.S. citizens who were married as of June 17, 2024 to apply for permanent residency without leaving the U.S. using a process called “parole in place.” Spouses of U.S. citizens who entered the U.S. on a visa already have the option to become permanent residents without leaving the country. However, this program is designed for people who did not come to the U.S. legally, who would normally have to leave the U.S. for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Parole in place allows them to do the entire process without leaving the U.S. The program can also be used for children and stepchildren. Applicants for this program must have: 1. Been continuously physically present without admission or parole in the United States for 10 years or more; 2. Have no disqualifying criminal convictions; 3. Not pose a threat to national security and public safety and pass vetting; and 4. Are otherwise eligible to apply for adjustment of status; and merit a favorable exercise of discretion. There are still many details that have not been announced. Check here for more information as it becomes available. You can also visit https://www.uscis.gov/keepingfamiliestogether .