Immigration Attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey

For over 200 years now, the United States has attracted immigrants from all over the globe hoping to gain legal entry to the country. And, though the road to citizenship can be long and complicated, it’s not impossible. That said, this process can be made much easier by working with an immigration attorney who can guide you through the steps you’ll need to take and help address any issues that come up along the way.  

For immigration help in the Hackensack, New Jersey area—including Clifton, Paterson, and West New York areas—call William J. Quirk, Esq., LLC to schedule an appointment.  

Permanent Residency and Citizenship  

The first step for many hopeful immigrants coming to the U.S. is to gain permanent residency by obtaining a green card. There are several ways that you may be able to be granted a green card: 

• through an immediate family member or fiancé who’s already a U.S. citizen 

• as an immigrant worker 

• as a physician  

• as an immigrant investor 

• as a refugee or asylum seeker 

• a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioner 

Of these, employment and family petitions are the most common, and this can likely be done through the adjustment of status process which means you won’t have to go back to your home country first. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to have a sponsor file a petition for you; however, you may also be able to get a green card by applying in your home country through consular processing. The method you choose is best determined by meeting with an attorney who can assess your specific needs.  

For those seeking naturalization, you typically must meet one of the following requirements: 

1. You’ve been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. 

2. You’re married to a U.S. citizen. 

3. You’re serving in the U.S. military. 

4. You’re the child of a U.S. citizen. 

Family Petitions  

Sometimes, a family member may be able to petition on your behalf for a green card. This is typically easiest for immediate family members such as spouses, children, parents, or siblings. You may also wish to pursue a fiancé visa if you’re engaged to be married to a U.S. citizen and are currently living out of the country. One final way to apply for an adjustment of status is through a K-3 or K-4 visa, which is reserved for spouses or children of spouses. 

Removal Defense  

Although the individual themselves can start some stages of the immigration process, if you’re at risk of deportation and need help with removal defense, you should only work with a qualified attorney. When facing removal, you’ll likely have to appear in immigration court before a judge to seek cancellation. Before this happens, you should sit down with an experienced lawyer who can work with you to develop a defense strategy because certain individuals may be able to qualify for asylum.  

Another option is to apply for cancellation of removal, but the exact approach will depend on whether you’re currently a permanent resident or a non-permanent resident.  

• Permanent residents must show they’ve lived in the U.S. for at least seven years, have been lawful permanent residents for five years, and haven’t been convicted of a felony. 

• Non-permanent residents must show they lived in the U.S. continuously for at least 10 years, have been of “good moral character,” haven’t been convicted of certain crimes, and that deportation would result in extreme hardship. 

In both cases, waivers may be available even if you were convicted of a crime, but these would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.