Phoenix Immigration Services
Gunderson, Denton & Peterson has split to focus on our respective areas of practice. For Estate and Immigration law, please call Gunderson Law Group at (480) 750-7337. For Business & Litigation, please call Denton Peterson at 480-325-9900
Finding Solutions with a Phoenix Immigration Attorney
The process to become a U.S. citizen or legal resident includes navigating through a complex legal system and complying with precise requirements. Most people do not have the knowledge or skills to complete the necessary steps on their own. These people can gain a serious advantage in the process to become a U.S. citizen or legal resident by retaining the services of a Phoenix immigration attorney. Having legal representation by your side as you complete the requirements for residency and citizenship can make this process easier and ensure a successful outcome.
The Advantages of Having a Phoenix Immigration Attorney
In fact, we help our clients to avoid pitfalls and other challenges that immigrants often face. People who are new to the country might not know how to obtain a visa or other documents that allow them to stay in the country legally. Sometimes they unknowingly stay longer in the country than the amount of time they are allowed to by law. We can assist people in renewing their paperwork, which in turn allows them to remain in the country while they apply for residency.
As Arizona lawyers, we take very seriously our duty to remain informed on immigration law, as it is changed and amended regularly. Most people are not knowledgeable about the intricacies of the laws that govern immigration and citizenship. As we represent our clients, we make sure that they stay within the bounds of these laws and apply for residency or citizenship as they should.
If an application is denied, we remain committed to finding a suitable solution. We can help clients with the filing of appeal or other follow-up action and represent them during the subsequent proceedings. With our expertise, we can keep their application active, allowing them to stay in the country as they continue to seek a favorable resolution.
As they navigate the details of immigration law, people can benefit by retaining legal representation. Among other things, we assist our clients with the following:
- Filing the necessary paperwork for visas.
- Providing counseling relating to immigration and citizenship process and application.
- Providing assistance with appeals and related proceedings.
Many of our clients also need access to other resources, such as language classes or employment referrals. As their lawyers, we know where to find these resources and can guide our clients as they learn English, find a job, and establish themselves as successful contributors to society.
Please call our office at 480-655-7440 to learn more about how we can help with your needs.
Q: I have a friend who came into the country in 2004 into the US with someone else’s passport
The person took their passport back, now he’s out of status and he’s now met a lady who’s american citizen they both want to get married. Can he adjust his status? He now has a blank passport with no visa. Would this be a problem for him when adjusting his status or what document does he need to prove? Please advice on his behalf.
A: Your friend has three big problems.
First, because he used fraud to enter the US, there is a good chance USCIS will say this was not a “lawful admission” and without a lawful admission, he is not eligible for adjustment of status. There may be room to argue that point, but not without research and analysis of many more factors than are available from your description.
Second, if he is not eligible for adjustment of status, he would have to leave the U.S. and process an immigrant visa at a US consulate. Because he has been ‘unlawfully present’ in the U.S. for more than 1 year, leaving the U.S. now will cause him to become inadmissible to the U.S. for 10 years. To come back sooner than that, he will need to seek a waiver of unlawful presence, by demonstrating extreme hardship to a qualified relative.
Third, because he used someone else’s passport to enter the U.S., he is already inadmissible due to fraud. He will not be able to adjust status or obtain an immigrant visa at a consulate, unless he seeks and is granted a waiver for his fraud.
Each of these three issues are complex and turn on many different factors. Succeeding in any of them will be difficult. If he does not have expert legal counsel, his chances of obtaining lawful status in the U.S. will not be very good! He definitely needs the help of an experienced immigration attorney.
* This answer does not constitute legal advice. I am admitted in the State of Arizona only. This advice is based on general principles of law that may or may not relate to your specific situation. Facts and laws change and these possible changes will affect the advice provided here. You should not rely on this advice alone, and nothing in these communications creates an attorney-client relationship.
Re-posted from AVVO Legal Questions & Answers.
40 N Central Ave #1400
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Office: 480-325-9937
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-5
