Compassionate Immigration and Asylum Representation
The immigration process in the United States can seem impenetrable, with a tangle of overlapping federal laws and regulations. In the meantime, you and your family may be dealing with long-term separation, challenges finding legal work, and fear of deportation from the country. But if you're seeking asylum or in the midst of the immigration process in the U.S., an experienced immigration attorney like Andre McKenney-Dorval can help ease these burdens and set you on the path to obtaining asylum, bringing your family to the U.S., obtaining VISAs or green cards, naturalization, or halting removal proceedings. Andre hails from a family of Haitian immigrants and knows the challenges the immigration process presents.
Asylum
If you've left your home country because you fear for your safety, you may be eligible for asylum and refugee status in the U.S. If you've suffered persecution in your home country, or if you fear persecution if you return because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, you may qualify. You may also file for employment authorization, based on your pending asylum application 150 days after you file your asylum application.
Because you must file an asylum claim within one year of your entry into the U.S., it's essential that you contact a skilled immigration attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Andre McKenney-Dorval handles affirmative asylum claims for those not in removal proceedings and defensive asylum claims in immigration court if you are already in removal proceedings.
If you're granted asylum in the U.S., you may petition to bring your spouse and children to the U.S. While family-based asylum isn't an option until after you have asylum, a skilled immigration lawyer like Andre McKenney-Dorval can help make the process as painless and efficient as possible.
Marriage and Family Green Card Petition
If you are a U.S. citizen or a green card holder in the U.S., you can petition for your spouse and family members to receive green cards and come to the U.S. as well. The process can be daunting, involving a petition to establish your family relationships, a green card application, and an interview with an immigration officer. The paperwork and procedures can vary depending on whether you and your family are currently living in or outside of the U.S., making it important that you have a knowledgeable immigration attorney guiding you through the process.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the process that allows you to become a citizen of the U.S. Becoming a new citizen is an exciting time, allowing you to participate fully in our country's democratic processes. But the naturalization paperwork and procedures can be overwhelming. An experienced immigration attorney like Andre McKenney can guide you through the process, so you can focus on the result, becoming an American citizen.
Visas
An immigration visa can allow you or your family members to enter the U.S. to live and work in the country legally. Obtaining an immigration Visa can follow many paths, including employment, family ties, adoption, diversity for those from countries with meager immigration rates to the U.S., and special immigration status, which includes former U.S. government employees. Understanding your best option for a visa doesn't have to be a challenge, with a skilled immigration attorney guiding you through the process.
Temporary Protected Status
If conditions in your home country make it dangerous, difficult, or impossible to return, the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). With TPS status, you may be able to remain in the U.S., work, and travel. However, TPS doesn't typically allow a path to permanent lawful residence in the U.S. An experienced immigration attorney like Andre McKenney can explain your options and help you pursue permanent residence.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a policy that provides a sort of legal reprieve from deportation for people brought to the U.S. as children, known as DREAMers. DACA offers protection from deportation and a work permit, allowing you to embrace life in the U.S fully. However, you must renew your DACA status every two years. While the Biden administration has indicated it intends to fortify DACA from legal challenges, the status of this program is still subject to the whims of our country's elected leaders. That's why it's essential to discuss your DACA status with an experienced immigration attorney like Andre McKinney. She can help you avoid common mistakes and understand the limitations of the DACA program to ensure you can stay in the U.S.
Removal/Deportation Defense
When you've built a life and a family in the United States, the threat of removal or deportation can be frightening. Having a seasoned immigration attorney by your side can give you more options and protect your rights. Immigrants with attorneys guiding them through the removal process are more likely to be granted bond and to establish their right to remain in the United States.
You Need an Experienced, Compassionate Immigration Attorney
Whether you're facing immigration issues or just beginning the process, this isn't something you have to tackle on your own. A knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer can guide you, explain your options, and make the process as efficient as possible. Find out how attorney Andre McKenney-Dorval can help you. Call her firm at (954) 302-8989 or online to schedule your consultation.