Securing a green card or becoming a U.S. citizen can be a long and convoluted process. There are countless forms to fill out, deadlines to manage, and interviews to attend. Staying on top of these tasks is critical if you want to extend your time in the United States or become a U.S. citizen.
A St. Cloud immigration lawyer from our firm can provide valuable advice and support through your immigration journey. This includes help filling out documents and important insight into how the immigration process works. A lawyer’s expertise could also be helpful if you are facing other challenges, such as deportation.
The Benefits of Hiring a St. Cloud Immigration Lawyer
Our team is ready to help you apply for a green card, guide you through the naturalization process, and handle many other immigration services.
You can count on one of our attorneys to:
- Help you manage and meet all deadlines.
- Gather the necessary documentation.
- File your immigration claim.
- Defend your immigrant rights as needed.
- Work with an employer sponsor on your behalf, if applicable.
- Prepare you for meetings with U.S. immigration officials.
- Fight to protect your rights in any removal proceedings.
Deportation Assistance
If you are flagged for deportation or “removal,” an experienced immigration lawyer can guide you through this challenging legal issue. If you receive a removal proceedings notice, do not hesitate to contact a law firm because time may be of the essence.
Some grounds that the U.S. government commonly uses for removal proceedings in deportation cases include:
- Fraud: You could face removal if you have been accused of fraud or a similar crime.
- Staying beyond your visa: Failing to renew your nonimmigrant visa is also potential grounds for removal.
- Asylum denial: Typically, asylees are granted residence in the United States for a specific time. If you stay beyond this duration, you could be deported.
Several other situations can lead to deportation. However, you can fight the proceedings in court, where the support of a lawyer with extensive immigration experience can be invaluable.
To consult with an experienced immigration lawyer serving St. Cloud, call 855-780-9986
The Team Behind Bogin, Munns, & Munns
Our law firm has been in business for more than 40 years, and immigration law is one of many practice areas we excel in. As a result, we continually receive accolades for our work, including:
- Acceptance into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forum, a national organization of trial lawyers with strict qualifications for membership.
- Receiving a preeminent rating from Avvo, which is a highly coveted Martindale-Hubbell scoring criterion.
- Being selected as a finalist for the best law firms in central Florida by the Orlando Sentinel.
These accomplishments are joined by hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied clients. Their testimonials demonstrate our firm’s commitment to legal expertise and compassionate support. Here are a couple of examples:
- “I was pleased with what they accomplished and with the way they handled pretty much everything that had to do with my case.”
- “Ryan Munns and staff have been a great help. With so many attorneys and different areas of practice, they are a complete firm with a long history in Florida.”
St. Cloud Immigration Lawyer Near Me 855-780-9986
What Is a Green Card?
The term “green card” refers to various visa types that permit an extended or permanent stay in the United States. Common green card eligibility categories include:
- Family green cards: You could be eligible for a family green card if your spouse or other relatives are already U.S. citizens.
- Employment green cards: Depending on your employment, you could be eligible for this type of green card. The U.S. gives preference to those in sought-after professions, such as those involving “extraordinary ability” in the sciences or business.
- Special immigrant green cards: This eligibility type refers to a range of special categories, from affiliation with the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to employment as a translator during the war in Iraq. Our legal team can let you know whether this category applies to you.
- Refugee or asylee green cards: You could be eligible for this type of green card if you were granted asylee or refugee status within the past year.
- Human trafficking or crime green cards: These green cards are designed to grant temporary residence in the United States to victims of human trafficking or crime.
This is not a complete list of green card eligibility categories. If you are unsure which category applies to your situation, contact one of our St. Cloud immigration lawyers for help.
Official Steps for Obtaining a Green Card
Green cards are especially important because most people need them before becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. If you would like to become an American citizen someday, you will need to follow these steps to secure a green card first, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
- Typically, someone must petition for green card candidacy on your behalf. In some cases, you can file this petition on your own.
- You will file an official application with USCIS or the U.S. Department of State if the petition is approved.
- Next, you must attend a biometrics appointment to provide your photo, fingerprints, and signature.
- After you complete the biometrics appointment, someone will contact you to schedule an official interview.
- Once all these steps are completed, a state official or representative will inform you of their decision.
This is a general overview of the required steps to obtaining a green card, but certain nuances may apply based on your situation.
For instance, the process you must adhere to depends on whether you are inside or outside the United States. Similarly, the forms associated with your application may differ based on your eligibility category.
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The Path to U.S. Citizenship
Before you apply for U.S. citizenship, you must determine if you meet the following eligibility guidelines:
- Be age 18 or older at the time of your filing.
- Be a competent English speaker.
- Be a lawful permanent resident for three or five years, depending on your spousal association.
Demonstrable knowledge of U.S. history and a willingness to take the oath of allegiance will also be required.
Steps Towards Citizenship
Here is a brief overview of the steps you must take to become a U.S. citizen via naturalization:
- Determine your eligibility.
- Complete and sign your N-400 form.
- Pay any related filing fees.
- Provide any necessary evidence or documentation.
This process varies from case to case. You can begin by creating an account with USCIS and using their citizenship eligibility tool. Then, a St. Cloud immigration attorney can inform you of your next steps.
Submit a Consultation Request form today
Contact Our Immigration Team Today
Bogin, Munns & Munns is committed to helping individuals and families through the immigration process. Whether you are seeking permanent residency or facing deportation, our St. Cloud immigration lawyers could help. Our team is ready and eager to learn more about your case.
Get started by filling out our immigrant questionnaire or calling us today. We provide immigration legal representation in English and Spanish, and our initial consultation is free.
Call or text 855-780-9986 or submit our Consultation Request form today
