Immigration Services
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The Law Offices of LaTanya Maria Jones provides experienced and proven immigration assistance.
Our Immigration Law Firm offers a full range of immigration services and legal support to help you accomplish your immigration needs.
We invite you to browse our website to learn more about immigration law, immigration news,
and find out how our New Jersey Immigration Law Firm can help you become a permanent resident or work lawfully in the United States.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation in-person, over the phone, or virtually.
Our Immigration Law Firm offers a full range of immigration services and legal support to help you accomplish your immigration needs.
We invite you to browse our website to learn more about immigration law, immigration news,
and find out how our New Jersey Immigration Law Firm can help you become a permanent resident or work lawfully in the United States.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation in-person, over the phone, or virtually.
Family-Based Immigration
The Law Offices of LaTanya Maria Jones provides experienced and proven immigration assistance.
We understand that trying to help your family member immigrate to the United States is an important and intimate process. We appreciate this fact and will work closely with you to ensure that all the details of your case are tended to and that the immigration process goes as smoothly as possible. Immigration law is a very convoluted area of law, so it's always recommended that you schedule a consultation with an experienced Immigration Attorney before contacting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS customer service representatives are not experts - and if they give you wrong information they will not refund your money or show you any sympathy. Many people think they can take care of their immigration problems themselves. But then they find that their case is denied, delayed for years or they find themselves being deported from the United States. Don't let this be you! Let our experienced Immigration Lawyers help you get permanent residence in the United States. Our Immigration Law Firm offers a full range of immigration legal services to help you accomplish your immigration needs. We invite you to browse our website to learn more about immigration law, immigration news, and find out how our New Jersey Immigration Law Firm can help you become a permanent resident or work lawfully in the United States. Our U.S. Immigration Lawyers handle all immigration cases, including but not limited to: Affidavit of Support Adjustment Interview Adjustment of Status Adoption Advance Parole Appeals Asylum Bond Hearing Bond Redetermination Cancellation of Removal Change of Status Criminal Defense for Immigrants Consular Processing DACA Denials Deportation Defense Detention and Detained Immigrants Employment Visa Expired or Lost Green Card Extension of Status Family Immigration Fiancé Visa FOIA Record Request Guardianship Green Card Green Card Renewal Hardship Waiver H1-B Visa I-130 Petition ICE Immigration and Custom Enforcement Immigration Court Individual Hearing J-1 Exchange Program Visa LGBTQ+ immigration Marriage Green Card Master Hearing Motion for Reconsideration Motion to Reopen Motion to Terminate National Visa Center Naturalization Notice of Intent to Deny Order of Supervision Permanent Residence PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) Petition for Alien Relative Provisional Waiver Prosecutorial Discretion Removal of Conditions Removal Proceedings Request for Evidence Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Undocumented Immigrant US Citizenship USCIS Violence Against Women's Act (VAWA) Visa Services Visitor Visa Work Authorization Card Work Permit Work Visa and more |
Green Card by Marriage
If you are married or engaged to a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and want to get a Green Card or Work Permit, we can help you! We specialize in Marriage based immigration. We will help you adopt the best strategy for your application, prepare you for your adjustment of status interview and guide you on how to prove your marriage is real. It is perfectly legal to get married to a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder and obtain permanent residency in the United States. This type of marriage arrangement is often called a green card by marriage. You must understand, however, that your green card marriage will only be valid for immigration purposes if it was not a mere sham to obtain an immigration benefit. So long as the main purpose of your marriage is for love and affection, we can help you! The United States has a long history of welcoming legitimately married aliens as permanent residents and eventually as citizens. Contact us today to get a green card. Family-based Immigration Family based immigration is the most common form of obtaining lawful permanent residency, which is more commonly known as a “green card.” Family members of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States may obtain legal permanent residence in the United States. Filing for permanent residency also allows one to obtain an employment authorization document, commonly referred to as a “work permit,” which authorizes lawful employment in the United States pending a decision on the application for permanent residency! The New Jersey Immigration Attorneys at The Law Offices of LaTanya Maria Jones Immigration Law Firm have helped husbands and wives, parents and children, and sisters and brothers stay together through the family-based immigration process. When you have decided that you are ready to help your family member immigrate to the United States, call us so we can help you get your application approved! Visas for Fiancé and Fiancée (K Visa) Are you an U.S. Citizen and engaged to someone who lives in another country? Do you want to bring your fiancé or fiancée to come live with you in the United States? If yes, we can help you get them a Fiancée Visa (Fiancé Visa). The K-1 visa is used to make it possible for the fiancé/ fiancée of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States for the purpose of marrying within 90 days. As soon as you have married, your spouse can apply for adjustment of status in order to obtain LPR status and, eventually, citizenship. If your future spouse has children who are younger than 21 years of age and are not married, then they will most likely be eligible to immigrate with the K-2 visa. The Law Offices of LaTanya Maria Jones Immigration Law Firm understands how important it is for you to be able to bring your fiancé or spouse to live with you in the United States. We will work diligently to help you do so with minimum delay and frustration. The complexities of U.S. immigration law can be overwhelming, and it is in your best interest to work with an experienced immigration attorney. Naturalization and United States Citizenship Under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), many immigrants have the option of applying to become full United States citizens through the process of naturalization. This makes it possible for you to enjoy the significant advantages of citizenship. Also it will prevent you from ever being deported. You will enjoy all the protections contained in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, be able to vote in elections and run for elected office, and be able to apply for federal employment positions that require U.S. citizenship. Naturalization also entails a number of responsibilities, such as the duty to support and defend the Constitution, obey the law, serve jury duty, and pay taxes on the local, state, and federal level. We will help you prepare for this interview, as well as assist you with all the necessary paperwork and documentation for your application. Our team understands how important this case is for your future, and we want to help you achieve success with a minimum of delay and difficulty. Contact our firm before it is too late! |
Employment and Corporate Immigration
Labor and Employment Law
If you are a foreign national seeking employment in the United States or a Business looking to employ a foreign national, our Immigration Lawyers at the Law Offices of LaTanya Maria Jones can help you.
The founding Immigration Attorney, LaTanya Maria Jones has experience representing Fortune 100 companies and handling various aspects of complex commercial matters. Prior to opening her own immigration practice, LaTanya worked as a Litigation Attorney at a prestigious, AmLaw Top 100 law firm. With this experience, LaTanya brings an in-depth understanding of the legal and practical issues businesses encounter. She also understands the obstacles U.S. companies have to face in order to obtain the best and brightest around the world. Our New Jersey Immigration Lawyer's Office can help you submit the documentation required to work legally here in the United States. This includes work visas, petitions, permanent work eligibility verification, and more. We will help you step by step with application selection, completion and filing. Living and Working in the United States We welcome both employers and employees to contact us to discuss employment immigration options. Thousands of people come to the United States every year for the purpose of finding work and building a new life in this country. Some come for a limited period of time, while others find long-term employment and become lawful permanent residents. Whether you are planning to immigrate and secure a green card through employment or you only need to secure a non-immigrant visa for a shorter period of stay, you can come to our firm for help. Our Immigration Lawyers Office has experience helping foreign nationals obtain working visas including:
Employment Visas We have experience helping employers and employees obtain the working visas they need to further their business capabilities. Our immigration lawyers can help you understand and identify the most appropriate visa to meet your needs. Some common types of employment based non-immigrant visas (temporary work visas) and immigrant visas (permanent visas) include:
Temporary Employment There are non-immigrant visas for temporary employment. If you are planning to come to the United States to fill a temporary employment position, then you will need to apply for one of the many different types of non-immigrant employment visas. Your employer will have to file a sponsorship petition on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, specifically the Form I-129, at least six months in advance of the planned date of employment. Once this is approved, the petition will be sent to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad where you will receive your visa. Before the petition can be filed, your employer must secure labor certification to prove that the position cannot reasonably be filled by hiring someone from the local labor pool. There are several different types of work visas for temporary workers, including O visas for individuals who possess extraordinary skill or ability in their professions; P visas for athletes, artists, and entertainers; L visas for transfer of employees of multinational corporations; and H visas for temporary agricultural workers. We will consult with you to select the most appropriate type of visa, as well as work closely with you and your future employer to carry out the entire process. In addition to our extensive experience handling these types of employment visas, we also assist clients with foreign exchange students (F visa), foreign exchange workers (J visa), and other professionals. |
Green Card Through Employment
There are five categories of foreign national workers that may seek lawful permanent residence in the United States. The categories are referred to as "employment-based" classifications, or "EB". The Immigration Lawyers at the Law Office of LaTanya Maria Jones Immigration Law Firm, can help individuals and businesses obtain all types of permanent immigrant visas and immigration documents, including:
Permanent Employment-Based Immigration The application process for an immigration visa based on employment is similar to that of a non-immigrant visa. Your future employer may have to receive labor certification from the Department of Labor and will have to submit a petition on your behalf, in this case the Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. In the event that you are applying in the first preference category, the EB-1 priority worker visa, the U.S. government will accept a petition directly from you - workers in this category are highly sought after in this economy. There are a total of five different types of employment-based visas, each intended for a certain category of worker. The first category is persons of extraordinary ability in certain fields (EB-1 visa); followed by professionals holding advanced degrees or who possess exceptional ability (EB-2 visa); professionals, skilled workers and other workers (EB-3 visa); special immigrants such as religious workers and retired employees of international organizations (EB-4 visa); and business investors who meet certain criteria (EB-5 visa). Whether you are planning to come to the United States for a limited period of employment or you want to apply for adjustment of status to permanent resident status, we encourage you to contact us. We will be prepared to take immediate action to help you get the process started. PERM Labor Certification Any employer looking to hire skilled or unskilled foreign labor cannot do so unless the Secretary of Labor has certified there are not sufficient U.S. employees. This labor certification process is commonly known as PERM. At the Law Offices of LaTanya Maria Jones, we have a thorough understanding of the legal issues surrounding PERM and the regulations established by the U.S. Department of Labor. While many employers must go through the labor certification process (PERM) before hiring immigrant workers, there are some exempt positions, including professors, scientists and other high-level jobs. We can help you determine if you or your potential employee qualifies for this special status. Our immigration lawyers assist both New Jersey employers and potential employees in filing the necessary applications and ensuring they meet all the requirements. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of the best immigration lawyers. College Graduate and F-1 Visa Student Have you graduated from a U.S. college and are interested in remaining here in the U.S. to work? Are you currently working here on a temporary work visa and would like to obtain a green card? We can provide experienced representation. If you wish to pursue full-time academic or vocational studies in the United States, you may be eligible for one of two non-immigrant student categories. The “F” category is for academic students. The “M” is for vocational students. The first step to studying in the United States is researching your choices to find a college or university that best fits your needs. The second step is being admitted as a full-time student in a college, university, seminar, conservatory, private academic high school, other academic institution, or language training program in the U.S. which is approved by the USCIS. J-1 Visa Exchange Program If you wish to participate in an exchange program you may be eligible for the “J” category for exchange visitors. The J visa program is for educational and cultural exchange programs. J1 Visas (exchange visitors) are for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age, regardless of nationality, are entitled to J-2 classification. Your spouse and children are entitled to work authorization; however, their income may not be used to support you. Examples of exchange visitors include, but are not limited to:
H-1B Visa The H1B Visa is for foreign professionals with specialized knowledge, such as scientists, engineers, programmers, research analysts, management consultants, journalists, accountants, and others with a Bachelor's or equivalent degree workers who will perform in a specialty occupation. If the applicant has a college degree or work experience and the job requires a college degree, then the applicant should be able to obtain an H1B visa. L1 Visa The L1 Visa is for executives or employees with specialized skills of multinational companies who are being transferred from an office overseas to an US office. The visa may also be used by a manager or executive to open a new office in the Unites States. The L1 visa is initially valid for three years and can be extended to a total stay of five years. There is no prevailing wage requirement for the L1 visa. Although the L1 visa was designed for large multinational corporations, it may also be used by smaller companies. Contact the Law Offices of LaTanya Maria Jones at (973) 259-6018 if you need a work visa or green card. |
MORE IMMIGRATION SERVICES
Our Immigration Law Firm offers a full range of immigration services.
Below, explore the additional legal services we offer. Can't find what you are looking for? Give us a call.
Below, explore the additional legal services we offer. Can't find what you are looking for? Give us a call.
United States Citizenship and Green Card Replacement
Naturalization |
Citizenship Through Parents |
Green Card Renewal |
Permanent Residence and Visa Assistance
Removal of Conditions
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Change of Status
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Request for Evidence
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Undocumented Immigrants and Immigration Court
Extreme Hardship Waiver
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Immigration Court
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Detention and Bond
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LEARN MORE
Top 35 Immigration Questions
Q: What is an Immigration Lawyer?
A: An immigration lawyer (immigration attorney) or abogado de inmigración is a lawyer who specializes in immigration law. An immigration lawyer can help you or your family member immigrate to the United States. They also help those people already living in the United States who need help with an immigration issue, such as getting a green card, deportation, asylum, and citizenship. Immigration lawyers also handle immigration cases involving those who want work visas or want to travel to the U.S. for business and students who want to come to the U.S. to study.
Q: Why do I need an Immigration Lawyer?
A: A good immigration lawyer will increase your chances for success. With an immigration lawyer, your case is more likely to get approved and processed faster. However, we can never guarantee success. An immigration lawyer will analyze the specific facts of your case and determine all possible options. Those options can then be discussed and evaluated in order to determine the best possible path to pursue. You can save yourself a lot of time, money and aggravation by hiring an experienced immigration lawyer.
Q: What is a Green Card or a Permanent Resident Card?
A: A Green Card holder (lawful permanent resident) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, the USCIS grants a person a permanent resident card, also known as a green card.
Q: How do I get a green card?
A: The United States offers several ways to become a Permanent Resident. You can typically obtain a green card in the following categories: 1) Family-Based Petitions; 2) Abused Women and Children; 3) Special Immigrants; 4) Country Specific Immigration; 5) Employment Based Petitions; 6) Green Card Lottery; 7) Asylum; and 8) Amnesty. There are other ways, not mentioned here, to acquire lawful permanent resident status.
Q: Can I work while waiting to get my green card?
A: When you apply for your green card, you can also apply for a work permit to be able to work while your adjustment application is being processed. If you marry a permanent resident and are not able to file for green card yet, you can only work if you have a valid non-immigrant visa which allows you to work.
Q: I have a work visa, how can I apply for a green card through my employer?
A: The most common ways to get a green card through employment, include: 1) green card through a job offer; 2) green card through investment; 3) green card through the self-petitioning process for those with extraordinary ability or certain individuals granted a national interest waiver; and 4) green card through special categories of jobs, where there are a number of specialized jobs that may allow you to get a green card based on a past or current job. This is a very complex area of immigration law.
Q: Can a person with a F-1 student visa get a green card and become a permanent resident?
A: Yes, if you can find a job in the United States and an employer to sponsor you. You can also get a green card if you are married to a U.S. citizen or have a family member who can sponsor you.
Q: If my husband or wife abuses me can I get a green card?
A: Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), victims of domestic violence can obtain a green card through the self-petitioning process if they were abused or battered by a U.S. citizen relative or by a green card holder. The victim must provide proof of his or her relationship to the abuser, evidence of abuse, such as statements from friends or people who witnessed the abuse, pictures, and other evidence. Police reports are not required in this case, as it is very common that victims of domestic violence are in the United States illegally and afraid to seek help from law enforcement agencies fearing they will be deported.
If you have been abused by a partner, we advised you to seek help immediately.
We have a lot of experience with VAWA cases and can help you become a permanent resident of the United States (without the help of your partner). Call us immediately to schedule a Consultation.
If you have been abused, and need an immigration lawyer but can't afford one, you may be eligible for a free consultation with a nonprofit organization or Legal Services of New Jersey or Legal Aid Society in New York and be represented by an immigration lawyer for free or at a reduced rate.
Q: Does the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) apply to Men?
A: The Violence Against Women Act does apply to both Women and Men who have been abused by their partner.
Q: If I am illegal, can I get a green card?
A: If you entered the U.S. without documentation, you may be able to request a hardship waiver based on the extreme hardship to your U.S. citizen spouse or your U.S. citizen children. You may also be able to apply for a green card under the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act.
Contact us immediately if you entered the United States illegally. Everything you tell us will be confidential, so do not be afraid to speak to us.
Q: I overstayed my visa, can I get a green card?
A: It is possible that you may be able to get your green card if you marry a U.S. citizen. However, you really need to schedule a consultation with us to analyze all facts of your case. Please keep in mind that you can face a 3 or 10 year bar from entering the United States if you overstay your visa.
Q: What are J-1 Visas for?
A: If you wish to participate in an exchange program you may be eligible for the “J” category for exchange visitors. The J visa program is for educational and cultural exchange programs, including nannies, teachers, trainees, etc.
Q: Do I qualify for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
A: You may qualify for temporary legal status in the United States and a work permit if you are from one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen.
Q: How can I get a green card for a family member?
A: An U.S. citizen or permanent resident can petition to get a family member a green card. U.S. citizens may sponsor a spouse, parent, sibling, minor child or adult child (regardless of marital status) for an immigrant visa. Additionally, permanent residents (green card holders) may sponsor a spouse or unmarried child.
Q: Does my spouse have to file an Affidavit of Support?
A: An affidavit of support is a document a person signs to accept financial responsibility for another person who is coming to live in the United States. The person who signs the affidavit of support becomes the sponsor (or joint sponsor) of the immigrant. The sponsor is usually the petitioner of an immigrant petition for a family member.
Q: What is a conditional green card?
A: Your permanent residence has all of the benefits of regular permanent residence, but lasts only two years instead of ten years. In cases where your permanent residence is based on a marriage that was less than two years old on the day you went for your green card interview, then your status is considered conditional. You are given conditional resident status on the day you are lawfully admitted to the United States on an immigrant visa or adjustment of your status to permanent residence. Your status is conditional, because you must prove that you did not get married to evade the immigration laws of the United States. To remove these conditions you must file a petition with USCIS and prove that your marriage continues to be good-faith and you continue to live with your U.S. citizen spouse. Be aware that if you attempt to file the application on your own and it is filed incorrectly or the documentation is insufficient, you will immediately be placed in deportation proceedings and lose your conditional residence in the United States.
You should contact our office before the 90 days so that we can help you properly prepare your petition to ensure that it is approved. It is highly advised to seek the advice of an immigration attorney when preparing this petition as there are specific requirements that must be met.
Q: How do I become a U.S. citizen?
A: Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national. If you have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years for a spouse of a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements, you can apply for naturalization. Also if you have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements, you may apply for naturalization. There are other ways to qualify for naturalization that are not mentioned here. Please contact us for more information.
Q: What are the benefits of becoming an American Citizen?
A: There are many privileges associated with U.S. Citizenship, making it a life-changing event in the lives of many immigrants. Below is a list of reasons for why you should become a U.S. Citizen.
Q: What types of questions are included in the English and civic sections of the citizenship or naturalization test?
A: During your naturalization interview, an USCIS Officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver. The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics.
Q: For how many years do I need to have my green card before applying for my citizenship?
A: You need to be a permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years for a spouse of a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Q: How do I get a fiancé or fiancée visa for my girlfriend/boyfriend to travel to the U.S.?
A: You need to apply for a K-1 Visa. It’s highly recommended that you get an immigration attorney to apply for a K-1 Visa for your fiancé to travel to the United States.
Q: What is the diversity lottery?
A: The diversity lottery is a Department of State program which issues 50,000 visas each year to foreign nationals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. Those foreign nationals who meet the criteria for the lottery are placed into a pool and randomly selected by a computer program for the available visas. Only foreign nationals from countries that sent less than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. over the past five years are eligible for the lottery.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of refugees and asylum seekers that are allowed to enter the U.S. each year?
A: There is a limit on the number of refugees, but not on the number of asylum seekers. The annual limit for refugees is calculated each year based on the current global population of refugees. By using data provided by The State Department, the President works with Congress to determine the amount of refugees that should be admitted to the United States for resettlement. This total number is subsequently allocated by region (East Asia, Africa, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, Caribbean and Near East/South Asia) with a number set aside for reserve in cases of humanitarian emergency.
Q: What are deportable offenses?
A: Deportable offenses are those actions for which an alien may be deported from the United States and return to his or her home country. Some of the deportable offenses include using fraudulent documents to enter the United States, providing material misrepresentations to an Immigration officer to receive a visa, committing certain types of crimes, overstaying a visa, voting illegally, etc.
Q: What are removal proceedings?
A: Very often non U.S. citizens are placed in removal proceedings. Removal is a legal term referring to the legal process of removing or deporting a person from the United States. You can be deported from the United States for various reasons including overstaying a visa, denial of immigrant petitions, criminal convictions, and other problems.
Q: What is a Notice to Appear?
A: When immigration authorities determine that there are grounds to deport an immigrant from the United States, the Department of Homeland Security files a notice to appear with the immigration court. This notice is then served to the immigrant, who is surprised to learn that he or she may be deported. If you find yourself in this situation, then you have cause to feel great concern. You are at risk of being deported from the United States, separated from your friends and family, and deprived of everything you have worked so hard to achieve in this country. The first action you should take after being served with a notice to appear is to contact a skilled immigration attorney who can advise you of your legal options and help you take immediate action to stop your deportation.
When you contact The Law Offices of LaTanya Maria Jones, an experienced immigration attorney from our office will be ready to meet with you or your family member to discuss your concerns and begin working on a strategy for your case. You cannot afford any delay in getting started. The immigration authorities have already decided to have you deported and they are actively working to carry out the action as quickly as possible.
With our help, you may be able to prevent the deportation and perhaps even secure a more favorable outcome, such as becoming a lawful permanent resident. The key is to call or visit us as early as possible so that we have adequate time to develop your case.
Q: What do I do if I am detained?
A: If you or a loved one have been arrested by ICE and are facing deportation, give us a call immediately. Time is of the essence! You need an experienced immigration lawyer to help you fight your deportation case so you can remain living in the United States. We understand the fear you are experiencing and the pain you are feeling from being separated from your family.
Our immigration lawyers handle deportation cases in New Jersey Immigration Court and Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza and 201 Varick Street in New York City. It is our mission to provide the highest level of representation to our clients. Simply put, we get results! Once you come to our office you will see how we are completely dedicated to helping our clients. We know that keeping your legal status in the United States is incredibly important. We also understand the strain you are under.
If your loved one is in immigration custody, we will try to get him or her bond. A bond enables a person to be released from jail and live outside of custody during the immigration court proceedings. Our New Jersey immigration attorneys will help determine whether or not you or your loved one is bondable.
Some individuals may be subject to mandatory detention and will not be released on a bond pending their deportation case. Those individuals who are mandatorily detained will have to fight their deportation case while remaining detained. If you are concerned about whether you or someone you know and love would be subject to mandatory detention if detained by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), please contact us for a consultation to discuss your situation with a deportation lawyer in detail.
NOTE: If you are not a United States citizen, it is wise to consult experienced immigration lawyers BEFORE pleading guilty or accepting any plea agreements! What you plea guilty to will determine whether ICE will begin removal proceedings against you and whether you will be eligible for any relief from being deported. Contact us immediately if you or someone you know and love is about to plea guilty to any criminal offense.
Q: Will I be Deported?
A: While there are many crimes that could form the basis for deportation, the most common are:
Q: How can I stop Deportation?
A: If you are subject to deportation or removal, depending on the specific facts of your case, you may be eligible for relief from deportation in forms of waivers of deportation or other forms of discretionary and/or mandatory relief, such as cancellation of removal.
There are several additional strategies for defending against removal proceedings. One is to petition for a waiver of inadmissibility, which has the power of nullifying the conditions that make you ineligible for immigration. You could have grounds to seek asylum if you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on your religion, race, nationality, social group, or political opinion. If you have a family member or employer who can sponsor you in a green card application, then you may be able to become an LPR by applying for adjustment of status. In the event that your initial attempts at preventing deportation are unsuccessful, we may still be able to take your case before the Board of Immigration Appeals, which has authority over the immigration courts in the United States. No matter how challenging your case may be, we will not hesitate to fight to defend your rights and help you avoid the disastrous consequences you face.
Q: What is an immigration hold?
A: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will normally place an immigration hold on inmates that are not U.S. citizens. If an undocumented inmate or an inmate with an expired visa has been arrested in put in jail, ICE will place an immigration hold on them which will prevent him or her from being released on bail until the criminal matter for which the inmate was detained is concluded. Once the criminal case has been concluded and the inmate has served his or her sentence, the inmate will be transferred to ICE custody for deportation. It is important for anyone involved in this situation to contact an experienced immigration attorney.
Q: How can I fight my deportation case?
A: There are many different defenses and strategies to fight your deportation, including but not limited to temporary protective status, adjustment of status, cancellation of removal, asylum, waivers, voluntary departure, citizenship, etc.
Q: ICE took my husband or family member, can I contact them?
A: There is no way for family members to contact detainees until the detainee is processed by ICE and sent to a county jail in New York or New Jersey. To find out what jail the detainee has been transferred to, you need to check ICE’s online detainee locator system. https://locator.ice.gov/odls/homePage.do
Q: What is mandatory detention?
A: The Immigration and Nationality Act and federal regulations state that the government must take you into custody and hold you without bond if you have been convicted of certain removable offenses and released from jail after October 8, 1998. If you were convicted of a removable offense but not sentenced to jail (for example if you were sentenced to community service, probation, or a conditional discharge) you may still be eligible for bond. If you think that you are entitled to bond, you must write to the immigration court and ask for a “Joseph Hearing” where you can try to convince the judge that the mandatory detention law does not apply to you.
Q: What is a Merits Hearing or Individual Hearing?
A: The merits hearing also called the individual hearing is the final hearing before an Immigration Judge. It is the trial stage of the removal proceedings. At the end of the hearing the Immigration Judge will make his or her final decision to either allow you to stay in the United States or order you to be deported. During the hearing, you will testify and present evidence and witnesses on your behalf to support your application for relief from removal. Also the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) government attorney will be present and he or she will question you and your witnesses, and present evidence to the Immigration Judge for why you should be deported.
Q: Do Canadian citizens need a visa to enter the United States?
A: If you are a citizen of Canada you do not need a non-immigrant visa to visit the U.S.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is for general guidance on matters of interest only. In no event will the Law Office of LaTanya Maria Jones, its owners, agents, or employees thereof be liable to you or to anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this website or for any resulting consequence. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult with an experienced immigration lawyer.
A: An immigration lawyer (immigration attorney) or abogado de inmigración is a lawyer who specializes in immigration law. An immigration lawyer can help you or your family member immigrate to the United States. They also help those people already living in the United States who need help with an immigration issue, such as getting a green card, deportation, asylum, and citizenship. Immigration lawyers also handle immigration cases involving those who want work visas or want to travel to the U.S. for business and students who want to come to the U.S. to study.
Q: Why do I need an Immigration Lawyer?
A: A good immigration lawyer will increase your chances for success. With an immigration lawyer, your case is more likely to get approved and processed faster. However, we can never guarantee success. An immigration lawyer will analyze the specific facts of your case and determine all possible options. Those options can then be discussed and evaluated in order to determine the best possible path to pursue. You can save yourself a lot of time, money and aggravation by hiring an experienced immigration lawyer.
Q: What is a Green Card or a Permanent Resident Card?
A: A Green Card holder (lawful permanent resident) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, the USCIS grants a person a permanent resident card, also known as a green card.
Q: How do I get a green card?
A: The United States offers several ways to become a Permanent Resident. You can typically obtain a green card in the following categories: 1) Family-Based Petitions; 2) Abused Women and Children; 3) Special Immigrants; 4) Country Specific Immigration; 5) Employment Based Petitions; 6) Green Card Lottery; 7) Asylum; and 8) Amnesty. There are other ways, not mentioned here, to acquire lawful permanent resident status.
Q: Can I work while waiting to get my green card?
A: When you apply for your green card, you can also apply for a work permit to be able to work while your adjustment application is being processed. If you marry a permanent resident and are not able to file for green card yet, you can only work if you have a valid non-immigrant visa which allows you to work.
Q: I have a work visa, how can I apply for a green card through my employer?
A: The most common ways to get a green card through employment, include: 1) green card through a job offer; 2) green card through investment; 3) green card through the self-petitioning process for those with extraordinary ability or certain individuals granted a national interest waiver; and 4) green card through special categories of jobs, where there are a number of specialized jobs that may allow you to get a green card based on a past or current job. This is a very complex area of immigration law.
Q: Can a person with a F-1 student visa get a green card and become a permanent resident?
A: Yes, if you can find a job in the United States and an employer to sponsor you. You can also get a green card if you are married to a U.S. citizen or have a family member who can sponsor you.
Q: If my husband or wife abuses me can I get a green card?
A: Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), victims of domestic violence can obtain a green card through the self-petitioning process if they were abused or battered by a U.S. citizen relative or by a green card holder. The victim must provide proof of his or her relationship to the abuser, evidence of abuse, such as statements from friends or people who witnessed the abuse, pictures, and other evidence. Police reports are not required in this case, as it is very common that victims of domestic violence are in the United States illegally and afraid to seek help from law enforcement agencies fearing they will be deported.
If you have been abused by a partner, we advised you to seek help immediately.
We have a lot of experience with VAWA cases and can help you become a permanent resident of the United States (without the help of your partner). Call us immediately to schedule a Consultation.
If you have been abused, and need an immigration lawyer but can't afford one, you may be eligible for a free consultation with a nonprofit organization or Legal Services of New Jersey or Legal Aid Society in New York and be represented by an immigration lawyer for free or at a reduced rate.
Q: Does the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) apply to Men?
A: The Violence Against Women Act does apply to both Women and Men who have been abused by their partner.
Q: If I am illegal, can I get a green card?
A: If you entered the U.S. without documentation, you may be able to request a hardship waiver based on the extreme hardship to your U.S. citizen spouse or your U.S. citizen children. You may also be able to apply for a green card under the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act.
Contact us immediately if you entered the United States illegally. Everything you tell us will be confidential, so do not be afraid to speak to us.
Q: I overstayed my visa, can I get a green card?
A: It is possible that you may be able to get your green card if you marry a U.S. citizen. However, you really need to schedule a consultation with us to analyze all facts of your case. Please keep in mind that you can face a 3 or 10 year bar from entering the United States if you overstay your visa.
Q: What are J-1 Visas for?
A: If you wish to participate in an exchange program you may be eligible for the “J” category for exchange visitors. The J visa program is for educational and cultural exchange programs, including nannies, teachers, trainees, etc.
Q: Do I qualify for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
A: You may qualify for temporary legal status in the United States and a work permit if you are from one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen.
Q: How can I get a green card for a family member?
A: An U.S. citizen or permanent resident can petition to get a family member a green card. U.S. citizens may sponsor a spouse, parent, sibling, minor child or adult child (regardless of marital status) for an immigrant visa. Additionally, permanent residents (green card holders) may sponsor a spouse or unmarried child.
Q: Does my spouse have to file an Affidavit of Support?
A: An affidavit of support is a document a person signs to accept financial responsibility for another person who is coming to live in the United States. The person who signs the affidavit of support becomes the sponsor (or joint sponsor) of the immigrant. The sponsor is usually the petitioner of an immigrant petition for a family member.
Q: What is a conditional green card?
A: Your permanent residence has all of the benefits of regular permanent residence, but lasts only two years instead of ten years. In cases where your permanent residence is based on a marriage that was less than two years old on the day you went for your green card interview, then your status is considered conditional. You are given conditional resident status on the day you are lawfully admitted to the United States on an immigrant visa or adjustment of your status to permanent residence. Your status is conditional, because you must prove that you did not get married to evade the immigration laws of the United States. To remove these conditions you must file a petition with USCIS and prove that your marriage continues to be good-faith and you continue to live with your U.S. citizen spouse. Be aware that if you attempt to file the application on your own and it is filed incorrectly or the documentation is insufficient, you will immediately be placed in deportation proceedings and lose your conditional residence in the United States.
You should contact our office before the 90 days so that we can help you properly prepare your petition to ensure that it is approved. It is highly advised to seek the advice of an immigration attorney when preparing this petition as there are specific requirements that must be met.
Q: How do I become a U.S. citizen?
A: Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national. If you have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years for a spouse of a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements, you can apply for naturalization. Also if you have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements, you may apply for naturalization. There are other ways to qualify for naturalization that are not mentioned here. Please contact us for more information.
Q: What are the benefits of becoming an American Citizen?
A: There are many privileges associated with U.S. Citizenship, making it a life-changing event in the lives of many immigrants. Below is a list of reasons for why you should become a U.S. Citizen.
- Citizenship for children
- The right not to be deported from the U.S.
- The right to bring more family members to the U.S.
- The right to vote in U.S. elections
- The right to travel with a U.S. passport
- The right to certain government jobs or to become an elected official
- The right to certain public benefits
- The right to live in another country without losing the right to return to the U.S.
- No address change or reporting requirements to the Department of Homeland Security
Q: What types of questions are included in the English and civic sections of the citizenship or naturalization test?
A: During your naturalization interview, an USCIS Officer will ask you questions about your application and background. You will also take an English and civics test unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver. The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics.
Q: For how many years do I need to have my green card before applying for my citizenship?
A: You need to be a permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years for a spouse of a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Q: How do I get a fiancé or fiancée visa for my girlfriend/boyfriend to travel to the U.S.?
A: You need to apply for a K-1 Visa. It’s highly recommended that you get an immigration attorney to apply for a K-1 Visa for your fiancé to travel to the United States.
Q: What is the diversity lottery?
A: The diversity lottery is a Department of State program which issues 50,000 visas each year to foreign nationals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. Those foreign nationals who meet the criteria for the lottery are placed into a pool and randomly selected by a computer program for the available visas. Only foreign nationals from countries that sent less than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. over the past five years are eligible for the lottery.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of refugees and asylum seekers that are allowed to enter the U.S. each year?
A: There is a limit on the number of refugees, but not on the number of asylum seekers. The annual limit for refugees is calculated each year based on the current global population of refugees. By using data provided by The State Department, the President works with Congress to determine the amount of refugees that should be admitted to the United States for resettlement. This total number is subsequently allocated by region (East Asia, Africa, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, Caribbean and Near East/South Asia) with a number set aside for reserve in cases of humanitarian emergency.
Q: What are deportable offenses?
A: Deportable offenses are those actions for which an alien may be deported from the United States and return to his or her home country. Some of the deportable offenses include using fraudulent documents to enter the United States, providing material misrepresentations to an Immigration officer to receive a visa, committing certain types of crimes, overstaying a visa, voting illegally, etc.
Q: What are removal proceedings?
A: Very often non U.S. citizens are placed in removal proceedings. Removal is a legal term referring to the legal process of removing or deporting a person from the United States. You can be deported from the United States for various reasons including overstaying a visa, denial of immigrant petitions, criminal convictions, and other problems.
Q: What is a Notice to Appear?
A: When immigration authorities determine that there are grounds to deport an immigrant from the United States, the Department of Homeland Security files a notice to appear with the immigration court. This notice is then served to the immigrant, who is surprised to learn that he or she may be deported. If you find yourself in this situation, then you have cause to feel great concern. You are at risk of being deported from the United States, separated from your friends and family, and deprived of everything you have worked so hard to achieve in this country. The first action you should take after being served with a notice to appear is to contact a skilled immigration attorney who can advise you of your legal options and help you take immediate action to stop your deportation.
When you contact The Law Offices of LaTanya Maria Jones, an experienced immigration attorney from our office will be ready to meet with you or your family member to discuss your concerns and begin working on a strategy for your case. You cannot afford any delay in getting started. The immigration authorities have already decided to have you deported and they are actively working to carry out the action as quickly as possible.
With our help, you may be able to prevent the deportation and perhaps even secure a more favorable outcome, such as becoming a lawful permanent resident. The key is to call or visit us as early as possible so that we have adequate time to develop your case.
Q: What do I do if I am detained?
A: If you or a loved one have been arrested by ICE and are facing deportation, give us a call immediately. Time is of the essence! You need an experienced immigration lawyer to help you fight your deportation case so you can remain living in the United States. We understand the fear you are experiencing and the pain you are feeling from being separated from your family.
Our immigration lawyers handle deportation cases in New Jersey Immigration Court and Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza and 201 Varick Street in New York City. It is our mission to provide the highest level of representation to our clients. Simply put, we get results! Once you come to our office you will see how we are completely dedicated to helping our clients. We know that keeping your legal status in the United States is incredibly important. We also understand the strain you are under.
If your loved one is in immigration custody, we will try to get him or her bond. A bond enables a person to be released from jail and live outside of custody during the immigration court proceedings. Our New Jersey immigration attorneys will help determine whether or not you or your loved one is bondable.
Some individuals may be subject to mandatory detention and will not be released on a bond pending their deportation case. Those individuals who are mandatorily detained will have to fight their deportation case while remaining detained. If you are concerned about whether you or someone you know and love would be subject to mandatory detention if detained by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), please contact us for a consultation to discuss your situation with a deportation lawyer in detail.
NOTE: If you are not a United States citizen, it is wise to consult experienced immigration lawyers BEFORE pleading guilty or accepting any plea agreements! What you plea guilty to will determine whether ICE will begin removal proceedings against you and whether you will be eligible for any relief from being deported. Contact us immediately if you or someone you know and love is about to plea guilty to any criminal offense.
Q: Will I be Deported?
A: While there are many crimes that could form the basis for deportation, the most common are:
- Drug offenses (including marijuana and cocaine)
- Sex offenses
- Fraud convictions
- Theft offenses
- Aggravated felonies (including murder, rape, and drug trafficking)
- Crimes involving moral turpitude
- Domestic violence
- Weapons possession
- Assault
Q: How can I stop Deportation?
A: If you are subject to deportation or removal, depending on the specific facts of your case, you may be eligible for relief from deportation in forms of waivers of deportation or other forms of discretionary and/or mandatory relief, such as cancellation of removal.
There are several additional strategies for defending against removal proceedings. One is to petition for a waiver of inadmissibility, which has the power of nullifying the conditions that make you ineligible for immigration. You could have grounds to seek asylum if you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on your religion, race, nationality, social group, or political opinion. If you have a family member or employer who can sponsor you in a green card application, then you may be able to become an LPR by applying for adjustment of status. In the event that your initial attempts at preventing deportation are unsuccessful, we may still be able to take your case before the Board of Immigration Appeals, which has authority over the immigration courts in the United States. No matter how challenging your case may be, we will not hesitate to fight to defend your rights and help you avoid the disastrous consequences you face.
Q: What is an immigration hold?
A: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will normally place an immigration hold on inmates that are not U.S. citizens. If an undocumented inmate or an inmate with an expired visa has been arrested in put in jail, ICE will place an immigration hold on them which will prevent him or her from being released on bail until the criminal matter for which the inmate was detained is concluded. Once the criminal case has been concluded and the inmate has served his or her sentence, the inmate will be transferred to ICE custody for deportation. It is important for anyone involved in this situation to contact an experienced immigration attorney.
Q: How can I fight my deportation case?
A: There are many different defenses and strategies to fight your deportation, including but not limited to temporary protective status, adjustment of status, cancellation of removal, asylum, waivers, voluntary departure, citizenship, etc.
Q: ICE took my husband or family member, can I contact them?
A: There is no way for family members to contact detainees until the detainee is processed by ICE and sent to a county jail in New York or New Jersey. To find out what jail the detainee has been transferred to, you need to check ICE’s online detainee locator system. https://locator.ice.gov/odls/homePage.do
Q: What is mandatory detention?
A: The Immigration and Nationality Act and federal regulations state that the government must take you into custody and hold you without bond if you have been convicted of certain removable offenses and released from jail after October 8, 1998. If you were convicted of a removable offense but not sentenced to jail (for example if you were sentenced to community service, probation, or a conditional discharge) you may still be eligible for bond. If you think that you are entitled to bond, you must write to the immigration court and ask for a “Joseph Hearing” where you can try to convince the judge that the mandatory detention law does not apply to you.
Q: What is a Merits Hearing or Individual Hearing?
A: The merits hearing also called the individual hearing is the final hearing before an Immigration Judge. It is the trial stage of the removal proceedings. At the end of the hearing the Immigration Judge will make his or her final decision to either allow you to stay in the United States or order you to be deported. During the hearing, you will testify and present evidence and witnesses on your behalf to support your application for relief from removal. Also the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) government attorney will be present and he or she will question you and your witnesses, and present evidence to the Immigration Judge for why you should be deported.
Q: Do Canadian citizens need a visa to enter the United States?
A: If you are a citizen of Canada you do not need a non-immigrant visa to visit the U.S.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is for general guidance on matters of interest only. In no event will the Law Office of LaTanya Maria Jones, its owners, agents, or employees thereof be liable to you or to anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this website or for any resulting consequence. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult with an experienced immigration lawyer.