Los Angeles Lawful Permanent Residence Status/Green Cards Attorney
Lawful permanent residence status, commonly known as having a green card, signifies the legal authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reside permanently in the United States as an immigrant. Holding a green card allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, and it is often the first step toward obtaining full citizenship. Lawful permanent residents enjoy many of the same benefits as citizens, such as access to social services and the ability to sponsor certain family members for immigration. However, green card holders do not have all the rights of U.S. citizens, including the right to vote in federal elections. For those aspiring to transition from green card holders to U.S. citizens, naturalization is the process that grants them full citizenship. Citizenship provides the highest level of security and legal rights in the U.S., offering additional protections that permanent residency does not. In some immigration cases, individuals may be granted “prosecutorial discretion” by the USCIS or immigration judges. This discretion allows certain individuals to avoid deportation or removal, even if they do not have lawful status, giving them a pathway to remain in the U.S. while seeking other forms of legal relief, such as obtaining a green card. Prosecutorial discretion can be a lifeline for individuals navigating complex immigration challenges, offering them time and options to secure lawful permanent residence or pursue citizenship. Whether through securing a green card, applying for citizenship, or benefiting from prosecutorial discretion, each step of the immigration process plays a vital role in determining one’s future in the U.S. These legal mechanisms collectively help immigrants establish long-term stability and security within the country. Such individuals may also be known as:
- Permanent Resident Aliens
- Resident Alien Permit Holders
- Green Card Holders
It’s essential to note that lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are not U.S. citizens. They must undergo a distinct process and pass an examination to achieve U.S. citizenship. To be eligible for lawful permanent residence in the U.S., one must have:
- Family-based eligibility, where the applicant has family legally in the U.S. or a family member in the U.S. with a green card
- Employment-based eligibility, where the applicant is sponsored by a U.S.-based employer, presents a PERM labor certificate, and proves they’re filling a role unfillable by current U.S. citizens
- Asylum-based eligibility, where the applicant has received official asylum from an immigration court judge, and it’s been at least a year since asylum was granted.
Achieving lawful permanent residence status and a green card can be intricate. A single error, even with the best intentions, can lead to delays or outright denial of the application. Hence, it’s pivotal for applicants to collaborate with a seasoned immigration attorney who can:
- Accelerate the approval process
- Assist in appealing or reopening denied cases
- Advocate for applicants throughout the process
Related: 5 Responsibilities that Come with Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status
Los Angeles, California Immigration Attorney at Hanlon Law Group
At Hanlon Law Group, P.C., the immigration attorney in Los Angeles boasts over 15 years of experience in diverse immigration cases, from basic applications to intricate federal court litigations. The firm employs cutting-edge technology for efficient service delivery, ensuring personalized attention for every client. Rest assured, your case will progress swiftly, and any queries will be addressed promptly and transparently.
Contact for a Free Case Evaluation
Discover more about citizenship, immigration, and deportation defense services by contacting the Los Angeles immigration attorney today at (626) 765-4641 or (866) 489-7612. Alternatively, email using the form at the top right. Serving clients in Los Angeles, throughout California, and globally, initial consultations are free and confidential. Multilingual immigration services are available in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Bahasa Indonesian, Tagalog, and Fukienese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our permanent resident attorney can assist with obtaining a resident alien permit by guiding you through the application process, ensuring all forms and documentation are correctly submitted, and addressing any legal issues that arise. We can expedite the approval process, help appeal or reopen denied cases, and provide representation throughout. Our expertise ensures compliance with immigration laws, minimizing the risk of errors that could lead to delays or rejections.
The eligibility criteria for permanent resident status in Los Angeles typically include having a qualifying family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, an employment offer from a U.S. employer, or qualifying under specific immigrant categories such as asylum seekers, refugees, or individuals under special programs like the Diversity Visa Lottery. Applicants must also pass background checks and medical examinations, and they must not have disqualifying criminal records or immigration violations. Each category has specific requirements that must be met, which a Los Angeles-based attorney can help navigate.
To maintain lawful permanent resident status, one must reside primarily in the U.S., avoid prolonged absences that may suggest abandonment of residency, and file U.S. income tax returns. They should not engage in criminal activities that could result in deportation and must renew their green card before it expires. Additionally, they should inform USCIS of any address changes within ten days of moving. It’s crucial to understand these obligations to remain in good standing as a resident in Los Angeles.
Seeking legal help for your permanent resident application in Los Angeles ensures that your application is accurately and thoroughly completed, reducing the risk of errors that could lead to delays or denials. An attorney can help navigate complex immigration laws, provide guidance on eligibility and required documentation, and represent you in case of legal issues or complications. Legal experts also keep up with the latest changes in immigration policies and can offer tailored advice based on your specific situation. Reach out to us for expert assistance.
Additional Information in Los Angeles
Contact the Experienced Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer at Hanlon Law Group, P.C.
The trusted Los Angeles immigration attorney at Hanlon Law Group, P.C. is waiting to speak to you, find out more about your immigration needs, and explain your options. Having handled countless professional visa applications for foreign professionals and U.S. employers, our lawyer has the experience and insight you can count on for exceptional service and representation.
Our experience, skills and dedication to our clients are backed by the following, which all of our clients can expect to receive:
You don’t have to pay us anything to discover more about how we can help you and what you need to do to resolve your employment-based immigration needs.
The attorney at Hanlon Law Group, P.C. will oversee your case from start to finish. This can provide peace of mind that your case will not be passed off to a non-lawyer associate, or to someone who is not intimately familiar with your case.
Our cutting-edge system facilitates the visa petition process, while providing clients with real-time case information about the status of their petition, PERM certifications, etc.
We take pride in providing old-fashioned, personal service and promptly responding to our clients’ inquiries and immigration needs whenever they arise.
We accept all major credit cards. Payment plans may also be available.
We provide immigration services in various languages, including (but not necessarily limited to) Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Bahasa Indonesian, Tagalog, and Fukienese.
Call (866) 227-5527 or email us via the contact form to learn more about our experience and services, as well as how we can help you.
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Hanlon Law Group, P.C. is ready to help you with all your immigration & nationalization legal needs. Contact us now for the help you need & deserve.
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