Laramie Immigration Attorney

Immigration law is said to be only next to the tax law in its complexity. Add that the long time it takes to process many of the cases handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you have a recipe for frustration and disappointment. At Joseph & Hall, P.C., our experienced Laramie immigration attorneys are here to help you successfully navigate the US immigration system.

Types of Immigration

There are four statuses one can have under U.S. immigration law that are acquired either at birth or by some application process. These four statuses are as follows:

U.S. Citizenship

A U.S citizen is someone who was either born in the United States or one who becomes a citizen through a naturalization process. A person may also become a citizen if born in a territory of the United States of America, such as Puerto Rico, if born on or after January 13, 1941. 

To obtain citizenship through the naturalization process, the applicant must meet certain criteria under the law, as follows:

• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of filing the application for naturalization
• Must have been a Green Card holder for the past three or five years, depending on what category one is applying under
• Must have continuous physical presence and residence in the United States
• Must be able to read, write and speak simple English
• Must show good moral character
• Must show a knowledge and understanding of basic U.S. history and government
• Must show loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
• Must be willing and ready to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Lawful Permanent Resident

A lawful permanent resident is an individual who has been given the right to permanently live in the United States and the right to work. A person who has been granted this status is given an identification card commonly referred to as the “green card,” which they are required to carry and show as proof of their lawful permanent resident status.

There are many categories under which one can apply and obtain a green card if they meet the eligibility criteria and qualifications and some of these are:

• Family-based immigration
• Employment-based immigration
• Special immigrant status
• Being granted refugee or asylee status
• Being a victim of a crime or human trafficking
• Being a victim of domestic abuse

Non-Immigrant Status

Non-immigrants are foreign nationals living in the United States under a temporary visa which allows them to remain in the country for a set period after which they are required to return to their native countries. There are many types of these temporary non-immigrant visas, and if you are eligible, our experienced immigration lawyers can help you apply for one.

Undocumented Immigrants

An undocumented immigrant is an individual who illegally entered the United States and has remained here without making their stay legal. The federal government has a law enforcement force whose primary task is to find and have these undocumented immigrants deported.

If you are in the Laramie area and have a question or need help with any immigration issue, contact our office today for a consultation.