Las Vegas is one of the most diverse United States cities. Yet immigrants are under assault. Some political figures in our country demonize foreigners though most non-citizens obey the law and pose no threat. Compounding this are confusing and outdated regulations. They make immigrating to the U.S. seem impossible.
Our Las Vegas Nevada immigration law attorneys are committed to immigrants. We make the process of coming to – and staying in – America as quick and easy as possible for you and your family.
For specific immigration issues, visit our Nevada immigration library of practice areas A to Z. Also see our sample case results.
Do I need an immigration attorney?
Navigating the immigration pipeline is difficult. U.S. immigration laws are complicated and changing. The deck is stacked against foreigners. And one mistake can make the difference between legal status and deportation.
An experienced attorney raises your odds of success. But we do more than just paperwork on immigration matters. We accompany clients to USCIS interviews. We defend our clients against ICE at judicial hearings. We appear in immigration court. And if necessary, we take cases all the way to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Can I get a green card?
There are many ways to qualify for lawful permanent resident status (LPR). Often a family member or employer sponsors immigrants for permanent residency. Another avenue is refugee status or asylum. And domestic violence abuse victims may be eligible through the Violence Against Woman Act (VAWA).
Applying for a green card while outside the U.S. is called consular processing. This may take up to six months. Applying while inside the U.S. is called “adjustment of status.” Changing immigration status may take a year. But if an employer is sponsoring, the process can be expedited. We can help with the green card application.
How quickly can I become a citizen?
LPRs are usually eligible to naturalize and gain U.S. citizenship within three to five years. They must then pass naturalization tests and swear an oath. And some immigrants may maintain dual citizenship in their home country.
Can I bring my family to live in the U.S.?
U.S. citizens and LPRs may sponsor their families. But they first need approval from the USCIS and National Visa Center. This visa process for family immigration can take up to a year.
One of the most common immigrant visas is spousal visas. It is the first step to becoming a green card holder and possibly a citizen. Another common one is the fiance visa (K-1 visa).
How do I get a work visa?
U.S.-based employers need to sponsor foreign workers. There are several different types of work visas available depending on:
- The type of employment, and
- Whether the worker wishes to remain in the U.S. permanently
One of the most common immigrant visas is the EB-3 visa. This is available to skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. The time it takes to secure an employment visa ranges from days to months.
EB-3 visas for skilled workers are among the most common immigrant visas.
How do I get a student visa?
Foreign students first need to be accepted into an academic program. Then during the non-immigrant visa application process, students must show that they can afford to live in the U.S. while attending school.
Two common student visas are:
- Academic student (F-1) visas for colleges and universities; and
- Vocational student (M-1) visas for technical school
The process to secure a visa may take several months. So students should apply to their school of choice well ahead of time.
Am I eligible for asylum?
Foreigners fearing persecution in their home country may be eligible for asylum in the U.S. This process usually takes six months. Then they may be eligible for a green card in only a year.
An alternative to asylum is temporary protected status (TPS). It is not a long-term solution. But it could pave the way to a visa.
Can you stop me from getting deported?
Our Las Vegas deportation defense attorneys have had great success in keeping clients in the U.S. We take care of all the visa and green card paperwork. This maximizes the odds of the applications going through.
We also defend clients facing criminal charges and deportation proceedings. Our criminal defense attorneys fight for the cancellation of removal. And we negotiate plea bargains where charges may get reduced to non-deportable offenses.
We also help people remain in the U.S. through:
- the Child Status Protection Act, and
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) for DREAMers
What if I am in the U.S. illegally?
One possibility is getting a provisional unlawful presence waiver. Undocumented aliens can then stay in the U.S. temporarily. In the meantime, they can apply for a visa.
How is COVID-19 affecting immigration?
Immigration procedures and application processing waiting times are getting back to normal following the coronavirus pandemic. But anyone with COVID symptoms may not enter USCIS facilities. To reschedule an appointment, call the contact center at 800-375-5283.
Non-citizens who collect unemployment and/or test positive for COVID-19 should not be prejudiced when applying for new visas, green cards, or citizenship.
For questions, contact the USCIS Contact Center.