Universal Legal Firm provides expert legal services in family and immigration law. We specialize in divorce, child custody, property distribution, spousal support, domestic violence, paternity, visas, deportation defense, and more. Our dedicated attorneys serve clients with care and advocacy, ensuring their rights are protected.
K1/K2 Fiance Visas & K3 Spouse Visas
A K-1 visa allows the fiance to enter the U.S. for a temporary period of 90 days to marry. This is great option to avoid long wait times and consular processing. Upon issuance of the K-1 visa, your fiance and any child must enter the US within 6 months and marry within 90 days after entry. Any minor (under 21 and unmarried) will enter with the K-2 vias.
Similarly, A K-3 visa allows a person who married a U.S. citizen in their home country to enter the U.S. while their petition is pending. It is issued by the United States embassy or consulate in the spouse’s home country and allows them to enter the United States while awaiting the approval of a marriage petition filed by the U.S. Citizen with the USCIS.
Family Petitions
A large portion of immigrant visas issued each year are from petitions from family members who are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. The U.S. Family petitions are filed for spouses, parents, children, and even siblings in some cases. The immigration system limits the number of family based immigrant visas based on a preference category.
Citizenship (Naturalization)
Citizenship is the final and most important stage after obtaining a green card. A permanent resident can still be deported under certain conditions, so citizenship helps avoid removal. Before applying, it is important to consider you travel time, criminal background, the civics test and language requirement. You will also have to perform an interview with USCIS and the officer will review the facts of your specific situation.
Waivers (Pardons)
There are often issues that prevent a person from obtaining lawful permanent residence. These issues often arise from criminal violations but could arise from other factors as well. If you have been deemed inadmissible to the United States by your country’s consular officer, then even if you are married to a U.S. citizen, you will not be able to enter. If you try to without the correct paperwork, you may face a 3 to 10 year bar. It is best to hire an attorney for these tricky situations.
U-Visas (For Victims of Crimes)
The U-nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. It is also important to note that the crime must have occurred inside the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.
DACA
Thanks to a preliminary injunction issued by a federal court, current DACA recipients will be allowed to submit a renewal of their status. If you previously received DACA and your DACA is expired or will expire soon, you may be eligible to file your DACA renewal the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Removal/Deportation Defense
If you are currently in removal proceedings or suspect that you may be placed in removal proceedings, it is important to be informed regarding your options to stay in the U.S. Cancellation of removal, asylum, and other forms of relief may be available depending on your case.