Immigration Lawyer Broward County, FL

Navigating the immigration process can be confusing and stressful. Most people have trouble with understanding the various regulations, rules, and exceptions that come along with immigrating to the United States. It may seem impossible to figure out how to proceed with a citizenship application, visa, or simply comply with the requirements. A common problem people encounter when trying to work or move into this country are denied applications. As our Broward County, FL immigration lawyer warns, even the slightest error can cause a delay or lead to a rejection. It may take months or years to resolve the issue. But with all this being said, our team at The Andres Lopez Law Firm wants you to remain optimistic. There is a route to being in the United States, but it helps increase your odds of success if you have a legal team working for you.

Green Card Or Immigrant Visa

It isn’t legally required to have a lawyer assist you with your immigrant visa or green card. However, we strongly suggest that you do. Complications can develop that delay the process or result in a denied application altogether. Attempting to navigate the laws and procedures can be overwhelming as well. With support from our strategic immigration attorney, you will receive the attention your case deserves. In particular, delays are among the most frustrating challenges that immigrants deal with when applying for a visa. There may be a delay in the process itself or in receiving a decision. This delay may last indefinitely in specific circumstances. Other delays may be the cause of insufficient staff to handle the number of applications. There may have been a change in policies and a more thorough assessment of the application and documents needs to be had. If your green card has expired, this doesn’t automatically mean that you will lose your legal permanent resident status. But, you may be faced with:

• Trouble applying for or keeping employment
• Difficulty receiving benefits that you want to register for (or have already)
• Obstacles when attempting to re-enter the country when traveling outside of the United States

If you have status as a lawful permanent resident, this remains true for you until you lose or abandon your status, or you complete the naturalization process. You may lose your status if an immigration judge submits an order for your final removal. Additionally, you may also lose your status if you purposefully abandon it by declaring yourself as a non-immigrant on tax returns, move to another country and have intentions to stay there permanently, or you remain outside the country for a prolonged period of time unless the absence is temporary.

The Andres Lopez Law Firm

The immigration laws for the state of Florida are constantly evolving. At The Andres Lopez Law Firm, we know how to handle all aspects of your case, whether it is a straightforward or complicated situation. Once we learn more about your circumstances, our FL immigration attorney can offer further advice. Please reach out today for a consultation.

Criminal Law And Immigration Law Intersection Explained

Criminal and immigration law often intersect in ways that can significantly impact individuals and families. For non-U.S. citizens, even minor criminal charges may result in serious immigration consequences, affecting their ability to stay in the United States. As our Broward County, FL immigration lawyer can explain, this connection is essential to understand for anyone involved in both criminal and immigration cases, as even seemingly unrelated incidents can have life-altering outcomes.

When criminal law intersects with immigration law, it can lead to complications in an individual’s immigration status, particularly in deportation or removal proceedings. A person convicted of certain crimes might be considered inadmissible to the U.S., or if already residing here, they could face removal. Since criminal charges vary in severity, each one affects immigration differently. Crimes involving moral turpitude, controlled substances, aggravated felonies, or those that pose a security threat have heightened impacts on immigration cases.

In Broward County, a criminal record can lead to deportation or other restrictions that make it difficult for individuals to maintain residency or employment eligibility. An immigrant with a misdemeanor charge might still be subject to review by immigration authorities. This interdependency between criminal and immigration law makes it crucial to work with experienced attorneys who are familiar with the overlap and the ways that criminal law affects immigration cases. Our firm has over a decade of experience as trial lawyers, so we are very familiar with complicated cases.

Consequences Of Criminal Convictions On Immigration Status

Non-U.S. citizens who face criminal charges risk severe consequences regarding their immigration status. A conviction can lead to inadmissibility, which bars an individual from entering the U.S. It can also affect non-citizens who are already present in the country, potentially leading to deportation. Crimes categorized as aggravated felonies — such as violent crimes or significant theft offenses — often lead to automatic deportation without the possibility of return, creating long-term separation from families and the loss of opportunities in the U.S.

It’s important to note that immigration authorities have broad discretion in deciding how a criminal charge affects an individual’s status. Even a charge that seems minor might become a significant obstacle for those seeking residency, asylum, or naturalization. Immigration officials review each case individually, assessing the type of crime, the circumstances, and the individual’s history in the U.S. Working closely with a Broward County immigration lawyer and a criminal defense attorney who understands these issues is often essential in achieving the best possible outcome. Proper legal representation is important in these cases so that your unique situation can have your desired outcome.

Seeking Legal Support For Criminal And Immigration Issues

When criminal and immigration issues intersect, handling them without proper legal guidance can lead to misunderstandings and unexpected consequences. Many non-citizens find themselves unsure about how a criminal charge could affect their immigration status, making them vulnerable to potential deportation or detainment. In Broward County, collaborating with an immigration lawyer who knows criminal law can provide a balanced approach, assessing risks and offering defense strategies that consider both the immediate criminal charges and the long-term immigration consequences.

The Andres Lopez Law Firm in Broward County offers services that help clients address the challenges posed by the intersection of criminal and immigration law. We work to prevent minor offenses from escalating into life-changing immigration barriers, striving to protect clients’ rights and opportunities in the U.S. Attorney Andres Lopez himself immigrated from Bolivia as a child, so he understands these cases both legally and personally.

Protect Your Future

Whether you’re dealing with a new charge or addressing past convictions that affect your immigration status, acting quickly is vital. Understanding how immigration status is impacted by criminal charges can protect families and individuals from unnecessary consequences. Our team at The Andres Lopez Law Firm is here to help, offering clear guidance through each step of the legal process and addressing each unique situation with dedication. If you or a loved one needs a Broward County immigration lawyer, reach out to our office today to learn how we can assist you in protecting your future.