Los Angeles Adjustment of Status Lawyer

There are so many people in the world who want to live a life they have always imagined, one that offers a chance at freedom and success unlike any other. For those residing in the United States on a temporary or conditional basis, that dream may feel like it has an expiration date.

Fortunately, there are established paths to permanent residence, and our Los Angeles, CA adjustment of status lawyers can help you determine which one applies to your situation.

Process of Status Adjustment

The first step in changing your status is to assess what immigrant category you fit into, since not every person is eligible for a status adjustment or green card.

Your eligibility may be evaluated based on information related to employment, family, and the ties you have to citizens, government, and business. Others may be able to register for permanent residence if they are under asylum or refugee status, or have undergone abuse, human trafficking, or fear of hardship if forced to return home to their country of origin.

As our adjustment of status attorney can review with you, all necessary forms have to be filled out properly and sent to USCIS either in person, by mail, or through the USCIS website. Once filed, you may have to complete biometrics data collection, in which your photograph is taken and fingerprints are gathered at an Application Support Center (ASC) appointment.

You may also be asked to attend an interview with USCIS, where they will go over your case details with you in person. If your application is approved, you will receive a notice in the mail. To increase your odds of approval, we strongly suggest speaking with our legal team about your individual case.

Meeting With USCIS

If USCIS requests an interview with you, don’t panic. There may have been errors on your documents or other issues that just need to be cleared up. This is not an unusual request, and your attorney can get you prepared for this meeting so you feel more confident.

In other cases, USCIS may ask for additional forms or evidence to be sent to them, sometimes due to mistakes on the documents you submitted or information that was out of date. Additional supporting documentation may also be requested to help verify your eligibility as the applicant.

What to Expect From the Process

In the most ideal situation, the process of filing a status adjustment goes smoothly and without any problems. This change in status can take months or longer to conclude, and the more complete and accurate your application, the better your chances of approval.

Who is Not Eligible for Adjustment of Status?

Your Los Angeles adjustment of status lawyer can help you understand whether or not you’ll qualify, and why. Let’s take a look at why some applications are disqualified:

Immigration Violations

One of the primary factors that can disqualify someone from adjusting their status is the violation of immigration laws. This includes entering the United States without inspection or authorization. Individuals who entered the country illegally may not be eligible for adjustment of status, as their entry did not follow the legal procedures established by U.S. immigration laws. Overstaying a visa can also be a significant barrier, so contact a California adjustment of status lawyer if you need some help.

Certain Criminal Convictions

Criminal history plays a critical role in determining eligibility for adjustment of status. Individuals with certain criminal convictions may be deemed inadmissible and, therefore, ineligible. Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, and aggravated felonies are particularly problematic. It’s important to note that not all criminal convictions will disqualify someone, but significant legal issues in one’s past can lead to ineligibility.

Health-Related Grounds

Health conditions can also impact eligibility for adjustment of status. The United States requires immigrants to undergo medical examinations to ensure they do not have communicable diseases that could pose a public health risk. Conditions such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and leprosy are considered significant health grounds for inadmissibility.

Security and Terrorism Concerns

National security is a top priority for U.S. immigration authorities. Individuals who are deemed a security threat or have ties to terrorist activities are not eligible for adjustment of status. This includes those who have engaged in espionage, sabotage, or any other activity that threatens the security of the United States. Associations with terrorist organizations or involvement in terrorism-related activities will result in a denial of adjustment of status.

Public Charge Grounds

The U.S. government assesses whether an individual is likely to become a public charge, meaning someone who relies primarily on government assistance for subsistence. If an applicant is deemed likely to become a public charge, they may be denied adjustment of status. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves and their dependents without relying on public benefits.

Fraud and Misrepresentation

Honesty is paramount in the immigration process. If an individual has committed fraud or willfully misrepresented a material fact to gain an immigration benefit, they will be found inadmissible and ineligible for adjustment of status. This includes providing false information on immigration forms, using fraudulent documents, or lying to immigration officers.

Prior Deportation Orders

Individuals who have previously been ordered deported or removed from the United States face additional hurdles when applying for adjustment of status. A prior deportation order typically requires the individual to leave the U.S. and apply for reentry from their home country.

Let’s Discuss Your Path to Permanent Residence

At Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC, we are dedicated to helping you understand your options and guiding you through the immigration process. For nearly three decades, clients have trusted our Los Angeles adjustment of status lawyers to guide them through complex immigration matters. If you have questions about your eligibility or need assistance with your application, contact us to schedule a consultation.