U.S. citizenship provides benefits not offered to legal permanent residents or nonimmigrants, including the right to vote, the right to hold some forms of public office, the right to apply for federal jobs, and the ability to sponsor family members for permanent residency with priority processing. UOALEGAL is well-equipped with the knowledge and expertise to make the naturalization process as smooth as possible. We walk our clients through all the legal and social matters related to U.S. citizenship, and we advise on issues related to dual citizenship to provide our clients with the information they need to make informed decisions. Naturalization is a transformative event and we show our clients maximum dedication and diligence throughout the entire process. Without a doubt, the anticipation of applying for U.S. citizenship can be a very exciting and stressful time. Anyone who has ever had to go through the immigration and naturalization process can attest to the rigorous and strict process enforced by the USCIS. If you are currently aspiring to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, play it smart and safe. Don’t jeopardize your chances or risk of losing your green card by making unnecessary errors on your application or by failing your naturalization test. Before you apply on your own, eliminate the risk by consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer. UOALEGAL has experienced attorneys ready to help you. Contact us today

The EB-5 immigrant investor program provides an opportunity for successful entrepreneurs to invest in U.S. businesses and create jobs for U.S. workers, while securing permanent residency for themselves and their immediate family members. We can work with business developers from several countries in navigating the EB-5 process. We advise and consult on EB-5 program availability and options for both direct investment and regional center investment, analyzing all facts pertaining to each investor’s personal situation and recommending the best course of action. Our clients will receive support throughout the entire EB-5 process, from initial consultation to application preparation through the final transition from conditional residency to permanent residency. Due to the investment rules and requirements, it is highly advised to retain an expert immigration lawyer to help you with this process. Unsuccessful attempts on your own can hurt future chances of obtaining an EB-5 visa and the “investment-first” policy could cost you a lot of money without securing a visa.

Family cohesion is at the heart of the US Immigration system. However the path to obtaining US Permanent Residency can be long and challenging. We focus specifically on immigrant and nationality matters, including securing permanent residency for family members of U.S. citizens and green card holders, and securing their U.S. citizenship down the road. We take pride in uniting families and helping clients adjust to their new country by solidifying the status of their loved ones. Under Family Based Immigration, we also provide guidance, assistance and direction on Consular Processing, Immigration Adoption, k-1 Fiance Visa, Widow(er) Petition Eligibility and Requirements, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Waiver of Inadmissibility. Contact us today to speak with one of our Attorneys about your immigration situation.

We offer comprehensive services for students and exchange visitors interested in pursuing full-time academic or vocational studies through the F-1 (academic) or M(vocational) visa programs. We also assist with the J exchange visitor program administered by the U.S. Department of State. Common issues we can assist with include obtaining and extending work authorization as a student, finding an exchange program sponsor, applying for a visa at a consulate abroad, facilitating waiver requests, and transitioning into another status. We focus on providing clients top-tier service in an expeditious fashion, with a focus on compliance and accuracy. For more information on student visas and your eligibility and to learn more about your student/exchange visitor options, contact us today

Being placed in deportation proceedings can be a very scary experience for an immigrant. However, being successful in immigration court is not impossible. Given the complicated procedures that sometimes come about as the result of the immigration process, it’s possible that some cases may have some legal grounds for filing an appeal. Petitioners and applicants for certain immigration benefits may file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) to attempt to overturn an unfauvorable decision made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers. The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is a very powerful and influential agency in the United States. It is one of the chief voices in the world of American immigration. Not only does the BIA have tremendous reach – including decisions made across the entire nation – but it is considered the last step in appealing through the immigration process before acceptable appeals can be brought before high U.S. courts. As you can see, proceedings before the BIA can be complex. There are strict deadlines and requirements that must be followed. The failure to file the necessary forms on time can lead to your case being denied, even if it would have otherwise been approved. It is therefore extremely important to be represented by an experienced, competent immigration attorney. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your case.

A person may be granted asylum if they can prove that they have suffered past persecution or that they fear they will suffer persecution in their home country due to any of the following:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Membership in a particular social group
• Political opinion

Any person in the United States may submit an application for asylum if they are fearful of returning to their native country. You do not have to be lawfully residing in the U.S. to seek this benefit and it does not matter how you arrived in the United States. It is a terrible feeling believing that you will be harmed because of your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Nobody should have to live this way! If you believe that you may be harmed because of one of these factors, please contact us to discuss a potential application for asylum. You do not have to live in fear any longer!

Some visas are considered humanitarian. They include:

• The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) designed to keep immigrant families together by ‘freezing’ the child’s age as long as certain requirements are met. Freezing means that they’d still retain their status as a child even after they become adults so they can successfully enter the U.S. with their other family members, or perhaps reunite with members of their family who are already legal residents in the country.
• DACA stands for “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.” Deferred action is an immigration status under U.S. administrative law that can delay a person’s deportation. So, DACA delays the deportation of individuals whose parents brought them to the country as children. DACA protects you from deportation due to factors that you had no control over when you entered the country as a child. This policy also allows you to apply for a work permit that would normally be inaccessible to undocumentednindividuals.
• Victims of Crime Visa (U-Visa). Foreign citizens who are victims of crimes such as trafficking and forced labor can apply for a U visa (Form I-918). It serves as a protection to the victims and a way for them to assist during the police investigation. It serves as a permit that can even lead to a permanent residency, otherwise known as a green card. Victims must be willing to help the authorities as a condition of eligibility for a U visa. These are usually victims of enslavement, abuse, trafficking, sexual assault, and the like. Family members of victims may be eligible to apply for a U visa as well.

Applying for any of the Humanitarian Visa can be an overwhelming process if you don’t know what to do. It can be hard to deal with law enforcement and the USCIS. Do not hesitate to contact us for assistance with your application. Having a firm at your side can help you gather substantial evidence to improve your chances of a Humanitarian visa approval. We can help you.