Immigration Lawyer Serving Washington, DC and Northern Virginia

Immigration laws in the United States are extremely complex and, often-times, entail meeting time-sensitive deadlines. For example, there are routinely deadlines for filing applications or renewals of certain immigration statuses like TPS or asylum. In addition, there are deadlines for responding to USCIS requests for evidence or appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals or other appellate bodies. If you are in the midst of removal proceedings, you will likely need to meet deadlines for filing documents or briefs and motions to the court. The inherent complexities, strict deadlines, and potential pitfalls associated with the U.S. immigration system is why it makes sense to retain the services of an experienced immigration lawyer in DC or immigration lawyer in North Virginia.  

 

Enter Palacio Law, PLLC. 

 

Edwin Palacio is committed to assisting business persons, workers, employers, and families in achieving their immigration goals. Clients have come to us from all across the D.C. Metro Areas and beyond. When you hire Palacio Law, we will stand by your side and help guide you through the entire process while providing the counsel and assistance you need and deserve.

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Types of Cases We Work On Day In and Day Out

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Edwin Palacio is a skilled DC immigration attorney offering a variety of immigration services, including affirmative asylum, defensive asylum, green card applications, naturalization, DACA, U-Visas (visas for victims of crimes in the U.S.), defense in removal/deportation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and other types of legal immigration issues. 

 

Affirmative Asylum Application

 

An individual can apply for asylum through an “affirmative application.” The affirmative application process entails submitting your application directly to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) without being placed in removal proceedings. This route involves preparing and submitting the required USCIS forms and then participating in an interview at your local USCIS office. Your eligibility will be based on your written application and on the information you provide during your interview.

 

Defensive Asylum Application

 

Another option for seeking asylum is through a “defensive application.” This option is available to individuals who have been placed in removal proceedings and who are defending themselves against being deported from the United States. Defensive asylum applications require the same USCIS forms as an affirmative asylum application. However, the defensive application is submitted directly to an immigration court judge. 

 

Once the judge accepts your written asylum application, they will set a time for an individual hearing. At the hearing, you and your asylum attorney in DC will prepare to defend your claim for asylum using the following: 

 

• Documentary evidence

• Witnesses

• Your testimony

 

Removal Proceedings

 

If you were served with a Notice to Appear (NTA) stating that you must attend an Immigration Court removal (deportation) proceeding, you likely have many thoughts, and questions, racing through your mind. You might not fully understand the charges against you or the legal process. 

 

There are many reasons why an individual may be confronted with the prospect of removal or deportation. For example, a non-citizen who entered the country on a visa but remained past the date of their visa stay is a fairly common situation. In other instances, an individual may have entered the country unlawfully. An undocumented individual might face deportation on the basis of illegal entry into the United States if apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

 

Non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), who are charged with a crime might also be at risk for deportation. Certain types of crimes, such as possession of drugs or guns, can carry severe penalties for an individual who is not a U.S. citizen. When a severe criminal charge is involved, the non-citizen can be detained and may not be eligible for bond.

 

A deportation defense attorney in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, such as Edwin Palacio, will be able to provide effective guidance and assess any defenses that might be appropriate for your particular case.

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Naturalization

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If you would like to become a naturalized citizen, Palacio Law can help. Assistance from a Washington, DC citizenship and naturalization attorney could be invaluable when it comes to improving your chances of success in ultimately obtaining naturalized citizenship status. Though, there are several requirements you must meet before you can apply for naturalization. For example, in order to apply for naturalization, an applicant must:

 

• Be 18 years old or older;

• Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years;

• Have resided in their current state or territory for at least three months;

• Have at least basic proficiency in written and spoken English;

• Understand fundamental elements of U.S. history and government; and

• Have “good moral character." 

 

It is important to note that there are exceptions to some of these requirements in certain circumstances. To learn more, contact Palacio Law to schedule a one-on-one meeting. 

 

Why It Makes Sense to Hire a DC Immigration Lawyer

 

As you can tell from the information provided above, United States immigration law is quite complex and difficult to navigate. In addition to the inherent complexities, the process for establishing legal immigration can be difficult and time consuming. It is also a process where the stakes are extremely high. For these reasons and more, you owe it to yourself to retain the services of a knowledgeable immigration lawyer in DC and VA.  

 

A knowledgeable immigration attorney in DC and Virginia can help ensure a smooth and proper handling of necessary documentation and making certain that important deadlines are met. Whether you are a business owner or a corporation grappling with federal rules and guidelines, or an individual who has simply come to this country in the search for a better life for you and your family, you will need the legal and emotional support of a battle-tested DC immigration lawyer like Edwin Palacio. 

 

Edwin has a proven record of success representing clients in immigration matters before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (immigration court). From affirmative asylum applications to aggressive deportation defense, Palacio Law is well-equipped to handle your legal immigration needs.