Many undocumented immigrants who come to the United States seek some type of legal status, residency or citizenship that will enable them to reside and work lawfully in the country. This process involves a significant amount of paperwork and can take years to complete. An immigration lawyer can help you complete the proper forms and help ensure your papers are reviewed and processed in a timely manner.

 

Programs like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) can provide work permits and protection from deportation to eligible immigrants. These programs have strict eligibility requirements and dedicated application forms and processes. An attorney can help you determine if you are eligible for any of these programs and, if so, help you complete the proper application process.

 

Although any undocumented immigrant can be deported, an undocumented immigrant who is convicted, or pleads to certain criminal offenses, may face a greater risk. Even though the structure of the deportation process is favorable to the government, immigrants do have some legal rights during these proceedings. An attorney can help you protect these rights and fight an unlawful deportation proceeding, which could allow you remain in the United States.