Raleigh Immigration Lawyer

Raleigh Immigration Attorney

Immigration laws are complex and constantly changing, which only complicates an already stressful process. Individuals entering the country with their family or for employment, or those already in the country looking to change their status, can benefit from the support of a Raleigh immigration lawyer. An immigration attorney is even more essential for more consequential immigration issues like deportation proceedings.

Steven T. Meier, PLLC, has worked for more than 15 years to support entrepreneurs, families, and other individuals on their immigration journeys. We understand the stressors of addressing any immigration issue, from altering your immigration status to defending yourself against serious charges. Many immigrants move to an entirely new country alone, and this overwhelming process is only made worse with complex requirements, administrative delays, and filing deadlines.

Fortunately, you don’t have to manage this process alone. The team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can help you support your interests and your long-term immigration goals. We provide exceptional and compassionate legal support and help you determine your immigration options. Our team is on top of the ever-changing immigration expectations, giving you reliable and effective legal advice.

The Immigration Law Cases We Handle in Raleigh, NC

Immigration allows individuals and families to begin new lives, advance their careers, achieve new learning opportunities, and more. There are many aspects of immigration law, and it’s essential that the attorney you work with has experienced and reliable resources in the area of immigration law you need support. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we provide immigration legal services in some of the following areas:

• Family-based immigration petitions and visa applications
• Employment-based immigration permits and visas
• Visas for victims of crimes and domestic violence victims
• Applying for asylum
• Adjustment of status or consular processing
• Applying for legal permanent residence and green cards
• Applying for temporary protected status
• Travel permits
• Altering or extending nonimmigrant status
• Representation in detention proceedings
• Removal proceedings and cancellation of removal
• Advocacy in immigration bond hearings
• Representation in U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proceedings
• Representation in immigration court
• Appeals and motions for reconsideration with the USCIS and immigration court

Working with a skilled attorney helps you navigate immigration processes more effectively and feel more confident in how you are approaching your future.

What Are the Benefits of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Raleigh?

The immigration process is often smoother with the help of an experienced immigration lawyer, and it is much less stressful for individuals and families to have professional guidance. There are several specific benefits to working with an immigration lawyer in Raleigh, including:

1. Legal Knowledge and Filing Accurately

An immigration attorney has in-depth knowledge of current immigration laws and regulations, including accurate and timely petition filing. This includes applications or petitions for asylum, green cards, visas, family-based immigration, and employment-based immigration. Each petition or application has its own required paperwork and documentation, and you must also meet the basic requirements to file. Documents can also require the help of third parties, which can be stressful.

These documents are often confusing, even when you natively speak the language or are educated in immigration law. You can take a lot of time reviewing these documents and ensuring you have the right information and supporting documents, and still make errors.

By first entering your application with accurate information and complete supporting documentation, the application is more likely to find a resolution quickly rather than be caught up in administrative issues. Insufficient documentation or factual errors can slow down an application considerably. You can save significant time while preparing your application and having a smooth decision-making process.

2. Guidance for Your Immigration Goals

There are several routes to immigrate to the U.S. or visit the U.S., and each has unique timeframes and application requirements. Not all paths to enter the country result in a path to immigration and citizenship. If your immigration goals include permanent residency, it’s important to consider the right options.

An attorney can listen to your unique immigration goals for yourself, as well as your career, your business, or your family. Based on your individual circumstances, your lawyer can recommend your immigration options. There may be several routes that you can take to achieve your immigration goals, and an attorney can walk you through the positives and negatives of each option, including how long they may take. You can make an informed decision about your future.

Legal guidance through the process can also relieve a lot of the emotional strain of the immigration process. When you have any concerns or questions about procedures, an attorney can help you understand. They also provide essential support and compassion during a process that can feel very isolating.

3. Up-To-Date On Your Applications

The process of a change in status or another immigration application can be lengthy, and the wait for a decision can be frustrating for many. The process can be further delayed if additional information is needed. An attorney can remain aware of the process of your application and keep you informed of any delays or decisions as they happen. The quicker delays are addressed, the sooner a resolution is likely to be reached.

4. Preparation for Hearings

Immigration to the U.S. and adjustment of status often includes interviews or hearings with governmental agencies. An attorney can help you prepare for these and may be able to represent you in specific interviews. Your attorney can determine what questions you will likely have to answer and what information you will need to present. This can help you mentally before a stressful interview or hearing and can improve your chances in the process.

5. Representation in Proceedings

Immigration court or USCIS proceedings can be incredibly stressful, especially if the proceedings are for potential deportation. An attorney can represent you in these court or USCIS proceedings, advocate for your interests, and protect your rights. An attorney can provide evidence and witnesses to support your case.

Deportation proceedings may occur due to violations of your immigration status or the conviction of certain crimes. Deportation can remove your immigration status, send you out of the country, and make it difficult or impossible to re-enter. An immigration attorney who is experienced in these cases is a necessary ally. There are ways to cancel removal or limit the long-term consequences of deportation by choosing to leave. An attorney can advise you on the right course of action.

Your attorney can help you avoid these proceedings to begin with by ensuring you understand the legal requirements of your immigration status. Your attorney can inform you of immigration law changes and how they affect you.

6. Decision Appeals

Unfavorable decisions by the immigration court or USCIS are not always final. There are options to appeal, request a reconsideration, or request to reopen the case. This could allow you a different decision on an immigration application or a change in status petition. Your attorney can guide you through the options available to you.

Raleigh Immigration FAQs

Q: How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost in Raleigh, NC?

A: How much an immigration lawyer costs in Raleigh, North Carolina depends on several factors, including:

• Whether the attorney charges a flat fee or an hourly fee
• The attorney’s level of experience in immigration law and success in past cases
• The challenges in your unique immigration case
• The type of legal service you need
• Your case’s complexity, like complex deportation defense cases
• The location of the firm

It’s important to talk with a prospective attorney about their pricing and fee structure upfront.

Q: Is it Faster to Get a Green Card With a Lawyer?

A: It can be faster to get a green card with a lawyer, although it will rely on your unique circumstances. In most cases, it is faster to have experienced legal support to determine the most efficient route to get a green card and prevent errors in your paperwork. Administrative and informational errors can cause serious delays in the process of being approved for a green card, and an attorney stays on top of legal requirements in these applications and ensures it is compliant.

Q: Why Are Immigration Lawyers So Expensive?

A: Immigration lawyers are expensive, in part, because of the complexity of immigration law. Immigration laws are often changing and difficult to follow, and an attorney helps immigrant individuals adhere to legal requirements and move to the country successfully. Attorney fees are often more expensive when the attorney is more experienced in immigration law, although high fees do not automatically equal experience.

An attorney with high rates and significant experience may be able to resolve your immigration needs more quickly.

Q: Can an Immigration Lawyer Help You Get a Green Card?

A: Yes, an immigration lawyer can help you get a green card. An attorney can determine if you are eligible to apply for a green card, help you file your application, gather documentation, and prepare you for the interview process. While no immigration attorney can guarantee a green card, you are much more likely to be successful with an attorney. Your immigration lawyer can also give you straightforward advice regarding your immigration goals and the ideal way to achieve those.

Legal Support for Your Immigration Goals in Raleigh

Steven T. Meier, PLLC, has worked for years in immigration law, helping our community grow and meet their immigration goals. Contact our firm for experienced support on your immigration case.