Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals leave their home countries in search of opportunity, freedom, or new life experiences. For some, uniting with family is the primary goal. For others, escaping persecution or oppression in their homeland forces them to pursue immigration to the United States. Regardless of the reason, immigrating to the United States is rarely a simple process. At Diaz Law Firm, we work closely with individuals and families to apply for visas, Green Cards, and citizenship in the United States. To learn more about how we can help, consider contacting a knowledgeable Los Angeles immigration lawyer today at (626) 261-0402.
Practice Areas
Family-Based Immigration
United States citizens and Green Card holders can help specific family members immigrate to the United States. Depending on your legal status, you may be able to help your spouse, children, parents, or even siblings immigrate to the United States. We have worked with a range of different families, including same-sex couples and children of adopted parents. Compassionate and dedicated immigration lawyer Cheryl Deptowicz-Diaz has the experience necessary to advocate for you.
We help families navigate this complicated two-step process to avoid common pitfalls and increase their overall chance of success. DLF’s services are comprehensive, meaning we work with families through all aspects of the family-based immigration process. This includes filing relevant forms such as the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and Form I-129 Petition for Alien Fiancé (K-1/K-2 visa), proceeding through the application and interview process, and providing guidance regarding the rules and regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Humanitarian Immigration
At Diaz Law Firm, we passionately advocate for the rights of victims of humanitarian emergencies and crises. The United States has several laws and programs in place to assist individuals who are in need of assistance due to disaster, oppression, or other urgent circumstances in their home countries. Some avenues that individuals take to immigrate to the United States due to humanitarian reasons include:
- U Visas
- VAWA Self-Petition
- Asylum
- DACA
We have provided assistance to victims of domestic violence, persecution due to race, nationality, or political stance, and those fleeing religious oppression, among others. Ultimately, the Los Angeles immigration lawyer at Diaz Law Firm works diligently to understand their clients’ stories in order to craft a compelling case and secure legal immigration status in the United States.
Temporary Visas for Travel
Temporary visas, or nonimmigrant visas, are designed to allow the holder to travel to the United States for a period of time, for a specific reason. For these visas, the individual will need to have a clear departure date, as temporary visas cannot be used to reside in the United States permanently. Some of the most common temporary visas for travel that DLF has helped secure for clients include:
- F-1/F-2 student visa
- B-1 business visa
- B-2 tourist visa
Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of status refers to the process used to apply to be a Lawful Permanent Resident while you are physically present in the United States. This is often a Removal of Conditions on conditional permanent residency, which is typically held by a person who obtained status through marriage. We help individuals adjust their immigration status in the United States, file for a waiver of the I-751 joint filing requirement, and remove any conditions on their Green Card, according to the rules and regulations set forth by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Permanent Residency (Green Card)
Obtaining a Green Card allows a person to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. There are several avenues that can be used to secure a Green Card, including family relationships, employment, humanitarian reasons, and other legal circumstances. If you are already present in the United States, the adjustment of status process may be appropriate for you. If you are located outside of the United States, however, you will need to go through consular processing to obtain your Green Card. We help individuals navigate this complex process and avoid the common errors that cause delays and denials, thus securing permanent residency more smoothly and efficiently.
Citizenship & Naturalization
For some individuals, securing United States citizenship is a lifelong dream. The naturalization process allows Green Card holders to apply for citizenship after a specified amount of time, depending on the circumstances of their case. We take pride in helping individuals make their dream a reality by applying for and obtaining United States citizenship, thereby providing them with all the rights and privileges enjoyed by natural-born citizens.
Deportation Defense
Living with the threat of deportation can have serious mental and emotional consequences on a person. The thought of leaving behind their homes, families, and community can be overwhelming and incredibly stressful. Acknowledging this, we are dedicated to representing and defending individuals facing deportation in the United States. DLF’s overarching goal is to prevent deportation at the local, state, and national levels to keep families together in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
After spending over ten years advocating for the rights of immigrants and United States Green Card holders, we understand the common questions that you may have regarding the process and legal representation. Some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive as Los Angeles immigration lawyers include the following.
What Does an Immigration Attorney Do and How Can They Help You?
Immigration attorneys handle a range of legal issues, including guiding individuals and families through the immigration process, providing counsel on their rights and obligations, and advocating for their clients in court proceedings. In the United States, immigration law is highly complex and constantly changing, meaning it is necessary to stay up to date on the most recent rules and requirements.
Immigration attorneys work closely with their clients to analyze all potential strategies for immigrating to the United States and ensure that the most common pitfalls are avoided during the process. All in all, seeking legal counsel from an experienced attorney can help make the process faster, smoother, and easier.
How to Choose a Good Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer?
The legal team that you choose to represent you has the ability to make or break your case. For this reason, it is essential to make this decision with great care and weigh your options carefully before hiring a Los Angeles immigration lawyer. The following considerations may help you choose a good immigration attorney from the wide variety of law firms that practice this area of law:
- Referrals from friends and family. Your community is a priceless resource, so consider talking to friends and family about their own immigration process. Perhaps they had a fantastic experience and can provide a recommendation to kick-start your search.
- Check their qualifications and experience. Before you hire a lawyer, be sure to confirm that they are qualified to practice immigration law and that they have experience handling cases like yours. In many cases, this information can be found on their law firm’s website.
- Language services and accessibility. Choosing a lawyer who will understand you fully is essential to the success of your case. If you are more comfortable conversing in another language, ensure that your lawyer is able to accommodate that. Moreover, consider how you will be primarily communicating with your lawyer. Are you comfortable corresponding via email, phone, or in person?
Founding attorney, Cheryl Deptowicz-Diaz, was born in the Philippines and is married to a Mexican-American, meaning she is able to provide legal counsel in English, Tagalog, and Spanish. As a United States immigrant herself, attorney Cheryl Deptowicz-Diaz approaches all issues with cultural sensitivity and prioritizes understanding in every interaction.
Hiring an Experienced Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer Near You
For too many individuals and families, immigrating to the United States is a long, difficult journey, full of roadblocks and challenges to overcome along the way. Diaz Law Firm was founded to protect the legal rights of immigrants and provide compassionate legal representation to those embarking on the immigration process. At Diaz Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting your peace and fighting for your justice. To speak with an experienced Los Angeles immigration lawyer about your case, consider contacting the Los Angeles office at (626) 261-0402 today.