We are one of the United States fastest growing immigration firms and are committed to providing the most comprehensive, effective and efficient immigration services to our clients. We provide innovative solutions to help you through the immigration rules, regulations and procedures.
Background Check
At the Valdez Law Firm, our number one priority is making sure we have accurate information on our client’s history. This will enable us to determine which specific backgrounds are best suited for our client’s specific case. Here are a few services our background department offers:
- Freedom of information Act with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Freedom of Information Act with United States Customs and Border Protection
- Freedom of Information Act with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Freedom of Information Act with Office of Biometric Identity Management
- Freedom of Information Act with United States Executive Office for Immigration Review
- Freedom of Information Act with United States Department of State
- Freedom of Information Act with United States Department of Labor
It is important to disclose with an attorney if you’ve been detained, deported, or if you don’t remember what applications were submitted on your behalf prior to contracting us. We will be able to pull all your records, and let you know if you’re eligible to proceed with your immigration process.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Becoming a United States Citizen is dream come true to many legal permanent residents However, not all individuals are eligible for citizenship and, if handled incorrectly, the naturalization process can quickly become problematic and may lead to removal proceedings and eventually deportation. Do not jeopardize your possibility of becoming a naturalized citizen, or having your residency revoked. Speak to one of our attorneys today so you can further understand the process.
Why Us?
We understand the importance of becoming a United States citizen. Our firm works diligently for our clients in making sure they reach their dream of becoming a citizen. We review all applications & data thoroughly to verify that you are eligible to apply without any problems. We address any problems that might interfere with the process and give creative ways to combat them if possible. Here are some services that might be included in your process with us.
- Examining if old or current criminal convictions will prevent you from naturalizing or put you at risk of being placed in deportation proceedings.
- Considering the consequences of living out of the country for more than 6 months.
- Requesting a waiver for the civic test for individuals over 50 years old with 20 years as a legal permanent resident. You will also be eligible to take the civic test in your native language.
Family Immigration
At the Valdez Law Firm, we understand the importance of being united with your family. Our attorneys & paralegals understand the uniqueness of every case. We are determined to achieve successful solutions to all cases. Family immigration consist of Immediate relatives & Family Preference Categories. Immediate relatives of United States citizens carry the most immigration advantages, one of them is the visa becoming available immediately as opposed to waiting for a visa number to become available so they can immigrate to the United States. Here are a few category’s that can be considered an immediate relative.
- Spouse of a United States citizen
- Unmarried child under the age of 21 of a United States citizen
- Parent of a United States Citizen who is at least 21 years old
- Orphan to be adopted in the United States by a United States Citizen
- Orphan adopted abroad by a United States citizen
The family preference category are all other eligible family relationships with a United States citizen Family preference category is limited on the number of visas available and can take anywhere from six months to 20 years to become available. Here are a few category’s that can be considered for Family preference.
- Unmarried children of United States citizens and their minor children
- Spouses, minor children, and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents
- Married children of United States citizens, and their spouses, and minor children
- Siblings of United States citizens, and their spouses and minor children
Residency for victims of crimes
Are you a victim of a serious crime? Have you suffered physical or mental abuse from domestic violence? You may be eligible for a U-Visa! Your abuser does not need to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and you do not have to be married to the abuser to qualify for the U-Visa. Have us review your police report, and we will let you know if you’re eligible or not. Here are a few qualifying crimes, that may make you eligible to apply for a U-Visa.
- Abduction
- Abusive Sexual Contact
- Blackmail
- Extortion
- False Imprisonment
- Felonious Assault
- Hostage
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Torture
- Trafficking
- Other related crimes…
We understand how frightening it is to be a victim of a crime, especially for immigrants who live in the United States without any status. At the Valdez Law Firm, we provide you with the best service to ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible. We offer low payment plans for any victim of crimes and try our absolute best to get every application approved. Don’t wait any longer and contact us today!
Employment Based Immigration
At the Valdez Law Firm, we analyze every possible solution that would best fit the individual. Many make the mistake of trying to fill out applications themselves or allowing their visas to expire while staying in this country illegally. Make sure to consult with one of our attorneys before making a drastic decision that can determine your future. Here are a few category’s for employment-based immigration.
Employment based immigration includes temporary H1-B visas for professionals, L-1 visas for managers and executives, O-1 visas for entertainers and other persons of extraordinary ability. Skilled workers and unskilled workers can obtain permanent visas through the Perm Labor certification process. Certain individuals including multinational executives, managers, individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers and professors can obtain a waiver of the labor certification process. However, there are over a dozen different employment-based visa types. We carefully analyze background and skills to determine alternatives and select the most appropriate visa options.
Compliance for employers is rapidly becoming one of the most important areas of immigration law. We advise employers on how to maintain appropriate immigration records including paper and electronic compliance for I-9 records considering the changing environment, new rules and regulations and the current trend of immigration raids that can cripple a business if they are not prepared.
Consular Processing & Waivers
Family members or fiancés living abroad, its more than likely they would need to engage in the consular process to enter the United States. You may not be eligible to consular process if you’ve committed a specific criminal offense, re-entered the United States after being deported, or if you’ve claimed to be a United States citizen. If you are in the United States illegally for more than one year, there may be a 10-year bar for your re-entry. Before departing to the consulate in your home country, have one of our attorneys review your case to make sure you are eligible to proceed. We can help you create a more persuasive packet to the consulate to increase the chances of your visa being approved. We’ve helped clients consular process from all over the world such as Argentina, Africa, Colombia, Syria, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and etc.. It’s important to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys so we can strategically plan which option would best suit your case.
After applying for a visa or green card in the United States, sometimes a mistake can lead to a denial of your application. When your application is denied, you still have options such as a waiver. Filing your waiver quickly and correctly is very crucial in this process. We understand the importance of filing your waiver accurately and making sure you are eligible for the specific waiver before even applying. We have over 30 years of experience and relieve you from the stress of having to deal with this alone. You will have an entire team of attorneys & paralegals actively working on your case. Finding the best solutions for your specific needs.
Removal (Deportation) Defense
The United States government may have started removal proceedings against you or a loved one because you entered the United States illegally, visa expired, you have a criminal conviction or criminal record. The smallest mistake, such as a misdemeanor crime can result in removal from the country. It is important to have an attorney review your criminal record, even if the crimes were committed decades ago! Here are a few more reasons on why you might be placed in proceedings.
- Unlawful Presence
- In absentia orders of removal
- Reinstatement of Removal
We understand the fear many have of being removed from the United States. At the Valdez Law Firm, we’ll work tirelessly to ensure you have the best opportunity to defend your presence in the United States. We specialize in litigated cases and pride ourselves in providing the best defenses for our clients. We have over 30 years of experience and have won many cases across the United States.
Affirmative & Defensive Asylum
Individuals who are already physically present in the U.S. may apply for asylum, If he or she has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or your political opinion.
Affirmative Asylum refers to individuals psychically present in the United States seeking asylum. You may apply for asylum regardless of how you arrived in the United States. You must apply for asylum within the first year you arrived in the United States.
Defensive Asylum refers to requesting asylum as a defense against removal from the United States after the applicant has been placed in removal proceedings. The judge will hear arguments from both of the parties who are the applicant and his/her attorney and an attorney representing the government in the asylum claim. The immigration Judge then decides whether the applicant is eligible for asylum.
At the Valdez Law Firm, we’ve worked with both affirmative & defensive asylum applications and have been successful with many cases. If you would like more information on how you can apply for either process, please consult with our attorneys.
Motions To Reopen & Appeals
A Motion to Reopen is a request to an immigration judge or The Board of Immigration Appeals to reopen removal (deportation) proceedings or outstanding removal (deportation orders). Here are a few examples on what we’ll need to be prove in order to submit a motion to reopen:
- Never received hearing notice
- Evidence was not available while you were in removal (deportation) proceedings
- Initial evidence was not correctly submitted
- Request for evidence was sent to an incorrect address or not sent at all
If you have more questions regarding what is needed to submit a motion, please contact our offices. Below are the types of Motions to Reopen we offer.
- BIA motions to Reopen
- Immigration Judge motions to reopen
- USCIS motions to reopen
Many individuals are afraid of returning to their home country when they are denied status, however just because your application is denied you still have an opportunity to appeal. Below are the types of appeals we can assist with:
- Board of Immigration Appeals
- Ninth Circuit appeals (and all federal circuit courts of appeal)
- USCIS appeals
APPEALS HAVE TIME SENSITIVE DEADLINES!
The moment you receive a decision denying your application, it is important to immediately speak with an experienced immigration attorney for your appeal. Call us to schedule a consultation with our attorneys before deciding not to respond to the notice. Please be aware if you do not respond to your denied decision notice within the allowed time, you run the risk of being placed into removal (deportation) proceedings!
At the Valdez Law Firm, we are very cautious with deadlines and we make sure to submit any appeals in a timely manner. We’ve fought in the Ninth circuit court appeals and were successful in achieving success for our client.