What is an Immigration Lawyer?
An immigration lawyer is an admitted attorney who specializes in immigration law. They know the procedures and requirement under Federal immigration law and work on issues of citizenship, visa, residency, and deportation.
An immigration lawyer helps fill out the required forms and documents needed for your immigration case. They send the forms to USCIS and are considerate of all deadlines. Additionally, an immigration lawyer can help to prepare you for official interviews and court appearances before a judge.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
Immigration lawyers in Los Angeles can be expensive and can cost from $150 to $400 an hour. Lawyers go to school for a very long time and receive a Juris Doctorate degree. Immigration attorneys, furthermore, are specialized in a highly complicated area of law. An immigration lawyer must be knowledgeable of all federal immigration law and procedures.
However, there are many free or low cost resources available for immigrants. Many legal aid and pro bono (free of cost) law firms offer services to deserving clients in immigration matters. One should immediately reach out legal aid if they find themselves in a complication immigration matter involving domestic violence, criminal charges, asylum, or deportation.
Forms and Resources
All the required forms needed for immigration applications can be found on https://www.uscis.gov/forms.
Additionally, one can find the fees for all applications here: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055 Please note that these fees are required to submit the applications, and they do not include any attorney or legal services.
Immigration cases in Los Angeles are heard within the local immigration court.
Los Angeles Immigration Court
606 S. Olive Street, 15th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Hours: 7:30-4:00
213-894-2811
https://www.justice.gov/eoir/los-angeles-immigration-court
L.A. Immigration Policies
Los Angeles has a liberal and welcoming immigration policy. Los Angeles is a sanctuary city. Typically, a sanctuary city limits the extent that local authorities work with federal authorities. Los Angeles Special Order 40 states that “Officers shall not initiate police action with the objective of discovering the alien status of a person.” It is a civil rights violation if an LAPD officer stops someone for the purpose of questioning their immigration status.
California DREAM Act
The California Dream Act allows undocumented children (children brought in the U.S. under age 16) who reside in California to be eligible for in-state tuition and financial aid.
The California DREAM Act is separate from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. DACA allows protection for children who were brought into the U.S. illegally and defers deportation for 2 years. DACA was terminated by the Trump Administration, and the U.S. Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments to decide its legality and enforcement.
What Could Deny Entry Into the United States?
The United States carefully vets a person before allowing entry into the country. Certain acts might may a person inadmissible, or completely barred from entry or present a substantial delay.
- Crimes such as child abduction, drugs, money laundering, sex trafficking, prestation, or polygamy.
- Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT), including fraud and tax evasion.
- Previous overstay of visa
- Lying on an Immigration Application or Interview
- Abuse or Overstay of a previous Visa
- People who have been previously removed or unlawfully present after immigration violations
- Health conditions such as mental illness or drug addiction
- Public Charge: A person may be denied entry if they are likely to become a public benefits recipient, or a “public charge”. An applicant for a green card may be denied if they have been on public benefits for one year prior to filing their application.
If you have a condition that may bar admission or may need a waiver, you should immediately consult with an immigration attorney to review your options for your case.
Travel Ban
Currently, there is Travel Ban in effect, which prevents citizens from certain countries from travelling to America or applying for a visa, residency, or asylum in the U.S. The seven countries currently banned are: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, and North Korea.
What Is ICE?
ICE or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE has the authority to arrest and detain a non-citizen suspect for immigration law violations. ICE is allowed to arrest and detain an individual for a period of 48 hours without a warrant. After this time, they must either release the suspect, or immediately begin removal proceedings against the individual. If you are a family member is in ICE custody, you should immediately seek an immigration attorney.
How to Find a Los Angeles Immigration Attorney
The Los Angeles Bar Association is a great directory of local lawyers. The L.A. Bar Association is the most comprehensive resource, as they keep track of all lawyers currently admitted to practice in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Bar Association
1055 West 7th Street, Suite 2700
Los Angeles, CA 90017
https://www.lacba.org/
List of Local Pro-Bono Immigration Services
There are many local law firms which specialize in pro-bono services for immigrants.
InfoPass is a free service provided at a local USCIS center to discuss the status of your case. They can also help with applications and general question. https://my.uscis.gov/en/appointment/v2
Los Angeles, California Immigration Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services
Public Counsel
(213) 385-2977
601 S Ardmore Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
(213) 640-3881
1550 West 8th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
https://lafla.org/
Central American Resource Center, Los Angeles
(213) 385-7800
2845 West Seventh Street
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles – Immigration Pro Bono Services
(213) 251-3505
1530 James M Wood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90017
www.esperanza-la.org
El Rescate Legal Services
(213) 387-3284
1501 West 8th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California
(888) 349-9695
1145 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 2nd Fl
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Immigration Center for Women and Children
(619) 515-2200
427 C Street, Suite 208
San Diego, CA 92101
Los Angeles Free Clinic
(323) 653-8622
8405 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Immigration Legal Assistance Project
(213) 485-1872
300 N Los Angeles St, Ste 3107
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Los Angeles LGBT Center
8475 Santa Monica Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90069
California Lawyers for the Arts
(888) 775-8995
12304 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 304
Los Angeles, CA 90025
https://calawyersforthearts.org/
The Los Angeles Public Library, through it’s New American Initiative, offers programs and services for helping to navigate the naturalization process. Many classes are offered to help with adjusting to life in America, including many in foreign language such as Spanish. A list of LAPL locations and programs can be found online at: https://www.lapl.org/newamericans
Free Resources for People Who Are Studying for the Civics Test of the Naturalization Exam
“Preparing for the Oath”, found at: https://americanhistory.si.edu/citizenship/
LAPL New American’s: Ready for Citizenship! free naturalization classes: https://www.lapl.org/newamericans/citizenship