Immigration Lawyer

Fighting Deportation

If you or a family member are faced with deportation, it's crucial that you speak with an immigration lawyer right away. We have represented green card holders as well as undocumented workers throughout New York.

For lawful permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for 7 years and have a clean criminal record, we can seek a cancellation of removal. Even non-permanent residents may be eligible for cancellation of removal if they've been in the country for 10 years and can demonstrate good moral conduct. In addition, you can prevent deportation if your removal from the country would result in an unusual hardship on a family member residing in the U.S.

Even if you have a criminal record, our attorneys can work to obtain a waiver for certain criminal convictions that can improve your chances of avoiding deportation.

Seeking Asylum

Staying in the U.S. for Your Safety

If you are scared of being harmed upon return to your country of origin, seeking asylum may be your best chance to remain in the United States. The reason for this fear could be based on your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or your political opinions. Legal status within the country does not matter so long as you face a threat of persecution and file for asylum within the first year of entry into the U.S.

Our attorneys can guide you through the requirements of the asylum process, and help you apply for asylum in a timely manner. If your asylum is denied and referred to immigration court, an immigration lawyer will be crucial for presenting your case. An immigration attorney is also helpful to appeal your case if the court denies you asylum.

Spouse and Partner Visas

Marriage is a common way to secure a spouse's entry into the United States. The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph can assist with both fiancé visas and marriage visas. A fiancé visa would help bring your spouse to the United States so long as you get married within 90 days of entry. A marriage visa allows your spouse to enter the country after getting married in their country of origin.

Issues may arise based on your spouse's criminal record or other factors, which is why it's important to have an attorney who understands the immigration process and the nuances of the law.

Naturalization and Citizenship

Once you are a citizen, you cannot be deported, which is why it's prudent to apply for citizenship if you have the opportunity. Even permanent residents or people who have lived in the country for decades may be deported for minor criminal infractions.

If you are a permanent resident and have obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to apply for naturalization after three years. If you obtained your green card in any other method, you are eligible to apply for citizenship after five years.

These naturalization petitions are often cumbersome and confusing, but an immigration lawyer can assist with preparing these forms, maximizing your chances of being approved for citizenship.