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Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration

Q: Which family members may sponsor someone for a US visa?

A: A US citizen may sponsor a spouse, parent, sibling, minor child or adult child (regardless of marital status) for an immigrant visa. Additionally, aliens with legal permanent resident status (or a "green card") may sponsor a spouse or unmarried child.

Q: How can a foreign national gain legal permanent resident (LPR) status?

A: The two main ways a foreign national can gain LPR status is to be sponsored by 1) family member already living in the US as a citizen or legal permanent resident; or 2) an employer for a permanent, full-time employment position in the US. Foreign nationals also may be eligible to register for the diversity lottery and refugees may be able to resettle in the US or apply for asylum.

An individual who is at risk of being deported faces the possibility that he or she will have to leave the life they have established in the U.S. and have to start over again in another country. Family relationships and friendships are threatened and employment opportunities may be lost. If you, or someone you know, is at risk of being deported, contact an immigration law attorney to ensure that everything possible will be done to preserve your rights.

Southern California Immigration Lawyer

Immigrating to the U.S. is a lengthy and complex process that involves dealing with a government bureaucracy known for confusing rules and constantly changing regulations. It's important that your immigration matters are handled correctly because your future is on the line. For reliable and experienced immigration services, contact an immigration attorney at R. Bracken & Associates, Attorneys at Law.

To learn more about immigration, please review the general information below or visit our immigration overview page.

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Our offices are located in neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and throughout Southern California. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Please contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation at an office near you.

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Immigration - An Overview

Immigration law covers the procedures for entering the US, determines who is and is not eligible for entry, sets the rules for obtaining citizenship and deporting foreign nationals who violate US immigration or other laws. Immigration attorneys assist foreign nationals seeking to come to the US to study, travel, conduct business and work. They also help employers complete the application and certification processes to employ foreign workers for permanent and temporary positions. If you have an immigration-related issue, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.

Basic Immigration Laws

Since the first immigration act was passed in the 1950s, immigration law in the US has undergone many important changes and revisions. Changes in immigration law affect employers, visitors, students, business travelers and others seeking to live, work or travel to the US.

Government Agencies and Their Duties

More than one US government agency is involved with implementing and enforcing US immigration law and policy. Given the complexity of US immigration law, it is important to understand which federal agencies are involved with which types of immigration matters.

Visas

Those wishing to relocate permanently to the US and those desiring to visit the US for a temporary amount of time must apply and be approved for a visa prior to traveling to the country. There are many types of visas, and it is essential that the foreign national applies for the correct class of visa.

Deportation

Deportation occurs when the federal government formally removes an alien from the country for violation of US immigration or other laws. Once deported, an alien may lose the right to return to the United States, even as a visitor.

Immigration Resource Links

Visa Services: US Department of State
This State Department Web site provides information for acquiring permanent resident status in the US, including information on the different types of visas and how to acquire a family-based or employment-based visa.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Main US agency responsible for implementing and enforcing US immigration laws. The Web site provides information and links to forms for applying for visas, acquiring citizenship, sponsoring employees and family members, green cards and more.

Legal Information about Immigration
This set of resources maintained by the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University provides an overview of immigration law.

Admission into the US
Web site provided by the US Customs and Border Patrol, offering information to international visitors on the US admissions process. Provides links to the electronic system for travel authorization, application for advance permission to enter as a nonimmigrant and other important information for those entering the US permanently or as temporary workers, visitors or students.

Forms and Fees
This resource, maintained by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provides on-line access to immigration forms, including filing fee information.

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From our home office in Riverside and satellite offices throughout the Inland Empire, the attorneys of R. Bracken & Associates, Attorneys at Law serve clients throughout Southern California (CA) including:

Riverside County communities such as Banning, Beaumont, Blythe, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Coachella, Corona, Desert Hot Springs, Hemet, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Norco, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Perris, Rancho Mirage, San Jacinto, and Temecula;

San Bernardino County communities, including Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Blythe, Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Hesperia, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Needles, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland, Victorville, Yucaipa, and Yucca Valley

Orange County communities including Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda

Los Angeles County communities of Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Arcadia, Artesia, Avalon, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Brentwood, Burbank, Calabasas, Carson, Cerritos, Claremont, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Cudahy, Culver City, Diamond Bar, Downey, Duarte, El Monte, El Segundo, Gardena, Glendale, Glendora, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park, Industry, Inglewood, Irwindale, La Canada, La Mirada, La Puente, La Verne, Lakewood, Lancaster, Lawndale, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Palmdale, Palos Verdes Estates, Paramount, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre, Signal Hill, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City, Thousand Oaks, Torrance, Vernon, Walnut, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, and Whittier

San Diego County communities, including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, and Vista