Immigration Attorneys in Arlington

Asylum and Refugee Seekers

Every day, foreign-born people arrive at our borders and ask for asylum. They are fleeing persecution for their race, religion, nationality, social group membership, or political opinion. Asylum seekers must present themselves at the border. Anyone wanting to legally remain in the U.S. as an asylee should contact Norred Law right away. Those will a pending asylum case can seek the right to work in the U.S. after 180 days.

Unlike those wanting asylum, anyone wanting to stay in the U.S. as a refugee start the process outside the country. Potential refugees first register with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the country to which they have fled. 

Having an attorney from Norred Law to provide legal guidance from within the U.S. is critical to illustrate a compelling narrative for refugee status. Those admitted as refugees are eligible for U.S. government-funded resettlement assistance. They are also allowed to work immediately using their Arrival-Departure Record until they receive their Employment Authorization Document. 

Green Cards and Citizenship

Anyone wanting to become a lawful permanent resident should speak with our Arlington immigration attorneys. 

USCIS allows for three avenues for gaining a Green Card:

• Those currently on employment-based visas (EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 are prioritized in that order)
• Those who are immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent)
• Other family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (unmarried children older than 21, spouses and children of green card holders, unmarried children of green card holders older than 21, married children of U.S. citizens, and siblings of U.S. citizens)

Being a lawful permanent resident gives the individual the right to live and work in the U.S. Green cards are typically valid for 10 years and can be renewed. A green card enables the holder to travel freely within the U.S. They can also travel abroad and re-enter the U.S. as long as they return within 12 months of departure. 

Citizenship through naturalization offers additional benefits:

• No green card renewal requirement
• Less risk of deportation
• Ability to petition for more family members to come to the U.S.
• Right to vote and run for public office
• Ability to obtain a U.S. passport 

Anyone who has been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) and meets other eligibility criteria can apply for citizenship. 

Compassionate and Tenacious Legal Support for Immigrants

The United States is the home of freedoms and opportunities not found in many countries around the world. Immigrants see this country as a shining light, a hope for a better tomorrow. 

At Norred Law, we are devoted to helping those who want to become productive members of the American family. The process of gaining legal status in the U.S. can be difficult and time-consuming. Our team will shoulder the technical difficulties and do everything we can to make your American dream come true. 

Contact us online or call (817) 500-9433 to schedule a consultation about your case. We are located in Arlington and serve the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area.