Immigration Lawyer FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a green card?

Depends on category:

• Immediate relatives: 12-30 months
• Family preference: 1-20+ years (depends on country)
• Employment-based: 1-10+ years (depends on category and country)
• Marriage to US citizen: 12-30 months

How much do immigration lawyers cost?

Service	Cost
Marriage green card	$1,500-$5,000
Naturalization	$1,000-$3,000
Asylum	$3,000-$10,000
Deportation defense	$5,000-$25,000+

Plus government fees.

Can I become a citizen?

Generally if you:

• Are a permanent resident for 5 years (3 if married to US citizen)
• Lived in the US continuously
• Have good moral character
• Can pass English and civics tests
• Are at least 18 years old

What if I have a criminal record?

Criminal history can affect immigration. Some crimes can:

• Bar naturalization
• Lead to deportation
• Make you inadmissible
• Disqualify you from relief

Consult an immigration attorney before any applications.

Can I stay in the US if I'm out of status?

Possibly, depending on:

• How you became out of status
• How long you've been out of status
• Whether you have qualifying relatives
• Available forms of relief

An attorney can identify options.

What is deportation?

Deportation (removal) is the legal process of expelling non-citizens from the US. Reasons include:

• Visa overstay
• Criminal convictions
• Immigration violations
• Fraud
• Public safety issues

Can I fight deportation?

Yes, often. Defenses include:

• Cancellation of removal
• Asylum
• Withholding of removal
• Adjustment of status
• Waivers
• Constitutional challenges

What if I'm detained by ICE?

• Don't sign anything
• Request an attorney immediately
• Don't discuss your case
• Memorize an attorney's phone number
• Have family contact attorney
• Request a bond hearing

Can I get a green card through marriage?

Yes, if:

• Marriage is bona fide (real)
• Spouse is US citizen or LPR
• You're not inadmissible
• No fraud involved

Process takes 12-30 months.

What if my visa expires?

Don't ignore it:

• Status options may exist
• Renewals may be possible
• Some visas have grace periods
• Overstay has consequences

Act before expiration.

Can I work while my application is pending?

Maybe, depending on:

• Type of application
• Current status
• Work authorization (EAD)
• Employer petitions

What's a green card?

Permanent resident card allowing you to:

• Live in the US permanently
• Work for any employer
• Travel in/out of US
• Apply for citizenship eventually
• Sponsor family members (limited)

Can I bring my family to the US?

US citizens can sponsor:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Siblings (with long waits)

Permanent residents can sponsor:

• Spouses
• Unmarried children

What about DACA?

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) provides:

• Temporary protection from deportation
• Work authorization
• Renewable every 2 years
• Status remains uncertain politically

Can I travel while my case is pending?

Sometimes, but be careful:

• Some pending cases require advance parole
• Travel can abandon some applications
• Re-entry may be difficult
• Always consult attorney first

What's asylum?

Protection for those facing persecution in their home country based on:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Political opinion
• Membership in particular social group

Must apply within 1 year of arrival generally.

How do I find a good immigration lawyer?

• AILA membership (American Immigration Lawyers Association)
• Specialization in your case type
• Free consultations
• Speaks your language
• Good reviews
• No promises of guaranteed results
• Bar association in good standing

What languages do immigration lawyers speak?

Many offer services in multiple languages. Popular ones include:

• Spanish
• Mandarin
• Cantonese
• Vietnamese
• Korean
• Tagalog
• Arabic
• French
• Portuguese
• Russian