Immigration Lawyers Services in Brooklyn

Visa petitions are formal requests submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish a relationship between a petitioner and a beneficiary. Common visa categories include family-based visas, employment-based visas, and humanitarian visas. Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn assist clients in determining which visa category best fits their circumstances and in preparing comprehensive applications that address USCIS requirements. Proper documentation and timely filing are essential to avoid delays or denials. For clients with employment sponsorship needs, immigration lawyers in Brooklyn also coordinate with employers and may refer clients to our Business Immigration practice for specialized corporate immigration planning.

Family sponsorship allows U.S. Citizens and permanent residents to petition for qualifying relatives to obtain green cards and lawful permanent resident status. The process involves multiple steps, including Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), visa availability checks, and adjustment of status or consular processing. Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn guide families through each stage, ensuring all forms are completed accurately and all supporting evidence is included. Processing times vary by visa category and country of origin, and experienced legal guidance helps families understand timelines and prepare for interviews.

Temporary work visas allow foreign nationals to work in the United States for specific employers and periods. Common work visa categories include H-1B (specialty occupations), L-1 (intra-company transferees), O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability), and E-2 (treaty investors). Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn prepare visa petitions, ensure compliance with prevailing wage requirements, and represent clients in visa interviews. The H-1B process involves a lottery system with annual caps, making strategic planning essential. Clients in specialized fields such as aviation and military services may have unique visa considerations, and immigration lawyers in Brooklyn coordinate with relevant agencies to address industry-specific requirements.

Permanent employment sponsorship requires employers to obtain labor certification from the Department of Labor before sponsoring a foreign worker for a green card. The PERM process verifies that no available U.S. Workers can perform the job and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect U.S. Employment conditions. Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn manage the entire labor certification process, including recruitment documentation, prevailing wage determinations, and responses to Department of Labor inquiries. This process typically requires one to three years, and experienced legal guidance helps employers and employees understand timelines and requirements.

Eligibility for naturalization depends on immigration status, time in the United States, and personal circumstances. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are generally eligible to apply after meeting residency and physical presence requirements. Immediate relatives of U.S. Citizens may have shorter waiting periods. Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn review each client's situation to confirm eligibility and identify any potential issues that may affect the application. The application requires submission of biographical information, evidence of lawful permanent resident status, tax returns, and other supporting documents. USCIS will conduct a background check and schedule an interview.

The naturalization interview is a critical stage in which USCIS officials verify the accuracy of the application and assess the applicant's English language skills and knowledge of U.S. Civics. Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn provide interview preparation, including practice civics questions, English language review, and guidance on what to expect during the interview. Applicants are tested on 100 possible civics questions covering topics such as the Constitution, the three branches of government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Proper preparation significantly increases the likelihood of a successful interview.

Grounds for removal include criminal convictions (particularly drug offenses, crimes of violence, and crimes of moral turpitude), immigration fraud, security concerns, and violations of visa conditions. Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn analyze the charges and evidence against clients to identify potential defenses and relief options. Some criminal convictions may be subject to legal challenge if they do not constitute deportable offenses under immigration law. Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn work closely with criminal defense attorneys to ensure that criminal cases are resolved in ways that minimize immigration consequences. Additionally, clients in specialized fields such as aviation and military services may face unique removal considerations, and immigration lawyers in Brooklyn address industry-specific legal issues through coordination with relevant agencies and our firm's Aviation & Military Services practice.

Asylum is a form of protection available to individuals who have suffered persecution or fear persecution based on protected grounds, including race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn assist asylum applicants in preparing asylum applications, gathering country condition evidence, and representing clients in asylum interviews and hearings. Withholding of removal is an alternative form of relief available to individuals who face torture or persecution if returned to their home country. Convention Against Torture claims require specialized legal analysis and evidence. Immigration lawyers in Brooklyn evaluate all available relief options to identify the strongest path forward for each client.