I am sure everybody has heard a great deal about immigration and President Trump. You may have heard the Trump administration speak about building a wall and the removal and deportation of people that are here without status (illegal). Immigration starts the deportation or removal process usually through the service of a Notice to Appear. If you live in the New York City (NYC) jurisdiction, a person would likely receive a Notice to Appear commanding that the person appears at Immigration Court located 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY. Upon receipt of this document, a person should begin preparations to defend themselves from deportation or removal from the United States. There are many opportunities that may present themselves when you are in immigration court. There may be applications that can be filed to allow you to obtain permanent residency (a greencard). However, one must be diligent and seek an experienced immigration lawyer that serves the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY. If you were served with a Notice to Appear, do not panic. This may in fact be a blessing in disguise.

Do I need a lawyer to file my marriage based green card (permanent residency) application? Does it look suspicious if I file my case with a lawyer or go to an Immigration (DHS) marriage interview with a lawyer?

I am asked these questions all too often. My answer is simple. YES . . . YOU SHOULD HIRE A LAWYER FOR THIS TYPE OF MATTER and NO IT DOES NOT LOOK SUSPSICIOUS. IT SHOWS THAT YOU ARE COMPETENT AND ARE TAKING THIS SERIOUS. This may seem somewhat self serving coming from an Immigration lawyer. But, I assure this is not a sales pitch. Let’s face the facts. You are appearing before an Immigration DHS officer at 26 Federal Plaza, NY NY (if you live within its jurisdiction) to provide sworn statements pertaining to your matter. These Immigration Officers work for the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the United States of America. USCIS DHS is represented through these immigration officers who are very well trained and have tremendous power. Doesnt it make sense that you also represented by experienced immigration lawyers to make sure that you are treated fairly and are given due process. The decisions you make early-on can impact the outcome of your very important immigration matter. Remember, it is usually more difficult and expensive to attempt fix or overcome a bad result than to start off properly through the use of an experienced immigration lawyer serving Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan and Long Island, regardless of whether the case is pending at 26 Federal Plaza, NY NY or 30 Barretts Holtsville, NY

You fall in love . . . get married . . . file your application for a green card (permanent residency) . . . and then appear for your interview at 26 Federal Plaza, NY, NY. All of a sudden, you feel your life is turned upside down because immigration (USCIS – DHS) does not believe you entered the marriage in good faith. Whether you receive a denial of your family petition (I-130) or adjustment of status application (I-485) or are scheduled for a “Stokes” interview, you must act quick. You can never be over-prepared for these matters. A decision may need to be made whether to appeal the denial of the family petition, or whether you may file new applications. You must need be intimidated by the powerful U.S. government. It is not realistic to think that you alone can take on the Department of Homeland Security. Dont go at it alone. Speak with someone that has had countless interactions with the powerful immigration agency.