Navigating the U.S. immigration system on your own can seem like an impossible task. No matter how much research you do, there’s no way to get a handle on the intricacies of immigration law and norms that determine how processes play out in real life unless you have formal training. Luckily, immigration lawyers can fill this gap and help you maximize your chances of achieving your goals. If you are trying to become a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident, facing issues with a temporary visa such as a work visa, or fear deportation, an immigration lawyer in Chicago can represent your interests and get you the best possible outcome on your case.
If you’re thinking about engaging an immigration attorney, familiarize yourself with what an immigration lawyer brings to the table.
1. Anticipate and Avoid Mistakes
The immigration system is full of opportunities for missteps, from filling out paperwork incorrectly to presenting the wrong type of evidence. Even if you make your best effort to meet government requirements and take the appropriate steps, you could inadvertently hurt your case because you don’t know how to anticipate trouble. A good immigration lawyer, however, can predict and avoid complications before they become problems. An attorney brings both an understanding of the legal requirements for immigration statuses, and your attorney has probably helped someone in your situation navigate the process before. That means they can predict where your case may run into barriers and prepare accordingly to give you the best chance at achieving your goals.
2. Understand the Options
The immigration system can seem rigid, but you may have more options than you realize. There are many ways you can qualify to live or work in the United States and defend yourself against deportation, all of which come with their own requirements, conditions, and implications. An immigration attorney can educate you on the forms of relief for which you’re eligible and the different paths you can take to get there. Once you know the options, you can choose the best way forward for you and your family.
3. Know and Protect Your Rights
One of the biggest benefits of engaging an immigration lawyer is knowing that you have someone on your side who understands your rights and acts solely in your best interests. At the end of the day, the government’s primary concern is executing immigration laws and policies, not your wellbeing or goals. You can’t rely on the personnel that consider your case to enforce your rights, give you the benefit of the doubt, or maximize your odds of success. You need an immigration attorney to ensure that your rights and interests aren’t swallowed by the system, whether means protecting you during an interview with immigration officials, asserting your eligibility for different forms of humanitarian relief, or fighting removal proceedings.
4. Track the Status of Policies
Immigration policies continuously shift due to new laws from Congress, changes introduced by presidential administrations and the Department of Homeland Security, and court interventions. These changes can have major implications for your case, whether they concern shifts in eligibility standards or changes in enforcement priorities. That means that what worked for your friend or neighbor when they were going through a similar process may not work today. Trying to keep up with policy changes and understand the implications for your case can be overwhelming. Immigration attorneys track these shifts in real time and can help you plan a legal strategy based on the most recent standards and options.
Regardless of how much you read, you can’t match an attorney’s understanding of how immigration policies and legal processes work on the ground. Often, this understanding is the difference between success and failure in an immigration case. Consider engaging an immigration attorney to give yourself the best chance at reaching your goals.