Immigration Attorney in Hollywood, FL

Honest, Accepting, and Confident Immigration Lawyer

When it comes to topics as serious and sensitive as immigration, you may feel anxiety or uncertainty about asking for legal help. However, you can rest assured that our Hollywood immigration lawyer at Magilligan Law is a non-judgmental and accepting advocate who will treat you with care and commitment. Whether you are a citizen or non-citizen, Attorney Consuelo De La Ossa-Magilligan is prepared to walk you through your legal concerns and work towards a favorable outcome.

Contact us today for assistance with:

Work with an honest and confident immigration lawyer in Hollywood, FL. Call (954) 833-1454 or contact Magilligan Law online for a consultation.

Defending Against Removable (Deportable) Crimes

One serious concern for immigrants or non-citizens is the possibility of deportation. A non-citizen may face deportation if they have been convicted of certain serious crimes, also called “removable crimes.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may deport a person regardless of how long they have lived in the United States or how well-established their life is here if they commit:

A crime of moral turpitude, such as:
- Fraud
- Obstruction of justice
- Arson
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Fleeing and eluding a police officer
- Forgery
- Sale of a controlled substance
- Dealing with stolen property
An aggravated felony, such as:
- Sexual abuse of a minor
- Drug trafficking
- Illicit trafficking in firearms
- Theft crimes for which the sentence is more than 1 year in prison
- Alien smuggling
- Kidnapping
- Fraud and money laundering involving more than $10,000
A controlled substance (drug) offense
A firearms offense
A crime of violence

Be aware that all non-citizens are subject to such rules whether they are legal permanent residents (“green card” holders), visa holders (e.g., student visas, work visas), or asylum refugees.

Family-Based Green Card Sponsorship

Another important immigration matter in Florida is green card sponsorship, which may lead to citizenship. One type of green card sponsorship is a family-based petition, which is based on certain preference categories depending on which family member is petitioning for their non-citizen relative.

The preference categories are:

Immediate relatives – Citizens petitioning for their spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents
First preference – Citizens petitioning for their unmarried adult children over the age of 21
Second preference (2A) – Legal permanent residents applying for their spouses or unmarried children under the age of 21
Second preference (2B) – Legal permanent residents applying for their unmarried adult children over the age of 21
Third preference – Citizens applying for their married children of any age
Fourth preference – citizens over the age of 21 applying for their brothers and sisters

The case will likely begin with the filing of Form I-130, which must be filed by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. Note that if the person seeking citizenship is in the United States, they may be able to file for permanent residence in conjunction with Form I-130 and be entitled to employment authorization and permission to travel while the applications are being processed.

Seeking Asylum in Florida

In addition to green card sponsorship, individuals may also seek legal residence in the United States as asylees. Asylum status allows a person to remain in the US because they could experience harm or persecution in their country of origin. If the government grants asylum status, the individual can legally live and work in the US as well as travel to a different country and re-enter the US. The government also allows asylees to apply for a green card one year after they receive asylum status.

To be eligible for asylum, the person must be in the US or in a port of entry to the US. Note that individuals who are overseas should apply for refugee status rather than asylum.

If the following is true, a person can apply for asylum in the US:

They experienced or fear persecution in their home country
The government or an uncontrolled group threatens their safety
They fear persecution based on their race, religion, political view, nationality, or membership in a particular social group

Individuals seeking asylum need to file their application within one year of the last time they entered the US. To file for asylum, they must apply to an immigration judge or to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An asylum case could last a long time. An experienced immigration lawyer can better help streamline the legal process.

Speak with an Experienced Immigration Attorney

If you have legal questions or concerns about immigration laws in Florida, consult an experienced immigration lawyer for support. Whether you are a citizen seeking to sponsor a relative or are a non-citizen looking to naturalize, our Hollywood immigration attorney at Magilligan Law can guide you through the immigration process in Florida.

Schedule a consultation with Magilligan Law online or by phone at (954) 833-1454 today.