Fresno Immigration Lawyers

Attorneys for Asylum, VAWA, Green Cards, and Naturalization in Fresno, CA

In Fresno, California, immigrants may face a wide range of challenges, including threats of deportation or concerns about what steps they will need to take to maintain a legal status in the United States. Whether they are seeking family reunification, applying for Green Cards, or taking steps to become U.S. citizens, immigrants will need to make sure they are addressing legal concerns correctly.

The attorneys at Hafey & Karim provide compassionate legal support when helping clients address immigration issues. We can work with clients to determine the best defenses against deportation, apply for family-based visas, or respond to questions or requests for information from immigration officials. Clients in Fresno can rely on us for guidance on the best ways to resolve their legal concerns and secure a future in the United States.

Applying for Asylum to Escape Persecution

Asylum offers protection to immigrants who are unable to return to their home countries due to fear of persecution. This legal relief is available to those who are already present in the United States or who present themselves at a U.S. port of entry.

An immigrant may be eligible for asylum if they have experienced persecution in the past or reasonably believe that they will suffer future persecution based on their political opinions, religious beliefs, race or nationality, or participating in social groups that have been targeted for violence or other forms of harm.

Persecution can take many forms, including violence, imprisonment, torture, or threats. Victims of authoritarian regimes, political activists, journalists, and members of marginalized communities may qualify for protection. When asylum is granted, the recipient will be allowed to remain in the United States legally and apply for a work permit. They can petition to bring eligible family members to the U.S., and after one year of living in the United States, they will be able to apply for a Green Card.

The attorneys at Hafey & Karim assist Fresno residents with both affirmative asylum applications through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and defensive asylum claims in immigration court. We can help prepare and present compelling evidence of a reasonable fear of persecution, and we can provide representation throughout the process to help ensure that our clients can receive asylum protections.

Legal Options for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Immigrants who have suffered abuse by an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may be eligible for protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This federal law allows survivors to seek immigration relief through a self-petition rather than relying on an abuser to sponsor them for a visa

Our attorneys can assist survivors of domestic violence, helping them prepare and file VAWA self-petitions and gathering documentation of abuse and supporting evidence such as police reports, medical records, and affidavits. We handle these cases with discretion and care, with an emphasis on protecting the safety and dignity of survivors.

Benefits of Obtaining a Green Card

A Green Card demonstrates an immigrant's lawful permanent resident status, and it provides a person with long-term legal authorization to live and work in the United States. It is a critical step for many immigrants on the path to stability and eventual citizenship.

Lawful permanent residency will provide a person with protection against deportation, authorization to work for most employers in the United States, access to certain public benefits, and the ability to travel internationally and return to the U.S. It will also provide a person with the opportunity to become a United States citizen in the future.

Immigrants who are already in the U.S. may be eligible to adjust their status by filing an application through USCIS, while those who are abroad will typically need to go through consular processing. Our lawyers can provide guidance during the Green Card application process, assisting with the preparation of forms and documents, helping clients receive the required medical exams, preparing for interviews with immigration officials, and addressing potential inadmissibility issues.

Pursuing U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization

Naturalization allows lawful permanent residents to become U.S. citizens and enjoy the full rights and responsibilities of citizenship. This includes the ability to vote, run for office, travel freely, and sponsor relatives for immigration.

To apply for citizenship, an immigrant must be at least 18 years old, and they will need to meet requirements for residency and physical presence in the United States. Before citizenship will be granted, they must pass an English language test and a U.S. civics exam.

Our attorneys help clients in Fresno determine whether they are eligible for citizenship, and we can assist with naturalization applications. We can address any issues that may affect an application, and we work with clients to make sure they are fully prepared for their naturalization interviews and exams.

Contact Our Fresno, California Immigration Attorneys

If you need to address immigration concerns, Hafey & Karim is ready to help you. We will provide you with effective legal guidance, and we will be there by your side to ensure that you will be able to resolve any issues you may encounter. Contact our Fresno immigration lawyers at 214-506-0671 to schedule a consultation.