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Four Common Myths Surrounding Immigration
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If you are an immigrant in the United States, or you would like to enter the country, you have likely heard many myths about the immigration system. Perhaps movies and television have misinformed you of the process, or maybe you have family members or friends who also went through the process and are now making generalizations about your case. Immigration law in the United States is complex and there are many misconceptions about it that too many people have come to accept as fact. Four of the most common myths surrounding immigration, and the truths behind them, are below.
You Cannot Petition for Your Parent to Enter the United States
It is unclear how this myth got started, but it is certainly one of the most widespread myths about immigration. In fact, immigration law in the United States does try to promote family unity and recognizes that sometimes, people enter the country looking for the American dream, but they must leave loved ones behind to do so. For this reason, you can petition for any immediate relative, including a spouse, child, and yes, one or both of your parents.
A Lengthy Stay in the U.S. Automatically Qualifies You for Adjustment of Status
This myth may have started circulating due to the fact that after five years of holding a green card, a person may apply for citizenship. However, nothing is ever automatic or guaranteed in the immigration system. Even if you have been in the United States for 10 years or more, you must still apply for an adjustment of status, and you must meet certain eligibility requirements that may have little to do with how long you have been in the country.
Minor Crimes Will Not Start Deportation Hearings
It is never a good idea for anyone to get into trouble with the law, but it is especially perilous for immigrants. Many people think they can only get deported if they commit major offenses, and that seemingly minor offenses such as shoplifting will not work against them. This is not true. However, that does not mean that you will automatically be deported. You do have options, such as filing a motion to vacate.
If Your Immigration Application is Denied, You Have to Leave the Country
Anyone who applies for immigration status obviously hopes for the best. Receiving news that your application was denied can be devastating, but that does not mean it is the end of the road, or that you have to leave the country. You can appeal the decision so that you can remain in the United States, but the process is complex. An immigration lawyer can help you through it and give you the best chance of success.
Our Illinois Immigration Lawyers can Provide the Answers You Need
There are many myths surrounding immigration and those listed above are just some of the most common. If you are applying for immigration status, need to adjust your status, or are facing deportation, our Chicago immigration lawyers at Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, LLC can provide the sound legal advice you need. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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