Immigration Law Basics: Your Ticket To The American Dream

America has, and will always be, a land of promise and opportunity. However, achieving that rich dream is not available automatically. Those with a legal and financial path to immigration status have a huge head start – and this article will explain how you can get yours. Keep reading to learn more about the fundamentals of U.S. immigration law, including:

• The most common visa options for migrants hoping to live and work in the U.S..
• The factors that influence the strength of your request and the documents you need to launch it.
• Success stories from a variety of different immigration paths.

At Its Heart, What Is Immigration Law All About?

Our nation was built by immigrants. We depend upon immigrants to keep the economic engine of the United States going – an engine that offers immense opportunities to those fortunate enough to join.

Forty-four percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This country, more than any other in the world, offers citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, unmatched and equal opportunities. And immigration law is what makes sure that these opportunities stay open to people from around the world.

How Does Immigration Law Work?

Immigration law encompasses various systems and pathways for foreigners to enter, stay, work, live, and eventually become naturalized citizens of the United States.

One such pathway involves petitioning for relatives and family members, allowing them to enter or remain in the United States as Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders).

Another common pathway enables U.S. companies to attract foreign workers, bringing them in to contribute to their profits and the country’s economy, either as nonimmigrants or immigrants.

An immigration law attorney’s role is to understand these different pathways, guide immigrants on the best course of action, and ensure they navigate the process successfully.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Immigration Visas For The United States?

While there are dozens, if not hundreds, of technically different visas and immigration pathways, here are some of the most common and popular options:

• E-1 Treaty Trader— For citizens of certain countries to establish trade between their home country and the U.S.
• E-2 Treaty Investor—For citizens of certain countries who purchase or start a business here.
• L-1 Intracompany Transferee—Companies in the U.S. can bring in foreign workers who have worked for their foreign-affiliated
• O-1 Aliens of Extraordinary Ability—Foreign nationals who have achieved success or notoriety through exceptional abilities overseas can enter to work in the United States.
• H-1B Specialty Occupations—U.S. Companies can petition for a foreign worker with specific useful skills and training (at least Bachelor level).

These five are only the tip of the immigration iceberg, demonstrating the sheer breadth and variety of immigration options available.

Attorney Andrew Driggs is a seasoned immigration lawyer based in the southwest who has helped countless individuals and businesses pursue and reach their immigration needs and goals. With over 30 years of experience, his advice and guidance is a great place to start your path toward immigration, citizenship, and the American Dream.

Have questions about your visa status? Want to bring a family member into the country? Contact Driggs Immigration Law today to schedule an initial consultation.

Call to schedule an appointment with the attorney - (855) 620-5511

Will An Immigration Lawyer Handle Every Case?

Immigration lawyers are not miracle workers, nor do we want to waste your time or money; we only take on cases where we are sure that there is a path to success.

Here at Driggs Immigration Law, we are not afraid of difficult cases, but we do not accept impossible cases either. We will always be honest with you if we believe there is no path forward at this time.

I Want To Get An Immigration Lawyer To Help. What Documents Do I Need?

When preparing for a meeting with your immigration attorney to work on your case, be sure to bring your passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate.

You may also need similar vital documents from other family members involved, as well as additional specific documents depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

For business visas, your immigration attorney will collaborate closely with your employer to ensure all necessary documentation is gathered.

All in all, Ii you’re ever unsure about what to bring, don’t hesitate to call and ask!

How Is The Employment Immigration Process Different From Asylum?

Asylum is solely based on previous persecution and fear of future persecution in your home country. Employment immigration, on the other hand, is utilized by businesses to fulfill their employee needs and individuals to pursue their careers, investments, or skills.

What Are Some Examples Of Immigration Success In Action At Driggs Immigration Law?

Every story is different, and immigration law is all about ensuring that story gets to continue here in the U.S. As a trusted immigration attorney, I’m proud to have many examples of the American Dream starting within the doors of my firm…

• I am assisting a leading Las Vegas architectural firm in helping five employees obtain lawful permanent residence.
• I’ve had the privilege of bringing one of Chile’s greatest soccer players, Mark Gonzalez, to the United States as an O-1 Alien of extraordinary ability. He currently resides in the United States.
• I represent INEOS, a multinational corporation, managing all their U.S. immigration needs, including overseeing their Blanket L program.
• I represent MSR-FSR, an Arizona company with worldwide operations, in bringing their affiliate’s employees to the United States to assist with a $40 billion semiconductor plant construction project.
• I represent a recent Arizona high school graduate who has won several academic awards and competitions and is applying for asylum to flee religious persecution in Iran.
• I represent an engineer from India, who is applying for a green card and is the world’s leading expert on Blowout Prevention system design. His work has become integral to the U.S. regulatory framework to prevent oil spills and oil rig accidents, such as the Deepwater Horizon tragedy.

Every story is unique, and each path is different, but the first step is always the same: reaching out to a qualified and experienced immigration law attorney to start the immigration process out right.

When Should I Reach Out To An Immigration Law Attorney?

For many people, hiring a lawyer marks a challenging time in their lives, often indicating trouble with the government or an injury. However, with immigration law, a lawyer represents a beacon of hope and a solution.

When seeking immigration assistance, people are typically aiming to significantly improve their circumstances, seeking freedom and opportunity.

Whether you’re looking for greater earning power, a chance to work in the U.S., the right to vote, or protection from deportation, an immigration attorney can provide invaluable assistance. Few experiences compare to the joy of reuniting a family separated by borders, and few moments are as transformative as those involving immigration.

For more information on The Basics Of Immigration Law In The United States, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (855) 620-5511 today.