Immigration Law

Immigration is a complex area of law. The policies, rules and laws are constantly changing and evolving having an attorney who understands the intricacies and nuances of immigration law and its constant evolution is critical for your immigration needs.   Our firm is dedicated exclusively to helping families and individuals meet their immigration needs in an effective and efficient manner. We represent clients throughout Washington State and most of the united States. We also serve clients from outside the United States.  Dearbonn Law offices can help people who need a visa attorney or comprehensive assistance in other areas of family immigration law. Our practice includes:

Visitor’s Visas

The B-2 visa category may be used by individuals who enter the country as tourists. Our firm is able to assist individuals with applying for tourist visas abroad.

F1 Student Visas

The F-1 visa category is for individuals seeking to study in the United States. Types of student visas

• F-1 and M-1 visas for full-time students
• The most common student visas are F-1 and M-1.
• F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies.
• M-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies.

As a student, You must be enrolled in an “academic” educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.

Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement

• You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
• You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
• You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
• You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up.

Our firm has assisted countless individuals with securing their student visas and can advise on what options are suitable for you.

Family Visas

There are two types of Family visa categories: Immediate Relatives and Family preference categories.

I. Adjustment of Status

Adjustment of Status is the process by which an eligible foreign national already in the United States can apply to become a permanent resident without returning  to their home country to obtain a visa. Adjustment of status refers to the change of the foreign national’s legal status from a non-immigrant (temporary) category to an immigrant (permanent) category.

II. Consular Processing

Consular processing is a procedure for foreign nationals residing outside the United States who wish to apply for a U.S. visa, including both immigrant visas (leading to a green card) and non-immigrant visas (for temporary stays). It involves completing the application for a green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate in the individual’s home country.

K1 Fiance visa. – This type of Visa allows a foreigner to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying a US citizen within 90 days of arrival.

I-751 Removal of Conditions

 If you were granted conditional residence (2-year green card) based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen (USC) or legal permanent resident (LPR), you must file USCIS Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence proving that you entered your marriage in good faith, and not to gain an immigration benefit. Filing of the I-751 petition allows you to receive your 10 year permanent resident card.

Citizenship and Naturalization. Naturalization is a process of becoming a citizen if you were not born in the US. To apply for citizenship, you must meet the following criteria-

Age: The law states that in order to file a naturalization application, the applicant must be at least 18 years old.

Residency: The applicant must be a LPR (lawful permanent resident – i.e., green card holder — exception is if he or she served in war for the U.S) in accordance with the immigration laws. Individuals who have legal permanent status will be asked to produce an I-551, Alien Registration Receipt Card, as proof of their status.

Residence and Physical Presence: The applicant is eligible to file for naturalization if, immediately before the filing, he or she:

• has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (see above);
• has been living continuously as a LPR in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing without an absence from the United States of more than one year (single absence);
• has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year shall disrupt the applicant’s continuity of residence unless the applicant can prove that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period): and
• has resided within a state or district for at least three months.

Good Moral Character: The applicant must generally show that he or she has been a person of good moral character for the statutory period (typically five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen or one year for Armed Forces expedite) prior to filing for naturalization.

Attachment to the Constitution: The applicant must show that he or she is attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States.

Language: Applicants for naturalization must be able to read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage in the English language. However some applicants are exempt from this requirement. They are those who on the date of filing:

• have been residing in the United States subsequent to a LPR status for periods totaling 15 years or more and are over 55 years of age;
• have been residing in the United States subsequent to a LPR status for periods totaling 20 years or more and are over 50 years of age; or
• have a medically proven physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects the applicant’s ability to learn English.

Knowledge of the United States Government and History: All applicants for naturalization must ably demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the history of the country and of the principles and form of government of the United States. Some applicants are exempt from this requirement. They are those who have a medically proven physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects the applicant’s ability to learn U.S. History and Government

Applicants who have been residing in the U.S. subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence for at least 20 years and are over the age of 65 will be afforded special consideration in satisfying this requirement.

Oath of Allegiance: To become a citizen, one must take the oath of allegiance. By taking the oath, an applicant swears to:

• support the Constitution and obey the laws of the U.S.;
• renounce any foreign allegiance and/or foreign title; and
• bear arms for the Armed Forces of the U.S. or perform services for the government of the U.S. when required.

Affirmative Asylum Petition

Asylum is a type of protection given to foreign Nationals who cannot go back to their home country for fear of persecution due to their race, nationality, religion, membership in a specific social group, or political opinion.  We assist individuals of have a credible fear of returning to their home country navigate this complex area.