The removal process may be initiated for a foreign national who is found to be in the United States illegally or has violated immigration laws. After a person is arrested or undergoes an investigation, a removal hearing is scheduled to determine whether they will be deported or found inadmissible and removed. This is often a traumatic experience for families or individuals who have created a life in this country and do not wish to leave.
There are several categories of legal admission available to people who are fleeing persecution or unable to return to their native countries due to life-threatening or extraordinary conditions. These categories include various humanitarian programs and protective measures that aim to assist foreign nationals in need of shelter or aid from disasters, oppression, emergency medical issues, and other urgent circumstances.
Given the complexity of U.S. immigration law and the current political climate, it is critical to hire an experienced attorney who can help provide a strong defense for your case. Goren & Barreto has successfully defended thousands of clients facing removal proceedings with applications for relief, including cancellation of removal for both lawful permanent residents and non-residents, asylum, and other humanitarian relief.
Some, but not all, of the more common forms of humanitarian relief handled by our firm are described below.
Refugees & Asylum
Refugees are admitted to the United States based upon an inability to return to their home countries because of a “well-founded fear of persecution” due to race, membership in a particular social group, political opinion, religion, or national origin. Asylum is available to persons already in the United States who are seeking protection based on the same five protected grounds upon which refugees rely. Refugees and asylees are eligible to become legal permanent residents one year after admission to the United States as a refugee or one year after receiving asylum.
Violence Against Women
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a law that aims to improve criminal justice and community-based responses to domestic violence and sexual assault in the United States. Under this law, you may be eligible for a green card if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed by a spouse or parent who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or by a child who is is U.S. citizen.
Special Immigrant Juveniles
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status may be granted to immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent.
Victims of Crimes
The U Visa is a nonimmigrant visa available for victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse while in the U.S. and are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. U visa holders have legal status and qualify for employment authorization in the United States. In some cases, a U visa holder may be able to apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident, which can lead to getting a green card and U.S. citizenship.
If you or someone you know is facing removal or seeking humanitarian relief, an attorney from Goren & Barreto can help protect your rights and maximize your chance to stay in the U.S.
Goren & Barreto can provide the strongest argument possible for you to remain in the U.S. with legal status. Our robust removal defense practice includes applications for waivers, cancellation or withholding of removal, asylum, protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), protection under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), termination of proceedings, voluntary departure, motions to reopen, and much, much more.
Contact us for a consultation to discuss the legal options available for anyone facing deportation or removal from the U.S.
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