Nashville Immigration Lawyer

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that is in charge of lawful immigration here in the United States. The agency is responsible for granting immigration and citizenship benefits, for promoting awareness and understanding about becoming an American citizen, and for preserving the integrity of the immigration system. Using a Nashville immigration lawyer can help you to navigate these complicated processes.

The United States has opened its arms to immigrants for hundreds of years, and it’s very foundation was built by foreign nationals from all over the world. An individual may become a U.S. citizen either at birth, or after their birth. In order for one to become a U.S. citizen at birth they must have been born in the United States or in one of its territories, or one must have parents or a parent who were citizens at the time of their birth (if the person was born abroad).

In order to become a citizen after birth, one must apply for either “derived” or “acquired” citizenship through their parents, or they must apply for naturalization. Naturalization applicants are required to take a test on English and Civics (including U.S. history and government).

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Naturalization Process

For those whose parents are not U.S. citizens, they will have to go through the naturalization process. The applicant will need to file a naturalization application with the USCIS. The foreign citizen typically won’t be naturalized unless he or she has been lawfully admitted in the United States for permanent residence beforehand. Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is a large decision to make, and naturalized citizens enjoy the rights and benefits of U.S. citizenship, this includes:

  • Being able to vote in federal elections
  • The ability to travel with a U.S. passport
  • They can run for office where citizenship is required
  • They can participate in a jury
  • They become eligible for certain federal and law enforcement jobs
  • Gaining eligibility for state and federal benefits
  • They expedite their ability to bring family members to the United States

Our Nashville immigration lawyers are experienced in handling any issues that may arise with your naturalization process.

Working in the United States

Every year thousands of foreign workers come to work in the United States in various kinds of occupations. These agricultural workers, artists, athletes, educators, performers, religious workers, scientists, nurses, and others must obtain permission to work legally in the United States, and there are different requirements for each employment category. It is critical to adhere to the terms of your application and visa because any violation can result in removal or denial of entry into the United States. Our Nashville immigration lawyers can assist temporary workers, permanent workers, students and exchange visitors, as well as temporary visitors for business in obtaining the appropriate employment visa.

Deportation Defense with a Nashville Immigration Lawyer

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) was created in 1952, it is the basic body of immigration law in the United States. Contained within the INA under Section 212 [8 U.S.C. 1182], it discusses the classes of aliens that are ineligible for admission.

For example, some of the common grounds for inadmissibility include: 1) health related grounds, 2) someone with a communicable disease, 3) someone with a mental disorder that poses a threat to others, 4) drug addicts, 5) criminal and related grounds, 6) convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, 7) multiple criminal convictions, 8) drug traffickers, 9) prostitution, 10) human trafficking, 11) terrorist activities, and 12) Nazi persecution.

The above are grounds for inadmissibility; this means these grounds would prohibit someone from entering the United States. There are also grounds for deportation; deportable grounds refer to someone who is already physically present in the United States. Many of the grounds for inadmissibility and deportation overlap. A Nashville immigration lawyer can help you fight deportation.

Under INA: ACT 237, some of the classes of deportable aliens include:

  • Violated their nonimmigrant status or a condition of entry
  • Smuggling
  • Marriage fraud
  • Crimes of moral turpitude
  • Conviction for an aggravated felony
  • Failure to register as a sex offender
  • Drug crimes
  • Drug abusers and drug addicts
  • Firearm offenses
  • Crimes of domestic violence, stalking, and crimes against children
  • Trafficking
  • False documents
  • Unlawful voters

man holding an American flag after gaining visa with help of Nashville immigration lawyer

Nashville Immigration Lawyer by Your Side

Nash Law, PLLC is here to assist you with your immigration matter. Whether you need assistance with obtaining a green card (permanent residence), adoption, asylum, or obtaining a work or family visa, we are here to provide you with the information you need so that you are properly prepared and have the best chances of reaching your goals within a reasonable time frame.

If you or a family member is facing deportation, we can also provide you with an aggressive deportation defense. Don’t hesitate to contact a Nashville immigration lawyer at 615-NASH-LAW today, we are here to explain your rights, the process, and to guide you every step of the way.

Get The Help You Deserve