Fontana Adjustment of Status Lawyer

A major milestone in the United States is becoming a lawful permanent resident, otherwise known as a green card holder. Many immigrants in the Fontana, California area use the Adjustment of Status process as a means to achieve that goal without having to leave their homes. Whether you are applying through refugee status, an employment-based visa, or marriage, a skilled Fontana Adjustment of Status lawyer from U.S. Law Center can help.

At U.S. Law Center, our knowledgeable immigration team has decades of combined experience serving the immigration communities in Fontana and surrounding areas. We offer deep experience in immigration law, understanding of local stakeholders, field offices, immigration courts, and knowledge of the common issues and challenges that impact folks in the Fontana immigrant community.

If you are ready to take the next step in your immigration journey, we are more than eager to help you navigate the Adjustment of Status process.

What Is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status is a legal immigration process that involves applying for lawful permanent residency while remaining in the country. For individuals whose families, jobs, and lives are already located in Jurupa Valley, this is typically the preferred option, as opposed to consular processing, which requires applicants to travel abroad and apply from their home countries’ U.S. consulate or embassy.

A dedicated attorney from our firm can help you understand whether you meet the following requirements:

• Having legally entered the US
• Eligibility through a viable pathway, such as refugee or asylee status, employment-based petitions, or family-based petitions
• Not having inadmissibility on the basis of immigration fraud, criminal convictions, or health-related grounds

The application process for an Adjustment of Status is typically kick-started by filing a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with any required supporting documents. If your application is approved, you then become a green card holder (a lawful permanent resident).

Fontana’s Immigrant Population – a Place of Opportunities

Fontana, California, is a growing and vibrant community that has a population of roughly 212,000 residents. As of 2023, 86.6% of residents in Fontana are U.S. citizens, and 28.3% of its residents, almost 60,000 people, were born outside of the United States. The largest ethnic group in Fontana is Other (Hispanic) at 91,800 residents, followed by Two or More Races (Hispanic) at 29,100, and White (Non-Hispanic) at 26,500.

These figures show just how thriving the immigrant community is in Fontana, with many residents eager to create their new lives in the U.S. This makes the prospect of permanent legal status a key milestone in achieving stability for their careers, education, and families.

Benefits of Adjustment of Status

For immigrants who are already deeply rooted in Fontana and cannot simply leave everything behind to file for paperwork, Adjustment of Status comes with a myriad of benefits, such as:

• Eligibility to work with an Employment Authorization Document while the application is processing
• Ability to remain with family and friends throughout application processing
• No need to go abroad or risk having a visa denied by a consulate
• Access to a driver’s license, Social Security Number, and more
• Access to certain public benefits after you receive your green card
• A robust path to pursuing U.S. citizenship

Adjustment of Status Timeline for Fontana Applicants

If you’re applying for a green card through the family-based or employment-based pathways, you will first need to file the initial petition, such as through using Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, or Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. You will need to get it approved or concurrently file it with Form I-485. Form I-485 is the primary green card application that needs to be submitted, along with robust supporting documentation.

A skilled attorney from our firm can help you ensure all your paperwork is adequately filled out and submitted on time. Concerning your application, you will be assigned a biometrics appointment, typically at the USCIS San Bernardino Field Office, in order to have your fingerprints, photo, and signature taken. Upon receiving this information, USCIS will conduct a background check.

If required, you may have an interview with USCIS, where they will verify your documents and go over your eligibility. Finally, you will receive a decision, which may include an approval, denial, or Request for Evidence. An empathetic attorney from our firm can help you understand a specific timeline for your case, depending on factors like the workload at the San Bernardino USCIS office and your case type.

FAQs About Fontana, CA, Adjustment of Status Laws

What Are Common Challenges in Adjustment of Status Cases?

Common challenges in Adjustment of Status cases that applicants may face include rejections or denials because of missing documentation or application inconsistencies, marriage fraud accusations during interviews, past immigration violations, such as visa overstays, financial problems that could impact the affidavit of support, and extremely lengthy processing times. An attorney can inform you of any challenges you may face according to the details of your case.

Can I Work While My Adjustment of Status Application Is Pending?

Yes, you can work while your Adjustment of Status application is pending. This can be done by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, concurrently with your Adjustment of Status application package. Upon approval, you will receive your Employment Authorization Document, which gives you the ability to legally work. A skilled attorney can help you navigate this process.

Do I Need to Leave the U.S. During the Adjustment Process?

No, you do not need to leave the U.S. during the Adjustment of Status process, which is the main benefit. If you need to travel while your application is being processed, you should apply for Advance Parole first by using Form I-131. It is crucial to consult with your immigration attorney first before making any travel plans.

What Happens if My Case Is Denied?

If your Adjustment of Status case is denied, a knowledgeable attorney from our firm can help you explore your legal options. For example, they can help you understand if you’re eligible for an appeal to the Board of Immigration Authorities (BIA), a motion to reconsider, or a motion to reopen. If they place your case in removal proceedings, we may be able to help you request that the immigration judge use Adjustment of Status as a defense for your case.

Contact a Fontana Adjustment of Status Lawyer Today

If you and your family are ready to pursue permanent residency, do not go through the process alone. An experienced and knowledgeable Fontana adjustment status lawyer from U.S. Law Center can help you avoid mistakes and inconsistencies that could delay or even jeopardize your application. Contact us today to get started discussing your case.