Baton Rouge Immigration Attorney
Immigration services
Big River Trial Attorneys is your trusted immigration law firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We offer comprehensive immigration services to help you navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration laws. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and guiding you every step of the way. Whether you are facing removal proceedings, need assistance with family-based applications, or are trying to adjust your status, we are here to help.
Defense against expulsion
At Big River Trial Attorneys, we offer robust removal defense services to help you remain in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security cannot deport you until you have been given the opportunity to appear before an immigration judge to present your case in what is now called removal proceedings. At all removal or deportation hearings in Immigration Court, you have the right to be represented by a deportation attorney.
Having an aggressive and experienced immigration attorney on your side can help increase your chances of avoiding deportation. If you have to appear before the Louisiana Immigration Court, our attorneys are ready to help you fight your deportation case. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in various forms of removal relief, including:
Asylum
People who have entered the United States may apply for asylum if they have been persecuted or fear persecution upon return to their home country. Persecution may involve torture or harm for reasons of:
- Raza
- Religious beliefs
- Nationality
- Belonging to a particular social group
- Political opinions
Qualified asylum seekers may include their spouses and children as derivative applicants in their application. If granted asylum, they will be permitted to work in the United States and obtain a Social Security card. Additionally, asylees may travel abroad with permission and request that their family members join them in the United States. They may also apply for a work permit while their case is pending.
Cancellation of expulsion
Cancellation of Removal is a form of relief available to certain non-citizens who have been in the United States for a significant period of time and meet specific criteria. Our team will assess your eligibility and represent you in proceedings to apply for cancellation of removal. If you qualify to apply for cancellation of removal, we can help you prepare a strong case and present your evidence in court. You may also be able to apply for a work permit while your case is pending.
Adjustment of status in removal proceedings
Even if you are in removal proceedings, you may be able to apply for a green card without leaving the United States through a process known as adjustment of status in removal proceedings. If you qualify, this option can prevent your deportation. Additionally, those who apply for adjustment of status may be eligible to apply for a work permit and travel permit, also known as “advance parole.” This is a very complex process, and we can evaluate your case to see if you might qualify. We will guide you through the process and represent you in adjusting your status while you face removal.
Cancellation of Removal Under VAWA
Victims of domestic violence who are in removal proceedings may be eligible for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Under VAWA, certain immigrant spouses and children in removal proceedings can apply for a green card through VAWA cancellation of removal. Immigrant women and children are especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation when they enter the United States, work, or are at home. To address this situation, federal law has established various protections for these victims. Many immigrant victims face threats of deportation, especially if their immigration status depends on an abusive spouse or parent under the family-based immigration system. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and help you apply for VAWA protections to ensure your safety and well-being.
Motions to dismiss
If there are grounds to challenge the basis of your removal proceedings, we can file motions to dismiss. There are also times when the government may be willing to grant a motion to dismiss your case so you can focus on higher-priority cases. Our experienced attorneys will analyze your case and file the appropriate motions to request termination of the removal proceedings.
Applications to USCIS
Big River Trial Attorneys also offers comprehensive assistance with various USCIS applications to help you achieve your immigration goals. Our services include:
Fiancé visas
The K-1 visa, commonly known as a fiancé visa, allows a foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States, provided both parties intend to marry and do so within 90 days of the foreign fiancé’s arrival. Only U.S. citizens may apply for a K-1 visa for their fiancé(es). Once the parties are married, the fiancé(e) will be eligible for lawful permanent residence and, subsequently, U.S. citizenship. Our attorneys are experienced in fiancé visas and will guide you through the application process to ensure a smooth transition.
Family-based visa applications
We help U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents petition for their relatives to join them in the United States. Residency applications are only available for certain categories of relatives, and the process is long and complicated. Our team can help you prepare and file the appropriate documentation and understand the delays that may occur throughout the process.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Battered spouses or children of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may file a self-petition under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Abuse is defined as being subjected to physical assault or extreme mental cruelty. Approval of such a petition generally entitles the individual to apply for adjustment of status, even if they entered the United States without clearance.
VAWA allows certain spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) to file a petition on their own, without the abuser’s knowledge. VAWA provisions apply equally to women and men.
Applying for VAWA relief is a complex process, and our experienced legal team can help you with it.
Immigration exemptions
If you are unable to enter the United States, you may need a waiver to overcome the grounds of inadmissibility. Waivers based on inadmissibility and removal are critical to overcoming obstacles encountered during status proceedings, deportation hearings, or consular visa processing. The waiver process for individuals deemed inadmissible or deportable due to prior criminal convictions or false statements can be complex. Our attorneys are experienced in preparing and filing various waivers, including those related to unlawful presence, fraud, and criminal convictions.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
SIJS is available to certain undocumented children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. The SIJS application is a multi-step process that involves both state court and filing paperwork with USCIS. However, individuals granted SIJS are granted permanent residence.
Contact our immigration attorney in Baton Rouge
At Big River Trial Attorneys, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for all your immigration needs. Contact us today at (225) 407-0777 to schedule a consultation and let us help you achieve your immigration goals.