Hickory Immigration Lawyer

Immigration Attorney in Hickory, NC

Immigration laws are complicated, frequently changing, and not always consistently enforced, making immigration a confusing and overwhelming process for many. A Hickory immigration lawyer can offer many benefits when working on your immigration case. An experienced attorney can advocate for your case, offer legal counsel to help you make informed decisions, ensure documents are free from mistakes, and streamline the process to help pursue a timely resolution.

Hire an Immigration Lawyer

You don’t have to face an uncertain future alone. When you hire an immigration lawyer from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, you get a team with over 30 years of combined experience advocating for the rights of immigrants in North Carolina. We offer client-focused, compassionate service to help keep families together. Our decades of experience can help ensure you’re not denied entry or delayed in your case due to a simple mistake or missed deadline.

Immigration in North Carolina

Immigrants make up a large part of North Carolina residents, according to the American Immigration Council. As of 2023, roughly 9.3% of North Carolina residents were foreign-born, and 5.3% lived with at least one immigrant parent. Immigrants account for 12% of North Carolina’s labor force.

In 2023, North Carolina was home to over 1 million immigrants who contributed $11.4 billion in tax contributions and had a combined spending power of $33.7 billion.

There were a total of 342,100 undocumented immigrants in North Carolina, contributing more than $1.9 billion in local, state, and federal taxes. The undocumented make up 34.1% of the immigrant population.

In Hickory, immigration cases are handled in Charlotte at the Charlotte Immigration Court on Leesburg Pike, but some cases are heard over video conference or at alternative locations. Immigration court is a type of administrative court overseen by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Common Paths to Immigration

There are several common ways people can choose to migrate to the United States. An immigration attorney can help review your circumstances and recommend an appropriate path based on your eligibility and goals.

Common paths include:

• Family path. If you have family already living in North Carolina, they can sponsor your citizenship. If you can prove a family connection through marriage or familial ties, you could qualify for family-based immigration.
• Employment path. If you have a job offer with a U.S.-based employer, specialized skills, or an advanced degree, you could qualify for employment-based immigration.
• Humanitarian path. If you are fearful of your home country’s treatment due to your race, religion, sexuality, nationality, or political affiliation, you may qualify for asylum or a special protected status.

Ways an Immigration Attorney Can Help

If your goal is naturalization and citizenship, an immigration attorney can help ensure you reach your goals without unnecessary delays or additional expenses. Your immigration attorney can help by:

• Staying up-to-date on the latest immigration laws that could affect your citizenship journey
• Gathering and presenting evidence on your behalf
• Keeping you informed of any court appearances or additional documents needed by the court.
• Ensuring all documents are submitted within the appropriate deadlines and are free from errors that could result in delays.
• Safeguarding your interests in court and ensuring that your legal rights are granted.
• Reviewing denials and helping you reapply or appeal the decision.
• Petitioning for relief during removal proceedings.
• Helping you maintain your freedom and peace of mind.

FAQs

How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the cost of an immigration lawyer varies with the specifics of your case. Some attorneys charge a flat fee based on the type of case, while others charge based on an hourly rate. Simple cases have a lower set fee or require fewer hours than more complex cases. Some cases require the upfront payment of a retainer fee before work can begin on the case.

Is It Worth Using an Immigration Lawyer?

Yes, it is often worth using an immigration lawyer when handling an immigration case. Immigration laws can be complicated, and having an experienced attorney can reduce stress related to paperwork, deadlines, and court appearances. An immigration lawyer can also explain confusing laws and help you make informed decisions that may save time and money.

Are There Legal Options if I’m Facing Deportation?

Yes, there are legal options if you are facing deportation that a Hickory immigration attorney can help with. Depending on the circumstances of your case, there are several options available. If you fear persecution in your home country, you can apply for asylum. If you are a non-permanent resident with family, you could file for a cancellation of removal. There are also options to adjust your status, request a waiver, or apply for temporary protected status.

What Does it Mean if My Immigration Case Is Administratively Closed?

If your immigration case is administratively closed, it means your case has been removed from the active docket, but it does not mean that the case has been resolved. The case is set aside so that the courts can handle more urgent cases, but it can be returned to the docket in the future. You can file a motion to recalendar to return your case to the docket for a decision.

Are Immigration Cases a Federal or State Matter?

Immigration cases are almost exclusively a federal matter. The Department of Homeland Security enforces immigration laws, while the Department of Justice handles immigration cases in the court system through special immigration courts. States do have the power to pass laws that can affect immigrants, such as restricting access to state-funded programs, but only if they don’t interfere with the doctrine of preemption.

Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC

If you are going through the process of immigrating to North Carolina, or already live in North Carolina as an undocumented immigrant, it can be helpful to have the services of an experienced Hickory immigration attorney. Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, today to schedule your initial consultation with a Hickory immigration lawyer