Asheville Immigration Lawyer

Immigration Attorney in Asheville, NC

There are many reasons why you might need the assistance of a skilled Asheville immigration lawyer. You might be interested in immigrating to North Carolina and want to consult with an immigration attorney about your legal options, or you might already be in North Carolina as a permanent resident or undocumented individual and want legal help to become a citizen or to legally remain in the United States. Whatever the case, Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can help.

Hire an Immigration Lawyer

Regardless of your current immigration status, you gain many benefits when you hire an immigration lawyer from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC. Our team has helped immigrants in North Carolina for over 14 years handle a wide range of legal issues. We are passionate about ensuring that your rights are protected as you seek legal status or face legal challenges. You don’t have to face immigration court or complex legal filings without experienced legal assistance.

North Carolina Immigration

The American Immigration Council tracks immigration throughout the United States. North Carolina is home to over 1 million immigrants as of 2023. Of these immigrants:

• 81.4% are of working age (16-64)
• 75.4% are proficient in English
• 14.9% are entrepreneurs
• 18.9% have a bachelor’s degree
• 17.9% have a graduate degree

If you are an immigrant or are sponsoring an immigrant as a family member or employer, you may have to appear in immigration court. Asheville residents are served by the Charlotte Immigration Court at 5107 Leesburg Pike. Immigration courts are overseen by the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Legal Paths to Immigration

When immigrating to the U.S., there are several different methods that can be used to gain legal entry. An immigration attorney can help ensure you apply using the most appropriate path for your situation and that your application is completed correctly to minimize the chances of a delay.

The paths include:

• Applying as the spouse, minor child, or parent of a U.S. citizen through the family-based immigration path. This method gives priority to close family members and can also be used by adult children and siblings, depending on visa availability.
• Receiving an offer of employment with an employer who agrees to sponsor your petition for immigration. Preference is given to workers with specialized skills, advanced degrees, and business owners.
• The Diversity Visa Program gives potential immigrants from underrepresented countries the ability to submit their names for inclusion in a green card lottery.
• If you are outside of the U.S. and facing persecution in your home country, you can apply for refugee status to enter the country.
• If you are already in the U.S. but fear persecution if deported back to your home country, you can apply for asylum protection.
• Humanitarian relief measures allow entry into the country for specific reasons, such as medical treatment, but typically do not provide a direct path to citizenship.

Types of Immigration Scams

Immigration laws are complicated and can change with little notice. Scammers often prey on immigrants who are unfamiliar with the U.S. legal system. Some common immigration scams include:

• Consultant scams exploit cultural differences. Individuals claiming to be consultants, notary publics, or accountants may present themselves as legal experts. In the U.S., only licensed attorneys can provide legal advice. Receiving inaccurate guidance can delay or prevent your ability to gain legal entry or status.
• Fake immigration websites appear to be legitimate government websites, but they aim to profit by offering services that are provided free through official channels. All government websites end in a .gov domain, and immigration forms can be found for free through official websites.
• Visa lottery scams claim they can get you extra entries or special access to increase your odds of winning. The Diversity Visa Program is administered solely by the U.S. Department of State, and no entity can provide special access or increase your chances.

FAQs

What if You Can’t Afford an Immigration Lawyer?

If you don’t think you can afford an immigration lawyer, it is still a good idea to seek advice. Many immigration lawyers offer a free initial consultation. You can explain your situation and get legal advice about your next steps. You may also be surprised at how affordable an immigration lawyer can be. Depending on your situation, you may only need to have documents reviewed. You can also discuss payment arrangements during your initial consultation.

What Not to Say to an Immigration Officer?

When you are at immigration, there are some things you should avoid saying to immigration officers. Do not lie or say anything inconsistent with your submitted application. Do not make inappropriate jokes, disparaging remarks about the U.S. or your home country, or act too casually. Do not admit to any illegal activities, such as working or traveling illegally. Offer concrete explanations of your intentions instead of vague plans.

Where Can I Report an Immigration Scam in North Carolina?

Immigration scams in North Carolina can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission. It is important to report as much information about the scam as you can, but you are not required to share your own personal details if you are not comfortable doing so. You can have your immigration attorney report the scam under their name or their agency’s name when filing a report.

Should You Tell Your Immigration Attorney Everything?

Yes, you should tell your immigration attorney everything related to your case. This includes your criminal history, immigration history, employment background, and any past mistakes. Attorney-client privilege protects your communications, and full disclosure allows your attorney to prepare an effective legal strategy without unexpected issues arising later.

Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC

It can be overwhelming to immigrate to a new country to be with family or for a job opportunity. Missed deadlines and errors in documents can lead to long delays and additional costs, but an experienced Asheville immigration lawyer can help ensure you have the greatest chance of success. Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, today to schedule your initial consultation.