OPPORTUNITIES IN A COMPLEX SYSTEM

America is a country of fantastic beauty where opportunity abounds. The gatekeeper to this wonderful country is the immigration legal system, put in place and managed by the federal government.

The immigration system is a complex one which is also very strange among areas of American law, in that it makes no attempt to be fair and does not guarantee any immigration benefit to anyone; no one has a protected right to immigrate to the United States. The Constitution, which spells out and protects for all time the rights of the people gives all authority over immigration to the Congress, so if a majority of the House and Senate decided tomorrow to outlaw all immigration to this country, it would be perfectly constitutional and within its power.

What this all means to you is that in using immigration law, you are dealing with a system that does not have any obligation to you, and so doing everything right and by the book is your responsibility. There are many pitfalls where making a simple and innocent mistake can have disastrous consequences, like making you unable to enter the United States for years, or even forever.

However, don’t think it is impossible; on the contrary, achieving your immigration goals is absolutely possible, you just need to avoid the traps and make sure you do everything on your end just right. That is where having a guide by your side that knows the system can be invaluable. Luckily for you, I will tackle the hard part, so you can focus on enjoying your new homeland.


IMMIGRATION LAW: WITH ME IT’S PERSONAL

The law and process of immigration is more than a field I know well; it is how my family was forged! I met my wife when I was an exchange student and she was my classmate at Peking University in Beijing, and we handled every step of her immigration; from the visa for her first visit to the U.S., to legal permanent resident status, and finally to naturalization as a full citizen. I was also honored to aid my beloved parents-in-law in achieving legal permanent resident status in the United States.

I bring that same personal investment and passion to my immigration practice, and I will work just as diligently and innovatively for you and your family as I did for mine, because I know that with the right partner by your side, your dream of a new and wonderful life in America can come true for you and your family!


IMMIGRATION LAW MATTERS I HANDLE


FAMILY IMMIGRATION

One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways of gaining permanent resident status in the United States is to be sponsored by a family member who is a citizen. The government puts the highest priority in the immigration system on reuniting families. Whether you are bringing in a parent, child, spouse, or even fiancé/fiancée to marry in the U.S., I can make this complex process simple for you and your loved ones.


BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT IMMIGRATION

Skilled professionals and workers from abroad add vitality and strength to the American economy. Whether you are a professional, executive, scientist, researcher, professor, media personality, artist, athlete, or trade worker, there are immigration paths for you, but the competition is fierce, and an attorney can be of great help.


INVESTOR IMMIGRATION

An exciting and developing area of American immigration is the opportunity to gain permanent resident status by investing in the American economy. The possible rewards for investors, both in become legal permanent residents of the United States, and in the potential success of the business in which they invest, are great. This is also an extremely complex process, and an attorney by your side can make all the difference.


VISAS

Just making your first visit to the United States requires a visa for most people around the world, and applying for that first visa can be a challenging introduction to the American immigration system. I can help you or your friend or family member handle this necessary step in your American journey.


LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT/GREEN CARD PETITIONS

For foreign guests already in the U.S., whether they are students, temporary workers, or even tourists, a change in personal situation can make you eligible to become a legal permanent resident. The green card is your golden ticket to build your life in America, and I can help you go about getting it.


ADVANCE PAROLE FOR TRAVEL

Travelling outside the United States, and even to non-state U.S. territories like Guam, Saipan, the Virgin Islands, and others, can have a serious impact on your immigration status. When you have applied for a green card (legal permanent resident status), you have to be especially careful when making such travel plans. If you intend to travel outside the country, it is important to first apply for and receive “advance parole,” which is permission to travel abroad while you are waiting for your legal permanent resident petition to be approved. If you have a more urgent need to travel, you can also apply for expedited processing of your advance parole. I happen to have experience in both of these areas, know their quirks, and can help you gain permission to travel while awaiting your green card.


NATURALIZATION AND THE CITIZENSHIP TEST

So you have come to this country, followed all the rules, and held legal permanent resident status, and you deserve congratulations! Now you have decided to take the final step and become a full, participating member of our great civilization, and I can help you complete this final leg of your journey. From filing for naturalization to the dreaded citizenship test, I will be your partner and guide to the summit. Even for those with limited English skills, the citizenship test is an attainable goal, and I will be delighted to prepare you for it!


CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Being charged with and convicted of a crime, even a very minor one, can have serious and unexpected consequences for a person’s immigration status. With experience not only in immigration law but in criminal defense and prosecution, I can work with you to discover the ways in which an event involving criminal law can impact your immigration situation, and tailor your criminal defense to protect your immigration outcomes.