Illinois Lawyer Referrals and Legal Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Immigration Cases
Findgreatlawyers.com is a free service, run by Illinois lawyers, to find an attorney or obtain guidance for any Illinois legal matter, including Illinois immigration. Most of the immigration attorneys we recommend are from Chicago immigration law firms, but we not only help with immigration problems anywhere in Illinois, but often through out the country. Please call us at (312) 346-5320 or (800) 517-1614 or fill out our contact us form and we will contact you. All inquiries are kept in strict confidence.
Why are most of the immigration attorneys on your site based out of Chicago?
The Federal Office for Immigration, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is based out of Chicago. Since hearings take place there and that is where paperwork gets processed, it makes sense that the lawyers you find are based in that area. Otherwise you may find yourself paying for travel time for a lawyer.
I don't live in Illinois? Can I hire an Illinois based immigration attorney?
Yes in most cases. Because immigration is federal law, lawyers in Illinois can help with almost any immigration service you require because the laws don't change based on what state you are in. That said, sometimes it is more cost effective to get an attorney in your area.
Am I required to have an attorney help with my visa application?
Nothing requires you to hire an immigration attorney, but it gives you the best chance for success. An experienced immigration lawyer knows exactly what the INS is looking for and can not only save you time, but in many cases they can speed up the process for you.
What are the laws that govern the immigration process?
Title 8 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) governs immigration. Specifically, the Federal Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) is the federal statute that compiles all of the federal immigration laws.
What are grounds for deportation?
There are multiple grounds for deportation. Some include committing certain crimes, posing a security-related risk to the United States, or committing fraud regarding the immigration or naturalization process, such as falsifying documents.
If an immigration judge determines that I should be deported, is there an appeal process that I can pursue?
Yes. An alien has 30 days to appeal the immigration judge's ruling to the Board of Immigration office of the U.S. Department of Justice. After that Board makes its determination, the alien may appeal that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals. If the alien is still dissatisfied with that Court's determination, he or she may ultimately appeal the Court of Appeals decision to the United States Supreme Court.
What is a Green Card and how do I get one?
A green card is a registration card issued to foreign-born people who are not citizens or nationals of the United States, but are living and working in the United States. These cards give the holders a permanent resident visa. Most people qualify for a green card based on their employment by an American employer or because of family relationships. For example, the holder of a green card can sponsor family members to receive green cards as well. People can also get a green card through the random lottery system as part of the Diversity Visa Program. The United States Government issues about 50,000 green cards through this lottery system every year.
What are the various grounds on which the United States grants immigration status to foreigners?
There are several different grounds on which an alien may seek immigration status. Common grounds include family reunification, capital investment, permanent employment in the United States, refugee status or asylum, or the diversity lottery system.
I have an immigration problem in another country. Can you help me?
We only help with United States immigration matters. If you have an immigration matter in another country, seek a lawyer in that country.
Findgreatlawyers.com focuses on finding lawyers in every part of the state of Illinois. From Chicago to Rockford, to Central Illinois, down to Southern Illinois, and every county in between. Whatever the legal area or location within the state of Illinois, we know the perfect lawyer for you . Please call us at (312) 346-5320 or (800) 517-1614 or fill out our contact us form and we will contact you. All inquiries are kept in strict confidence.