Immigration Legal Glossary

Immigrant: In general, this term refers to aliens living in the United States and is used synonymously with legal permanent residency. Any present alien in the United States who is not in a specified class of nonimmigrant aliens, like a student or temporary visitor, is considered to be a legal alien under this definition.

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR): An immigrant given permission to live in the United States based on job qualifications or family ties is known as an LPR. Once arriving in the country, lawful permanent residents may apply for immigrant visas through the Department of State overseas or change their status to LPR with the INS. Lawful permanent residents typically have "green cards" and are eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of residing in the United States.

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Nonimmigrant: Nonimmigrants are people who are permitted to enter the country for a specific reason and for a short time, such as tourists, students, business visitors, diplomats, and people who work in specialized fields like seasonal agricultural workers or high tech workers.

Sponsors: As of December 19, 1997, immigrants who wish to reunite with their family in the United States must provide an affidavit of support (a legal document that agrees to financially assist the immigrant) from their sponsor(s). To be an eligible sponsor, a person must currently be a citizen, national or lawful permanent resident, age 18 or over, a resident of the 50 states or Washington D.C., and the petitioner for admission of the immigrant.

Naturalization: This is when a foreign-born person is considered a citizen of the United States. However, they must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate a basic knowledge of English as well as American government and history, have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for 3-5 years, and demonstrate good moral character.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): A federal agency a part of the Department of Homeland Security that regulates lawful immigration to the United States. Some responsibilities include:

  • Providing employment authorization to qualified aliens
  • Issuing documentation of alien employment authorization
  • Maintaining Forms I-9 Giving the E-Verify employment eligibility verification program

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Visa: A U.S. visa gives a person the opportunity to apply for entry into the U.S. under a certain type of classification, like a visitor (B), student (F), or temporary worker (H). Once applying, the bearer does not automatically qualify for entrance into the United States. The Department of State is in charge of visa adjudication at U.S Embassies and Consulates outside of the U.S.

Asylum: In order to avoid being removed from the country, an asylum application has to be submitted to an immigration judge during removal proceedings in immigration court. The Executive Office for Immigration Review includes immigration courts (EOIR).

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Speak with an Immigration Lawyer in Lafayette Today

Our immigration lawyers are committed to providing legal support for individuals facing challenges. Whether you require legal representation, information on immigration procedures, or advice regarding detention matters, we're here to address your concerns and provide solutions.

Contact our Lafayette Immigration Law Firm today by calling or visiting our website to schedule a consultation with a Lafayette immigration lawyer. Let's discuss your legal challenges, delve into the contributions of immigrants to Louisiana, and showcase our skills in handling immigration matters. Your journey to a new beginning begins here with Rozas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Lawyer Expedite My Immigration Case?

Absolutely, a lawyer can potentially accelerate your immigration case by adeptly navigating legal complexities and advocating on your behalf within the bounds of the law and available procedures.

What Is The Cost of Child Custody Evaluation in Louisiana?

Embarking on the journey of child custody assessments in Louisiana can be as challenging financially as it is emotionally. For parents facing this pivotal process, or professional organizations. Look for a reputable attorney like Rozas.

What Are The Requirements to Sponsor an Immigrant?

Sponsoring an immigrant to come to the United States is a complex process with many steps. This is why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to answer the question, “What areor professional organizations. Look for a reputable attorney like Rozas and Associates.

What is an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?

An Alien Registration Number (or A-number) is a unique number essential for tracking your immigration journey, from applying for residency to securing U.S. citizenship. Whether you’re filing a green card application, applying for a work permit, or petitioning for a visa, your A-number plays a crucial role in keeping your paperwork in order.

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What Are the Documents Required for a K-1 Visa?

Applying for a K-1 Visa to the United States involves several steps, each requiring specific documentation. Please visit our page to see a detailed breakdown of the documents you will need to complete this process.

How to Find a Good Immigration Lawyer

To find a good immigration lawyer, research their experience, reputation, and success rates, and consider seeking referrals from trusted sources or professional organizations. Look for a reputable attorney like Rozas.

How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?

The cost of an immigration lawyer varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the attorney's experience, and the services required. Read our FAQ to learn more.

What is an Alien Registration Number (A-Number)?

An Alien Registration Number (or A-number) is a unique number essential for tracking your immigration journey, from applying for residency to securing U.S. citizenship. Whether you’re filing a green card application, applying for a work permit, or petitioning for a visa, your A-number plays a crucial role in keeping your paperwork in order.

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What Is The Cost of Child Custody Evaluation in Louisiana?

Embarking on the journey of child custody assessments in Louisiana can be as challenging financially as it is emotionally. For parents facing this pivotal process, or professional organizations. Look for a reputable attorney like Rozas.

Family
This law firm is amazing! David represented me in my case and he could not have done a better job. The staff is so professional and friendly. Especially Jessica. They make you feel like your case is the most important one they are working. I plan to recommend them to all of my friends and family who may need their services.

Michelle Barron

They are the best immigration lawyers. Thanks to the lawyer Rachel my husband won his asylum. They are more than more than recommended, it was a blessing from God that they represent my husband.

Jaqueline Burgos

I wanted to apply for my citizenship and Jessica referred me to Rozas and Associates. They made the whole process seem so simple. David and his staff were extremely knowledgeable, not to mention friendly. I highly recommend them for any of your immigration issues.

Janie Garcia

We couldn't be more happy about choosing this law-firm. We live in Miami and have a friend that needed help with an immigration case. We did a lot of research and called many different firms and decided to go with Rozas and Associates. From the moment we called, Nancy took the time to explain us everything and what our options were, she was very patient and helpful. Once we decided to hire them, Joseph, David and Rachel were assigned to our case. Rachel is THE BEST! She answered our calls always, and whenever she was busy or not available to talk, she always called us back or texted us... every question that we had throughout the process was professionally and patiently answered by her. She's amazing!!!

Dany Thimann

Rozas and Associates Law Firm was absolutely amazing handling a case for me. They were very nice and got back to me and whatever I needed. The bond department was on top of everything and managed to get bond for the case. I couldn’t recommend a more better or more reliable group of people to handle immigration cases.

Hannah Castillo

For all my Latin friends who are going through immigration and legal processes, I recommend this law firm since they are excellent. They defend the Latino community very well. They are very professional and attentive. They respond to you immediately and fight for your case. A thousand thanks to Pamela for being super attentive and Nancy who was exceptional. Also to John Sharby and his colleagues who worked on my wife's case who was in a Louisiana detention center, they are the best. Many thanks to all for their professionalism.

Aidevis Zamora

David is very professional & friendly. Never had to wait for multiple days before he responded to our calls or replied to my emails with an answer to our questions & concerns. Responding in a timely manner made us feel that our needs were not taken lightly. It truly was a really positive experience.

Mirna Sorto

Very good service from all the Rozas & Rozas workers, they help all the immigrants as if they were their family. In my personal experience I have to thank the majority but in my case directly to Tirsa, Danira, Alejandra, Ana and the lawyer Rachel🙏 🙏🏻🙏🏻..Thank you on behalf of my cousin Fidel and the whole family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Dunia Rodriguez

Jessica and David were amazing! They made me feel like my issue was important, they took the time to explain things to me and prepare me for any outcome, they were always there every time I called them with any questions, and always looked and acted very professional. I highly recommend them! 😊

Stacey Garcia

I am so very thankful that I found Rozas & Rozas Law Firm. They were so professional and nice. I was blown away with how fast they got me in and was able to help me with my situation. Corey was so helpful. He felt more like a friend than an attorney but I am so grateful for them during the WHOLE experience and I most definitely will use them if I ever need that law assistance again! Thank you Rozas & Rozas. :)

Trévon Dyson

I’m so glad I picked Rozas’ to help me through my divorce. They handled everything so well, quickly, and cost-effectively. In particular, Brandi, who I interacted with the most was beyond amazing. She always responded to messages right away, and not only was efficient but also compassionate in the way that she interacted with me. Definitely recommend!

Mary Allen

Attentive, thorough, passionate about justice for immigrants, honest and fair – these are some of the words to describe Rozas and Associates law firm. My boyfriend was detained at Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana in June 2019. We hired Rozas to represent him because of their reputation amongst the detainees in the Center. Rachel Chappell and the rest of the Rozas team worked tirelessly to assist us – and he won full asylum one week ago.

Josie Lalonde

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