Seattle Immigration Lawyers

Recent changes to immigration law in the United States have made it even more difficult and complicated for individuals to obtain the necessary visas and permits to work, live, and immigrate to the United States.  At Carrington Nuamah, P.C., we assist clients throughout Seattle and Washington State with obtaining the necessary documentation to immigrate and become U.S. citizens. 

Seattle immigration law

Lawful permanent residency (green card)

In general, the United States Citizenship and Immigrant Services (USCIS) allows people to obtain lawful permanent residency, or green cards, through either a family member or an employment opportunity.  An additional 55,000 green cards are made available each year to applicants through the Secretary of State's Diversity Lottery program.  Our immigration attorneys are experienced with immigration law in Seattle and can assist you with explaining complex options, determining which type of visa is best for you or your family members, and filing the proper documents with USCIS. 

Family petitions and the law

A Petition for an Alien Relative (I-130) allows United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor family members from other countries who would like to immigrate.  Citizens can petition to sponsor spouses, married or unmarried children, parents, and brothers and sisters, while lawful permanent residents can only sponsor spouses and unmarried children.  The limited number of immigrant visas available each year means that there is a preference-based system for family petitions.  Citizens can petition for an unlimited number of spouses and minor children, but the other family-based categories have numerical limitations.  If you are seeking to help a relative immigrate, it is important that you receive assistance from someone thoroughly knowledgeable in Seattle immigration laws, employment-based visas, or work permits, and the law

Under the Immigration Act of 1990, 140,000 employment-based immigrants are allowed to enter the United States each year.  Temporary visas are also provided for certain employment opportunities.  Five types of employment-based permanent visas are available, and they depend on several factors such as the amount of education the employee has, the position the person wants, and the abilities and skills that person possesses.

Asylum and the laws

Asylum law allows those who are already in the United States to remain as long as nothing bars them from applying for asylum.  Ultimately, asylum allows a person to adjust his or her status to be a lawful permanent resident.  Asylum status can be obtained affirmatively if the person applies for asylum within a year of arrival in the United States, or defensively after USCIS has initiated removal or deportation proceedings.  

Seek experienced legal representation

If you need assistance with the immigration, visa, or citizenship process, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.  Our immigration lawyers in Seattle have extensive experience handling immigration and naturalization matters, as well as assisting clients with deportation and removal proceedings.  Talk to someone who truly understands immigration laws in Seattle. To schedule a consultation, contact Carrington Nuamah, P.C. today.