J. Sparks Law, PLLC: Austin Immigration Lawyer

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides protection mainly for battered immigrant women, children, and parents residing in the U.S. However, many do not know that abused men may also qualify. If you have been subjected to abuse and your abuser is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be able to obtain protection by filing a petition called an I-360. For assistance in submitting your application and the evidence needed to substantiate your case, you can rely on our Austin VAWA lawyers at J. Sparks Law, PLLC. With extensive experience practicing immigration law in Texas, our attorneys have a deep understanding of how to handle all aspects of the application process.

U visas are for the victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial harm. One of the differences between domestic violence VAWA cases and domestic violence U visas is that while U visa applicants need to have been helpful to law enforcement, the abuser does not have to have legal status and the couple does not have to be married.

The NVC will send you, the U.S. citizen fiancé(e) a letter informing them that the case was sent to the U.S. embassy or consulate. Your fiancé(e) then can apply for the K-1 visa, prepare for the interview, and medical exam. Note that if eligible children will be applying for K-2 visas, separate applications must be submitted for them and their presence will be required at the visa interview as well as required forms and documents.

Your fiancé(e) will need a K-1 visa if you plan to have your wedding ceremony in the states. The processing time may take anywhere between 6 – 9 months. With a K-1 visa, you will have 90 days from the time your fiancé(e) arrives in the country to get married. After you have been officially married, your spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident of the United States.

At J. Sparks Law, PLLC, our deportation defense lawyers in Austin can help you seek relief from removal through appropriate legal means and help build your defense for immigration court hearings. If you are the family member of someone who has been detained for possible removal, we can help you locate them and represent them at bond hearings. Our team can also handle the appeal if the case has been denied by an immigration judge.

The speed of removal proceedings depends on how you are being detained — if it is by immigration authorities or if you were detained at the border. In general, removal proceedings begin when you are served with a Notice to Appear (NTA). This is a document that explains the legal reasons why Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) believes the recipient (“respondent”) has entered the United States illegally or is present in the U.S. without authorization.

Not everyone is eligible to renew their DACA status. You may request one if you meet guidelines. To renew your status, you must: - Have lived in this country continuously since your last approved request - Not have committed a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors of any kind - Not present a threat to national security It is important to submit your renewal request well before the expiration of your work permit; you should discuss this with our DACA attorneys, who can advise you on this matter.

- You were in the U.S. before you turned 16 - You were younger than 31 as of June 15, 2012 - You’ve been living in the U.S. without leaving since June 15, 2007 - You were undocumented and in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 - You have a high school diploma, GED, are enrolled in school, or have an honorable discharge from the military - You don’t have a criminal record with felonies or a disqualifying misdemeanor - You are now at least 15 years old

The DACA program provides relief from deportation. It also grants eligibility to obtain work permits and allows you to obtain a Social Security number. The program, however, grants its benefits for a period of two years only, and then the grant of DACA and the accompanying work permit must be renewed.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) covers immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, specifically those who arrived before the age of sixteen. Applicants under 15 may apply if they are in deportation proceedings, but have not been detained.

Some of the benefits are: - Obtain a U.S. passport. - Travel abroad freely. - Become eligible for federal employment. - Exercise the right to vote. - Bring other family members into the country. At J. Sparks Law, PLLC, you will benefit from the extensive experience and skill of attorneys whose only field of practice is immigration law. We urge you to consult with our team for compassionate representation, always in the pursuit of a positive outcome.

When you arrive in the United States, there are basic steps to follow if you want to apply for asylum: - Within one year of arriving in the U.S., file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). - Complete the fingerprinting and background checks. - Receive notice for an interview at an asylum office or a USCIS office. Bring your spouse and children you are applying for them as well. At J. Sparks Law, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping individuals and their families receive the protection they need to move forward in safety and peace. If you or someone you know needs assistance with the asylum application process, it is important to have strong legal representation.

Yes, of course! We offer weekend appointments to help meet the needs of our clients and work with their busy schedules.