Immigrants come to the United States with hopes and dreams. Those aspirations need to be supported by strong legal protections. Our laws offer protection, security, and stability for migrants in a wide range of life circumstances, and the immigration lawyers at Sherris Legal, P.A. have over 15 years of experience helping clients secure those protections.
Contact Sherris Legal, P.A. today to speak with an Orlando immigration lawyer about your options. We can help you understand the next steps and work toward the protection, security, and stability you need.
Professional Competence & Personal Compassion from Your Trusted Orlando Immigration Attorney
Our immigration attorneys have extensive experience helping clients navigate the system. That experience has given us a firm grasp of the nuances of the entire process and how to manage it. More than that, our deep personal interest in helping immigrants only grows with every client we handle.
When you come to Sherris Legal, P.A., you can expect:
Personalized attention, so you are never treated like just another case number
Guidance from attorneys who understand your goals, hopes, and concerns
Clear explanations of each step in the immigration process
Support with interviews, hearings, and document reviews
Help understanding how local USCIS offices and nearby immigration courts serving Central Florida may handle your case
Answers to your questions in English or Spanish
Practical guidance designed to reduce anxiety and help you make informed choices for yourself and your family
Call (407) 598-6035 today to discuss your immigration case with an experienced Orlando immigration lawyer. Our team can help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.
Serving Orange County & Seminole County with Immigration Attorneys
At Sherris Legal, P.A., we help individuals and families in Orange County and Seminole County navigate immigration matters with clear guidance and personal support.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protects eligible undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. It provides a temporary, renewable status that allows qualifying individuals to live and work in the U.S., but it does not grant permanent legal status or citizenship. Applicants must have arrived before age 16, been under 31 as of June 15, 2012, continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2004, and been physically present in the country on June 15, 2012. They must also be in school, have graduated, earned a GED, completed high school, or been honorably discharged from the U.S. military. Individuals with serious criminal records or public safety concerns are not eligible.
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly known as a work permit, is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It grants individuals who are not U.S. citizens or green card holders the legal right to work in the United States for a specified period. The EAD serves as proof of eligibility for employment and is a vital document for many immigrants seeking to support themselves and their families while residing in the country.
The EAD is available to various categories of individuals. Those who might qualify include:
Asylees and asylum seekers
Refugees
DACA recipients
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders
Applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residency
Individuals with pending applications for certain types of visas, such as U and T Visas
Dependents of certain visa holders, such as L-2 or E-2 spouses
The EAD is typically valid for one year but can be issued for shorter or longer durations depending on the applicant’s immigration status. Renewals are possible as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria. Possessing an EAD allows people to work legally, opening doors to employment opportunities and financial independence.
The EB-5 Investor Visa allows eligible foreign investors and their families to seek lawful permanent residency by investing in a U.S.-based commercial enterprise. Applicants must invest at least $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area, and the investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years. Investors must also show that their funds came from lawful sources and that they are involved in the business through management or policy-making. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included in the application.
The I-601a Provisional Waiver helps eligible individuals address unlawful presence penalties before leaving the U.S. to complete the immigrant visa process abroad. This waiver may benefit certain relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, including spouses, children, or parents, who would otherwise face reentry bars after departing the country. To qualify, applicants must show that refusal of admission would cause extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. The I-601a waiver only applies to unlawful presence and does not waive other inadmissibility issues, such as certain criminal history.
Naturalization is the legal process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Applicants generally must be at least 18 years old, have been a lawful permanent resident for five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen, and meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements. They must also show good moral character, pass the citizenship test on English, U.S. history, and government, and take the oath of allegiance. Once approved, naturalization allows individuals to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and receive the full rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Permanent residency, also known as having a green card, allows eligible immigrants to live and work permanently in the United States. Applicants may qualify through a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member, employment-based sponsorship, refugee or asylee status, or another eligible immigration category. The process usually involves filing the correct petitions, proving eligibility, completing background checks, and applying through adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad. A green card can provide long-term stability and may also serve as a step toward U.S. citizenship.
The U.S. Citizenship Test & Interview are essential components of the naturalization process. They are designed to evaluate an applicant’s understanding of English, knowledge of U.S. history and government, and readiness to take on the responsibilities of citizenship.
The interview, conducted by a USCIS officer, begins by reviewing the applicant’s Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization). This includes verifying personal information, discussing the applicant's background, and determining their eligibility for naturalization. The officer may also ask questions related to the applicant’s moral character and continuous residency in the U.S.
The naturalization test includes two main components:
English test: This evaluates the applicant’s ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
Civics test: This assesses knowledge of U.S. government and history.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain victims of abuse or extreme cruelty to self-petition for legal status without relying on an abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative. Eligible applicants may include abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. VAWA can apply to physical abuse, emotional abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of extreme cruelty. Applicants must usually provide evidence of the qualifying relationship, abuse, residence in the United States, and good moral character.
A U Visa may help victims of certain crimes stay and work legally in the United States if they suffered substantial physical or mental harm and assisted law enforcement with the investigation or prosecution. Qualifying crimes may include domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, and other serious offenses. Applicants must show that they were victims of a covered crime, suffered harm because of it, and were helpful to law enforcement by reporting the crime, providing information, or participating in the case. The U Visa can provide temporary legal status, work authorization, and a possible path toward permanent residency.
If you need help with an immigration matter, Sherris Legal, P.A. is ready to guide you. Contact us today to get clear answers and dependable legal support.
Clear Communication, Always
We keep you informed at every step, so you’ll never feel lost or alone in the legal process.
Personal Attention for Every Case
As a smaller firm, we give your case the care and focus it deserves. You’re never just a file to us—you’re a person who matters.
Affordable Legal Help
We’re dedicated to making quality legal assistance accessible and affordable, so you can get the support you need without breaking the bank.
Hablamos Español
Trabaje con un abogado de lesiones personales que hable su idioma.
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Commonly Asked Questions About Immigration Law with an Orlando Immigration Lawyer
How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help Me with My Application?
An immigration lawyer provides essential guidance throughout the complex process of applying for visas, green cards, or citizenship. They can help you understand specific requirements for each application type and submit the necessary documentation accurately. By ensuring compliance with ever-changing immigration laws, they reduce the risk of errors that could result in delays or denials. Additionally, lawyers offer representation and advocacy in immigration courts, providing support in matters such as deportation defenses. At Sherris Legal, P.A., we ensure each application is handled with precision and care, aiming to ease the stress associated with immigration proceedings and amplify the likelihood of a positive outcome.
What Are the Common Pitfalls in the Immigration Process?
Navigating the immigration process can be fraught with challenges, including missing deadlines, submitting incomplete applications, or not understanding the legal criteria for various immigration benefits. Changes in policies may impact eligibility, so staying informed is crucial. Many applicants may also face language barriers, making it more difficult to comprehend legal jargon. Hiring an immigration lawyer is beneficial, as they provide clarity, ensure application accuracy, and keep you updated on relevant legal changes. Our firm is committed to guiding clients through these complexities, helping prevent common pitfalls and secure the immigration status they desire.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Green Card?
The time required to obtain a green card varies depending on several factors, including the type of green card you are applying for, the applicant's country of origin, and the processing times of your local immigration office. Family-sponsored green cards often take longer due to annual caps, whereas employment-based applications may move more quickly based on demand and supply. Steps include filing petitions, biometric screening, and potential interviews, each of which requires approval. Patience and preparation are essential, and our firm supports clients through each stage of the process, providing updates and addressing any emergent issues to facilitate a smooth journey.
Can I Apply for Asylum if I Am Already in the United States?
Yes, individuals already in the United States may apply for asylum if they fear persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The application must be made within one year of arrival in the U.S., with some exceptions. Asylum offers protection and allows applicants to remain in the country legally. Applicants may also eventually apply for a work permit and, later, permanent residency. Navigating asylum is complex and requires exhaustive documentation. Our firm stands by those seeking safety, ensuring each applicant receives dedicated legal support during this critical process.
Do not face the immigration process alone. Contact Sherris Legal, P.A. today to get the legal guidance and support you need.
