Immigration Law

The Law Offices of John E. MacDonald, Inc. represent clients facing immigration issues, including deportation, adjustment of status, and naturalization.

In a deportation case, our law firm’s goal is the termination of proceedings or cancellation of removal. For clients on a visa or overstay status, our goal is the adjustment of status to that of a lawful residence. For clients interested in naturalization to achieve citizenship, we work to ensure a speedy and successful application process.

We have successfully terminated deportation proceedings and received orders of cancellation at immigration courts throughout the United States.

We have successfully helped our clients obtain lawful permanent residence or citizenship despite a visa overstay, an illegal entry, or having a prior criminal record. For an example of cases handled by Attorneys Larochelle or MacDonald, please see our results page.

Rhode Island Immigration Attorneys

The Law Office of John E. MacDonald guarantees that our lawyers will take the time to completely explain why we are pursuing a legal avenue on your behalf. We will explain the strengths and weaknesses of your immigration legal matter from the beginning. We will regularly update you on your case. You will never complete a discussion with one of our attorneys and not have the answer to your question or a plan and time frame to obtain the answer.

We are available to clients seeking immigration legal assistance twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We frequently answer emails after hours, on weekends, and while on vacation. We love what we do and we love to win. We encourage you to consider a complimentary consultation, wherein you will notice, first hand, the professionalism, competence, and dedication we have to offer in resolving your immigration issue.

Areas of Concentration in Immigration:

Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Law 

We understand that the issues surrounding immigration law and citizenship or visa application procedures can be intricate and confusing. At our law firm, one of our main objectives is to ensure that our clients seeking citizenship are treated fairly in the immigration system and have a strong understanding of their circumstances. To help you learn more about immigration law and how our law firm can help, here are some frequently asked questions involving things like deportation, adjustment of status, and obtaining U.S. citizenship. To learn more, contact our law firm today to speak with an immigration lawyer. 

What are the reasons why someone would face deportation?

Here are a few reasons why a non-citizen might face deportation: 

Illegal Entry

If you entered the United States without permission from immigration authorities, you may not only face deportation, you could also be charged with a crime, which makes reentry much more difficult. Examples of an illegal entry or “improper entry”, include entering somewhere other than a border inspection point or intentionally providing false information on immigration documents. 

Failure to Obey the Terms of Your Visa

Failing to follow the terms of your visa can result in deportation. For instance, overstaying a tourist visa or working while on a tourist visa could result in deportation. 

Criminal Conduct

Non-citizens who commit a crime are at immediate risk of deportation. While not every crime will lead to deportation, a long list of criminal acts can. Being accused of crimes such as money laundering, terrorism, or domestic violence can result in deportation.

Fraud

Actions such as providing misleading or inaccurate information on U.S. immigration applications or participating in a fraudulent marriage can lead to deportation. 

If you or someone you’re close to has been accused of a crime, fraud, entering illegally, or failed to understand the terms of a visa, it’s important to call an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. Facing deportation can be scary and complex, we can help you understand your current deportation circumstances and immediately take action. Call our law firm today to speak with an immigration attorney.

Can a removal action or deportation be challenged?

Yes, it is possible to challenge deportation or removal action. Don’t forget that even though you’re not yet a U.S. citizen, you still have rights in this country. Many times, law enforcement makes mistakes, immigration procedures aren’t followed properly, or immigration officials violate the law. Our law firm aims to identify any potential issues that could have unjustly resulted in a deportation case or a removal action. We do everything possible to defend immigrants and make sure they’re getting a fair shot at obtaining citizenship as well as an opportunity to remain with their families. 

What does permanent residence status mean?

It can be easy to get confused by the terms “permanent resident” and “citizen” since a permanent residency status does suggest an idea of citizenship. However, if you’re a permanent resident, it means that you’re lawfully allowed to live in the US permanently, but you’re still considered a citizen of your home country, not the United States. A permanent residency, also referred to as a “green card”, can offer you a lot of assurances when it comes to your status. With a permanent residency status, there’s no expiration date and it allows you to stay for as long as you’d like. If you’re interested in obtaining permanent residency status, it’s important to work with a qualified and experienced immigration lawyer. Contact our law firm today to learn more about becoming a permanent resident.

Do I qualify for permanent residence?

There are a few different ways to qualify for permanent residence. First, the most important thing to remember is that applying for permanent residence is a complicated and time-consuming process, so it’s highly advised to work closely with an immigration attorney when you’re ready to discuss your qualifications for a green card. A few ways paths to permanent residency status include: 

When you schedule a free consultation at our law firm, an immigration attorney will discuss all of the ways you might qualify for a green card. We can help you communicate with the necessary immigration channels, assist you in the application process, and make sure you’re meeting all of the application deadlines. Remember that you don’t have to go through this complex process alone. Contact our law firm today to learn more about qualifying for permanent residence. 

Can I file for naturalization? 

If you’re 18 years old or older, and you’ve been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for 4 years and 9 months, you’re eligible to file for naturalization. In addition, those who are married to a U.S. citizen and can provide substantial evidence that they’ve been living together for 2 years and 9 months at a residence in the U.S. can also file for naturalization. Filing for naturalization can be a daunting process. There are a lot of potential obstacles that can appear, strict deadlines, background checks, and other requirements. It’s vital that you speak with an immigration lawyer when you’re ready to file for naturalization and obtain your U.S. citizenship. 

Remember that the attorneys at The Law Office of John E. MacDonald, Inc. are available to you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Our law firm specializes in deportation defense and filing for permanent residence and naturalization. We’re ready to pave a path towards legal citizenship for you. Call our law firm today at (401) 421-1440 to learn more about our experience in immigration law.