How an Immigration Attorney Can Help
The United States has a proud history of welcoming immigrants. However, the process of obtaining legal status in the U.S. can be complex and constantly evolving. If you are considering immigrating to the United States, or if you are already here and seeking a path to permanent residency or citizenship, a premiere Philadelphia immigration attorney at Hykel Law can be your trusted guide throughout the journey. Here’s how immigration attorneys can help.
An Immigration Attorney Ensures Compliance with Evolving Immigration Laws
U.S. immigration law is a dynamic field that is frequently modified by changes in federal policies, presidential orders, and court decisions. On Monday, January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration issued multiple Executive Orders on US Immigration Law, including heightened “extreme” vetting for all visa applicants, and revocation of birth right citizenship enshrined in our US Constitution.
This constantly shifting environment makes it difficult for individuals and businesses to keep up with the latest requirements and processes. An immigration attorney ensures that your case remains compliant with the most up-to-date regulations. By hiring an attorney, you avoid the risk of submitting an application that doesn’t meet current standards, which could lead to delays or denials.
An Immigration Attorney Minimizes the Risk of Errors in Your Application
Errors in immigration applications are one of the most common causes of delays or denials. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), incorrect or incomplete applications result in an increase in processing time. Even small mistakes, such as missing a signature or incorrect dates, can cause your application to be rejected or delayed.
An immigration attorney in Philadelphia minimizes these risks by thoroughly reviewing your application and ensuring that all required information is accurate and complete. By utilizing their knowledge of immigration forms and the documentation required for each type of application, an attorney helps you avoid these costly mistakes. At Hykel Law, our team ensures that every application meets the necessary standards, reducing the chance of errors and speeding up the process.
An Immigration Attorney Helps You Gather the Necessary Documentation
One of the major challenges applicants face, is the sheer volume of documentation required for various immigration processes. For example, an immigrant visa application requires evidence of financial support, proof of identity, and family ties, among other documents. Missing even one document can lead to delays or denials, according to the National Immigration Forum.
An immigration attorney helps you gather the necessary documents by providing a checklist tailored to your specific case. They know exactly what supporting evidence is required for different types of applications and will ensure that everything is in order before submitting it to the authorities. This saves you time and avoids the potential frustration of being asked to provide additional documents later in the process.
An Immigration Attorney Guides You Through the Complicated Visa Process
The U.S. offers more than 180 types of visas, each with its own set of rules and eligibility criteria. Whether you are applying for a family-based visa, an H-1B work visa, or an EB-5 investor visa, each application comes with its own set of requirements. In fiscal year 2020, the U.S. issued over 460,000 employment-based visas, but navigating the process without legal assistance can result in a denial.
An immigration attorney guides you through this complex process by evaluating your specific situation and helping you choose the right visa. They will help you fill out the required forms, prepare for interviews, and ensure that all documentation is properly submitted. At Hykel Law, we help both individuals and businesses understand which visa option best suits their needs and handle the entire application process from start to finish.
An Immigration Attorney Defends Against Deportation or Removal
Deportation is a serious legal issue, and the consequences can be devastating. The Trump Administration has vowed to deport millions of people in its first year of office (2025). Even before the Trump Administration took office, the Department of Homeland Security, deported 300,000 people from the United States in 2020. In fact, the U.S. President who deported more people than any other was Barack Obama. If you are facing deportation, you need immediate and legal representation to protect your rights.
An immigration attorney can defend you against deportation by exploring potential legal defenses, such as asylum claims, waivers, family-based petitions or humanitarian based applications (crime victim visas or trafficking victim visas). They help you understand your options and represent you in court, ensuring that your case is presented in the best possible light. With the help of an experienced immigration litigation attorney, your chances of securing relief from deportation increase significantly.
An Immigration Attorney Helps You Apply for Asylum or Refugee Status
The process of seeking asylum can be one of the most difficult challenges in immigration law. According to the UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) Report of 2020, more than 250,000 asylum claims were filed in the U.S. in 2020. Asylum applicants must prove that they have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country, which often requires detailed evidence and documentation.
An immigration attorney helps asylum seekers present their case effectively by ensuring that all supporting documents are in order, preparing you for the asylum interview, and representing you at the asylum hearing. Hykel Law has a proven track record of helping clients navigate the asylum process and secure their right to remain in the U.S.
An Immigration Attorney Helps with Family-Based Immigration
Family unification is often a primary goal for many immigrants. However, the process for sponsoring family members for visas or permanent residency can take years, depending on the circumstances. For example, immediate relatives may have a faster path, while other family categories may experience longer waiting periods.
An immigration attorney helps you navigate the family-based immigration process by recommending the fastest option, representing you through the application, providing the correct information and documents to maximize the fastest approval and anticipating deadlines. With legal support, you can increase your chances of a smooth and timely union with your loved ones.
An Immigration Attorney Assists with Immigration Appeals
If your immigration application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. According to USCIS data, nearly 15% of visa applications are initially denied, and a significant number of these denials can be overturned on appeal. However, the appeals process can be complex and requires a solid understanding of immigration law and procedure.
An immigration attorney assists you with filing an appeal by analyzing the reasons for the denial and preparing a strategy to challenge the decision. They will help you gather additional evidence, file the necessary paperwork, and represent you with strong advocacy. With professional legal representation, the chances of successfully overturning a denial are greatly improved.
An Immigration Attorney Helps with Employer and Employee Immigration Issues
Businesses often face challenges when hiring foreign workers due to the complex nature of U.S. employment visa laws. New H-1B rules took effect on January 17, 2025, and will apply to H-1B visa petitions for the lottery to be conducted in March of 2025. Applying for these visas requires strict adherence to regulations, and any misstep can lead to delays or rejections.
A corporate immigration attorney helps businesses navigate these issues by providing guidance on the best visa options, assisting with the application process, and ensuring compliance with immigration laws. By handling these legal aspects, an attorney allows businesses to focus on growing their workforce without worrying about visa-related complications.
An Immigration Attorney Provides Legal Representation in Immigration Court
Immigration court is a high-stakes environment where individuals fight to stay in the U.S. In 2020, more than 1.3 million cases were pending in U.S. immigration courts and many more will be added as the Trump Administration moves to deport millions of people from the United States in 2025. When facing deportation, many applications for relief can be presented including applying for asylum, seeking adjustment of status, or cancellation of removal. Chances of success in relief from removal are much higher with legal representation in immigration court.
An immigration litigation attorney provides representation by presenting your case effectively, filing the necessary paperwork, and advocating on your behalf in court. This professional legal representation increases the chances of a favorable outcom.
Get Help with Your Immigration Needs Today
Immigration is a significant journey, and having the right legal support can make all the difference. At Hykel Law, we offer the knowledge, resources, and personalized approach needed to tackle your immigration challenges successfully. Contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve your immigration goals.
