Green Cards & Renewals Lawyer in Alexandria, VA

Green Card Renewals

Your green card needs to be renewed every 10 years. If it is about to expire in the next six months, it is time to begin the renewal process. This is done with form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The renewal process can be done online or by mail.

You may think this is a simple process, and for most, it is. However, renewing green cards can be problematic for some who have violated the law in the last 10 years. 

Your green card renewal I-90 can be denied for either of two reasons. The first and most common reason is that you filed the paperwork incorrectly or made a mistake on the application. In this case, you can refile, but you will lose the fee you paid on the first application. 

The second reason for denial is that you have become Inadmissible since your last green card. Inadmissibility can be due to a crime committed in the previous 10 years or immigration law violations.

In these cases, USCIS could either deny your renewal and let it go, or they can deny you and refer you to immigration proceedings. If the latter happens, you could face deportation and should consult with our attorney as soon as possible. 

Benefits of a Green Card

Here are some of the key advantages of holding a green card:

• Permanent Residency: One of the primary benefits of a green card is the capacity to live permanently in the United States. Unlike visas, which are typically temporary and subject to renewal, a green card grants you indefinite permission to reside in the country. This provides stability and allows you to establish a long-term life in the U.S.
• Employment Opportunities: You have the right to work in any job across the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship or work visas. This freedom opens up a broad range of career opportunities and allows you to change employers or start your own business.
• Path to Citizenship: After holding a green card for a certain period, typically five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen), you become eligible to apply for naturalization.
• Access to Social Services: You have access to various social services and benefits, which includes Social Security, Medicare, and state-sponsored healthcare programs. These services provide essential support in areas such as health care, retirement, and disability.
• Education Benefits: You can access educational benefits that may not be available to non-residents. You are eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, which can seriously reduce the cost of higher education.
• Travel Flexibility: A green card permits you to travel in and out of the United States with fewer restrictions compared to other visa holders. While you must adhere to certain residency requirements to maintain your green card status, you can enjoy more flexibility in international travel.
• Sponsorship of Family Members: You can help sponsor certain family members for their own green cards. Immediate family members, such as spouses and unmarried children under 21, typically have a streamlined path to obtaining permanent residency. This benefit helps keep families together and allows them to build their lives in the U.S.
• Legal Rights and Protections: You have many of the same legal rights and protections as U.S. citizens. This often includes the right to due process, protection under the law, and the ability to own property. These rights ensure fair treatment and security while living in the United States.
• Financial Benefits: Holding a green card can also provide financial advantages. You can open a bank account, obtain credit cards, and apply for loans, including home mortgages. Establishing credit and having access to financial services can assist you in building a stable and prosperous life in the U.S.
• Long-Term Planning: A green card allows you to make long-term plans without the uncertainty of visa renewals or status changes. You could invest in property, start a business, and make significant life decisions with the confidence that you have a permanent legal status in the U.S.

How Our Green Cards & Renewals Attorney Can Help You

We can assist you by:

• Personalized Legal Guidance: We provide personalized legal guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. We take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and create a strategy that aligns with your goals. Whether you are applying for a green card for the first time or renewing your existing one, we ensure you are fully informed and prepared throughout the process.
• Comprehensive Application Support: Applying for a green card or renewing one involves extensive paperwork and documentation. We assist with preparing and submitting all required forms, ensuring that they are completed accurately and submitted on time. We also help gather and organize the necessary supporting documents, like proof of identity, employment verification, and evidence of your relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Skilled Legal Representation: Should any issues or complications arise during your application or renewal process, we are equipped to provide expert legal representation. We advocate on your behalf in communications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), attend interviews or hearings, and address any possible legal challenges. Our goal is to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome for your case.
• Keeping You Informed: Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and staying informed about the latest developments is crucial. We update you on any changes affecting your green card application or renewal. We provide timely updates and advice, ensuring that you are always aware of any new requirements or opportunities that may benefit your case.
• Preventing and Resolving Issues: Green card applications and renewals can encounter various issues, such as delays, denials, or requests for additional evidence. We proactively address potential problems to prevent them from becoming significant obstacles. If issues do arise, we work diligently to resolve them, providing you with peace of mind and confidence in your immigration status.
• Client-Centered Approach: We understand the importance of your immigration journey and are committed to helping you achieve your goals with professionalism and compassion.

Work with Mughal Law Firm for All Green Card Matters

Navigating the complex process of obtaining or renewing your green card can be daunting. Our immigration lawyer's knowledge and experience can be invaluable for these issues. 

Attorney Mughal is intimately familiar with the nuances of immigration law and the latest policy changes, ensuring that applications are filled out correctly and efficiently, thus reducing the likelihood of delays or denials. 

He can also provide strategic advice tailored to your specific circumstances, helping to identify the most suitable pathway for permanent residency. Furthermore, in cases where issues arise, such as previous visa denials, criminal history, or application delays, he can offer legal strategies and advocacy. Working with our Alexandria green card attorney enhances your chances of a favorable outcome.

Reach us by email on our contact form or call (703) 520-7571 to schedule a consultation about your case today with our green cards & renewals attorney in Alexandria. Serving clients in Fairfax County, Arlington County, Northern Virginia, and nationwide.