IMMIGRATION LAW
Family-Based Immigration
Andrew Thomas Law has vast experience with family-based immigration matters. If you are a relative of a US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, you can apply for and receive your green card if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Andrew Thomas Law is able to assess your eligibility for permanent residence through your relationship to a US citizen or LPR relative, and we can help you file for adjustment of status or have the conditions removed of your permanent residency. Andrew Thomas Law is also experienced with consular processing matters before the US Department at consulates worldwide, and with fiancée visas.
Asylum
Individuals who fear harm in their country of origin may seek protection in the United States and apply for asylum. Seeking asylum in the United States is a complicated process and subject to stringent legal requirements, including that the asylum seeker must apply within one year of arriving in the United States and prove that the harm she would suffer is on account of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Andrew Thomas Law is experienced in handling all manners of asylum claims. We are known for our diligent and creative advocacy efforts and the personalized attention we provide our asylum clients to allow them to best tell their story to the fact-finder. We represent asylum seekers at all stages of the process, including before the USCIS Asylum Office in affirmative asylum applications and before the Immigration Court. Andrew Thomas Law understands that asylum seekers are recent arrivals to the country and may not have the funds to pay in full for our high-quality representation upon arrival in the United States. We are able to work with you to reach a financial solution that fulfills your needs. It is our firm belief that all asylum seekers deserve access to top-notch immigration law services.
Humanitarian Visas
In addition to asylum, there are other humanitarian-based visas including for victims of crime (U visas) and victims of certain workplace abuses (T visas). Andrew Thomas Law manages applications for all humanitarian visas and will provide you with an honest and frank assessment of your case.
Criminal Immigration Matters
Any contact with the police or law enforcement can have serious adverse immigration consequences for foreign nationals in the United States. It might result in immigration detention and being placed into removal proceedings. Understanding how these two areas of law intersect requires a legal team with experience in both areas. Andrew Thomas Law has a particular interest and expertise in working with individuals facing immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Andrew Thomas Law works with individuals in immigration detention or federal or state prison throughout Pennsylvania and the country. We stand ready to help you or your family member file for bond and make a strong case for release before the Immigration Judge.
Appeals
If your case has been denied before the Immigration Court or USCIS, you may consider appealing the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Andrew Thomas Law is experienced in handling appeals before the administrative agencies as well as the federal courts.
Mandamus
Applicants for immigration benefits face long delays in processing of their applications. Some asylum applicants have been waiting for almost ten years for their initial interview.
If your immigration petition or application has been long-delayed, you may be able to ask the federal court to speed up the processing of your application. This is usually referred to as a Mandamus lawsuit. Andrew Thomas Law practices in federal courts across the country and is experienced in handling Mandamus matters
Naturalization
If you have been a Lawful Permanent Resident for five (5) years you may be eligible for naturalization to become a United States citizen. You will have to past a Civics Test, and non-exempt applicants also have to pass an English-language test. For some applicants, the process can be straightforward. For others, passing the naturalization English exam may be difficult, or there might be other complications with the application, such as past police contact. In either event, Andrew Thomas Law assists all manners of applicants in applying for naturalization, whatever your unique circumstances might be.