Santa Ana Immigration Lawyer

Many people around the world share a similar dream of wanting to move to the United States and pursue their goals. However, there are strict legal requirements to immigrate to America. Working with a Santa Ana immigration lawyer can make all the difference in your case.

One small error can delay your entire immigration process. It can even result in you not gaining legal residency at all. The immigration process is delicate and complex. It is essential that you and your loved ones have a qualified attorney. They can guide you through the different procedures you will be going through.

Professional Immigration Services in Santa Ana

Taking the step to immigrate and apply for permanent residency in a new country can be incredibly frightening. Luckily, here at U.S. Law Center, our team has spent years assisting individuals and families across southern California with all their legal immigration needs. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals reach their immigration goals. We have worked through countless cases to help them get there. With extensive experience and vast knowledge of immigration law, you can trust our team at U.S. Law Center. We can assist you throughout the immigration process. Our firm can represent and protect your rights along the way. Do not hesitate to find out how our staff can help you with immigration today.

Our Immigration Law Services

Immigration law encompasses a wide variety of different laws, requirements, documents, and procedures. That is why our firm offers multiple kinds of legal services to help those trying to become permanent residents here in the United States. Some of the legal immigration services that we offer include:

Green Cards and Visas

If you wish to obtain permanent legal residency in the United States, you can only do so through certain methods. One of the most popular ways used by individuals wanting to move to the U.S. involves applying for a green card or visa. A “green card” is a document that gives individuals the legal right to permanently live and work in the United States. Those who can apply for a green card based on their individual circumstances include:

• Students
• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Asylum seekers

If you or your family in Santa Ana is thinking about applying for green cards, our team at U.S. Law Center can guide you through the process.

Adjustment of Status

The adjustment of status is a process used by individuals already present in the United States who want to change their legal status. For example, visas can expire, making a foreign citizen’s residency in the country illegal if they do not renew it or adjust their status. Status adjustment allows individuals or families to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. This is usually done through a green card. In most cases of status adjustment, you will see an individual looking to change themselves from a visa holder to a green card holder. With the help of our team, we can assist you in applying for an adjustment of status. Our firm can help you continue working towards your permanent residency here in the U.S.

Asylum and Refugee Status

Over the years, the United States has allowed foreign citizens struggling in their own country to seek asylum here. To qualify as an asylum applicant for refugee status in the U.S., an individual or family must provide proof that they are facing persecution. They can also demonstrate a “well-founded fear” that they would face persecution if they continued living where they were. This persecution is often based on:

• Religion
• Race
• Nationality
• Political opinion
• Status
• Membership in particular social groups

If you come to the U.S. seeking asylum, it is essential that you apply for refugee status as soon as possible. This can allow you to avoid legal issues like potential removal.

Deferred Entry for Dreamers

Many children, sometimes brought by their parents when they were very young, have technically entered the United States illegally. They have continuously lived here and built their lives in America since then. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, commonly referred to as “DACA,” is a piece of legislation that allows these people to have certain opportunities that are provided to citizens.

DACA does not give these individuals citizenship or permanent residency. However, it does allow them to apply for driver’s licenses, work permits, and social security numbers. This not only gives young people important opportunities but also helps them on their path to citizenship. For assistance with DACA terms and understanding how it may affect you and your children, reach out to our firm.

Deportation and Removal Proceedings

Deportation and removal proceedings can be complex and extremely overwhelming. This is why working with a qualified deportation defense lawyer in these situations is immensely helpful. An individual may receive notice of potential deportation or removal for multiple reasons.

These can include being involved in multiple serious crimes or not having lawful permanent residency. An immigration lawyer is familiar with all the different laws and requirements surrounding residency, citizenship, and immigration in the U.S. They can help you defend your rights and assist you in difficult situations like potential deportation.

Family Separation

One of the most serious concerns for families arriving in America is the possibility of being separated during the immigration process. There are many strict laws surrounding immigration. This can make the process extremely detailed and often austere. One member of the family may not have the proper documentation or may not meet all the requirements.

If that happens, the family can potentially be separated at the border. This can be a frightening situation for both the adults and children involved. In the past few years, family separation has often resulted in the inability to reunite them. With all the potential dangers and concerns of family separation, you should hire an immigration lawyer to help fight for your case.

Deportation and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

On July 4, 2025, Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), a massive budget bill that makes sweeping changes to immigration policy and funding. In Santa Ana, where 41% of residents are immigrants, this bill brings about traumatic changes to the community.

This law provides nearly $150 billion for enforcement activities, significantly raising immigration fees for work permits, asylum applications, immigration court appeals, and many other processes.

The law gives the Department of Homeland Security $45 billion to detain immigrant adults and families through September 30, 2029, quadrupling ICE’s detention budget. It specifically allows the indefinite detention of children and families, breaking long-standing rules designed to protect children’s well-being.

While being explained as a way to “protect Americans” from “violent crime”, it’s easy to see that the repercussions of this law predominantly negatively affect immigrants, demonstrating deeply ingrained biases in our legislation. This law disproportionately targets immigrants and children and has been leveled against immigrants who only have past DUIs instead of U.S. citizens with records of violent crimes.

OBBBA allows invasive physical exams of unaccompanied minors to search for gang markings, with no age limits. It also allows for extreme vetting of anyone who tries to sponsor children, which may discourage relatives from stepping forward. It pressures children into accepting rapid deportation without legal representation or a court hearing.

There are 70,600 noncitizens living in Santa Ana, making this act a threat to their safety and livelihoods.

Criminal Immigration

Being in the country unlawfully may be the crime you are charged with. Perhaps an individual committed crimes violating the Immigration and Nationality Act. In any case, criminal charges can negatively impact your residency and status here in the United States. In fact, being convicted of certain crimes can make an individual ineligible for any immigration benefits at all. It can even result in deportation. Aggravated felonies and crimes of “moral turpitude” are the most common convictions, aside from illegal residency. These can cause an immigrant to be deported or lose their benefits. If you are an immigrant facing potential criminal charges, or you have already been convicted and need legal help, our team at U.S. Law Center is prepared to investigate your case.

Illegal Entry After Deportation

Immigrants are often held to a much higher standard. They also face more severe consequences than the average natural-born citizen. Crimes committed by immigrants are known as “violations of immigrant law.” They can result in them losing their rights or being deported. Unfortunately, some people are deported or lose their immigrant benefits. However, they still have a life here in America that they are trying to hold on to. This can lead to them re-entering the country illegally, whether they are aware of it or not. Regardless of what your situation may be, if you are facing immigration difficulties, do not wait to ask U.S. Law Center for help.

Increased Fees for Immigrants and Asylum Seekers

OBBBA also imposes increased non-waivable fees that make it harder for immigrants to access humanitarian protections or defend themselves in court. These include:

• Asylum seekers must now pay at least $100 to apply and $100 each year their case remains pending.
• Children applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status must pay at least $250.
• Crossing the border outside an official port of entry now carries a $5,000 penalty.
• Work permits for asylum, parole, or Temporary Protected Status require at least $550 for the first application and $275 for renewals.
• Parole applications cost $1,000, TPS applications cost $500, and non-immigrant visas cost $250.
• Immigration court fees also rise sharply, with appeals jumping from $110 to $900.
• Green card applications in court are set at $1,500.
• There is now a $5,000 penalty for missing a court hearing.

Healthcare and Nutrition Restrictions for Immigrants

Before OBBBA, undocumented immigrants were already excluded from programs like Medicaid, Medicare, the ACA marketplace subsidies, and SNAP. Now, even many lawfully present immigrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, domestic violence survivors with pending VAWA applications, trafficking survivors, TPS holders, and visa holders, are cut off from these programs.

Only green card holders and certain residents have access now. These restrictions begin at different times: SNAP and Medicare changes are immediate, Medicaid and CHIP changes start October 1, 2026, and ACA premium tax credit changes roll out between December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2026.

The Benefits of Working With an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Ana

No one should have to go through the difficulties of immigration alone. There is the daunting factor of moving to a different country. You must also familiarize yourself with all the different laws and requirements of immigration. Working with a professional immigration attorney can come with a variety of benefits.

Knowledge and Experience in Immigration Law

One of the biggest reasons we recommend working with a qualified immigration lawyer is their extensive experience with and knowledge of immigration law. Our experienced team can properly assess your situation and its different legal aspects.

We regularly represent clients at the Santa Ana Immigration Court, located at 1241 East Dyer Road. Our team clearly identify any issues in your immigration process. We can also alert you to any unlawful actions that may have been taken by officials.

Represent You Throughout Difficult Legal Proceedings

We have an extensive background in immigration law and experience in the courtroom. Our team at U.S. Law Center can represent you and your rights as an immigrant in a variety of different situations. Perhaps you are being tried for a criminal charge, your visa has expired, or you are attempting to apply for permanent residency. Working with our team can make a massive difference in both your immigration proceedings and their outcomes.

Guide You Throughout Your Immigration Process

The immigration process is notorious for being convoluted. It involves a wide range of complex laws. By working with our team, you can trust that you have an experienced guide to help you navigate through your legal proceedings. Our firm can give you advice on the ideal course of action for your situation. We can help you find and file the proper paperwork as well as apply for a family-based green card. U.S. Law Center is familiar with all aspects of the immigration process and can help you through yours.

FAQs About Santa Ana Immigration Laws

What Is the Difference Between a Green Card and a Visa?

Green cards and visas are both legal documents that grant foreign citizens residency in the United States. However, the biggest differences between the two are when they are acquired and how long they grant residency. A visa is acquired before coming to the U.S. It gives an individual the right to stay in the country, but only for a certain period. A green card, alternately, grants an individual lawful permanent residency. It is acquired once they already live in the country.

How Can I Help My Spouse Become a Permanent Resident?

If you marry an individual who is not currently a United States citizen, you can help them apply for a family-based green card. This will grant them permanent legal residency in the United States. To do so, they will have to submit a petition for a family-based spousal green card. You must also sponsor them and submit an immigration petition on their behalf.

Can a Lawyer Help to Speed Up Immigration?

Working with a lawyer can help you in a variety of ways when trying to immigrate to the United States. The immigration process itself is quite long. Working with an attorney can help you speed up some of the different legal aspects you will have to deal with. Plus, with the help of a qualified lawyer, you can make fewer mistakes and have fewer issues. This can allow the process to continue quickly without delays or other problems.

How Long Do Green Cards Last?

A green card grants an individual the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Generally, green cards last 10 years and must be renewed every decade by the holder. If you are granted a green card for “conditional permanent residency,” this temporary card will last for two years. After that, your status is reevaluated.

What Do I Do If I Receive a Notice of Deportation?

Receiving a notice of deportation can be frightening and overwhelming. The first thing that you should do is find an experienced immigration lawyer who knows how to handle these kinds of cases. From there, you can work together to try and build a deportation defense and better evaluate your situation. It is essential that you act quickly after receiving a notice. These kinds of matters are known for moving fast.

Hire an Immigration Lawyer Today

Making the decision to move to a new country is already difficult enough. It can be even more so when you must go through a multitude of time-consuming, complicated procedures. Here at U.S. Law Center, our priority is helping individuals and families achieve their immigration dreams in the United States. We are committed to assisting our clients in understanding immigration law. We work to help them achieve an ideal outcome in all scenarios. With the help of our legal team, you can trust that your rights will be represented and protected throughout your immigration process.

To learn more about U.S. Law Center, our different legal services, or to schedule a consultation for your current situation, contact us today.

Santa Ana, CA Immigration Resources

• California Green Card Renewal Process
• 10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Immigration Lawyer in California
• Common U.S. Citizenship Interview Questions
• Who Is Eligible for VAWA in California?