Lawful Entry Into the United States

Immigration policy in the United States serves several goals, all of which affect the qualifications and restrictions imposed on aliens who seek admission into the country and their right to reside here. Those goals include:

• Reuniting families whose members reside within and without the United States;
• Admitting workers with desirable skills and those who may fill occupations or industries experiencing labor shortages;
• Providing a refuge for persons at risk of political, racial, or religious persecution in their country of origin;
• Ensuring diversity by offering admission to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

The immigration attorneys at Gordon & Doner have staff members fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and our experience includes representing clients from many countries. We represent clients throughout Florida, including West Palm Beach, Martin County, Stuart, Pembroke Pines, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. When you come to us for help, we take it as our duty to guide your case every step of the way.

Persons seeking admission to the United States must follow procedures established pursuant to the federal government's immigration statutes and regulations. These include, for example, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA).

The statutory and regulatory hurdles to immigration vary, in turn, depending upon whether the arriving foreigner seeks admission under an immigrant or non-immigrant visa. Non-immigrant visas typically are issued for tourists or temporary business visitors.

Persons holding immigrant visas may reside in the United States permanently as Permanent Resident Aliens. Those persons receive a Permanent Resident Card, or "Green Card," along with the eventual opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship.

It is estimated that more than one million legal permanent residents live in Florida alone, making it the fourth leading state of residence for aliens with legal permanent resident status (behind only California, New York and Texas).

If you need help with immigration issues in Florida, we can help. Please call us at 1-800-659-1159 or use our online form. We will arrange a consultation to discuss your immigration concerns, all with the goal of assisting you in moving on with your life in the United States.