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INFORMATION FROM THE FIRM OF MURPHY DESMOND S.C. Why Hire an Attorney?

Today, when national security is at the policies, and procedures. Different kinds forefront of current events and immigra- of immigration cases involve different tion are constantly in flux, eligibility criteria, require various resolving your immigration matters can and documentation, and need to be filed The attorneys of Lopez Immigration be more difficult than it seems. Improper with different offices according to cur- Law at Murphy Desmond S.C. have filings can lead to delays, denials, or even rent law and procedure. extensive experience representing from the , and The instructions on immigration forms individuals and employers with a wide the appeals process is difficult and costly. do not always accurately reflect recent range of immigration matters including: When you need to resolve an immigration changes in immigration law and policy, matter quickly and efficiently, enlisting the and they often do not address your • Permanent Residence / Green Cards assistance of a competent immigration actual eligibility for a specific immigration • Spouse, Fiancé(e) & Family Petitions attorney is often the best place to start. benefit. • Visas & Consular Processing I Have a Simple Question Relying on information from the Internet and the U.S. Department of Homeland Many people mistakenly believe that they • Hardship Waivers Security, and Immigration have a simple “yes or no” question or a Services (USCIS) website alone is also straightforward case, and that it is not • Domestic Abuse Petitions not advisable, as the USCIS website can- necessary for them to seek legal advice. not provide individualized information • Removal of Conditional However, in immigration, nothing is as about legal options and eligibility. straightforward as it seems. Many situa- • Citizenship and tions involve hidden circumstances that, In addition, USCIS customer service if left unaddressed, can unfavorably affect representatives are not required to be • Representation at USCIS an applicant’s case and immigration status. educated in immigration law or to advo- cate on behalf of immigrants. Free advice, • Deferred Action for Childhood Filing paperwork alone without obtain- (even from USCIS) does not offer the Arrivals (DACA) ing legitimate, professional advice and protection and security that a competent assistance is an enormous risk. The con- • Removal/Deportation immigration attorney can provide. sequences of wrongly assuming that your • Student Visas / Reinstatement case is simple and straightforward can be How an Immigration devastating. Attorney Can Help You • J-1 Waivers Immigration is Not Just An immigration attorney can help ensure • H-1B Employment Visas Filing Forms the success of your case by analyzing the facts, determining your eligibility, explain- Resolving your immigration matters re- • PERM Labor Certifications ing possible benefits, and identifying all quires more than the preparation and available legal avenues. filing of forms. To begin with, determining • I-9 and Employer Compliance immigration eligibility requires in-depth knowledge of current immigration , (Continued on next page)

Phone: 608.270.5550 • Email: [email protected] • www.murphydesmond.com Legal Matters • Why Hire an Immigration Attorney? • page 2

It is the attorney’s responsibility to stay State in the state where he or she claims to have knowledge of immigra- informed regarding immigration law and practices, and that the attorney is in good tion law but is not an attorney. These current regulations and to keep you standing. In the State of Wisconsin, you individuals are not licensed practitioners informed of your case status and progress. should visit the State Bar of Wisconsin to of immigration law, and entrusting them A competent immigration attorney will verify an attorney’s qualifications. At the with your case is a serious risk. complete and file your case properly in State Bar website, you can confirm that Notarios do not possess the required order to avoid delays and negative conse- our attorneys are members in good and experience to com- quences. Immigration attorneys are also standing with spotless records of practice. petently assist you with your case. It is held to high ethical standards by the State Moreover, qualified immigration attor- against the law for notaries and foreign and U.S. Supreme . neys will also be licensed to practice in who are not licensed in the Like a doctor, your immigration attorney federal courts. Our attorneys represent United States to provide legal advice for is required to keep all information about clients at both state and federal levels, U.S. immigration cases. your case confidential. All the information and will represent clients in if Likewise, you should also never rely solely you share with your attorney is protected required. on the advice of someone who claims to by attorney-client privilege, and may not To help ensure that the immigration have gone through the process before. be revealed to third parties without your attorney you choose has good creden- It is important to realize that situations consent. tials and a sound record of practice, you which may seem similar are often very Also, a good attorney will “prescribe” the should also make sure that the attorney different, and the procedures and laws best legal avenue for you, and will look out is a member of the American Immigra- applicable to one case are not always the for your best interests. If no viable options tion Lawyers Association (AILA). AILA same for another. exist, a good immigration attorney will not is the largest organized group of immi- Only a licensed, properly trained mislead you into filing a case that could gration lawyers in the U.S. Members of or accredited representative should assist be detrimental to you, your family, or your AILA have the tools to keep themselves you with your case, even if they are business. informed of changing immigration laws “simply” helping you complete forms. Choosing an Immigration and regulations. Attorney Glorily A. Lopez and her Attorney Before deciding to retain an attorney, you associate attorneys are members of the One of the first steps in choosing an im- should call the attorney’s office to discuss American Immigration Lawyers Associa- migration attorney is to find a lawyer who his or her qualifications, as well as your tion (AILA). Attorney Lopez also served specializes in immigration law. questions and the circumstances of your as Chair of the AILA Wisconsin Chapter potential case. You should ask questions Since immigration laws and regulations from 2009 to 2011. Before that, she about the attorney’s credentials, experi- are complex and require comprehensive was the chapter’s Vice Chair from 2007 ence, areas of practice, and previous knowledge, specialization in immigra- to 2009 and Treasurer from 2005 to examples of success with your type of tion law helps ensure that the attorney is 2007. Attorney Lopez also represented case. focused on the ever-changing federal laws Wisconsin on AILA’s National Board of and the many complex nuances of immi- Don’t Be a Victim Governors from 2009 to 2011. gration policies. You should never rely on the advice of To discuss your immigration case, contact It is equally important to make sure your a notary public, “notario”, or any other us today at 608.270.5550. attorney is a registered member of the professional or para-professional who

This information sheet provides general guidance about the titled subject, is not to be regarded as legal advice, and does not create an attorney client relationship between Murphy Desmond S.C. and the reader. Because the information herein may become outdated or may not apply to your specific circumstance, it should not be relied upon or used in place of a detailed consultation with a professional advisor. If you need legal advice, Murphy Desmond can help. (Continued on next page)

Phone: 608.270.5550 • Email: [email protected] • www.murphydesmond.com