Guardians of Your Immigration Rights

Camden Immigration Lawyers

Your Guardians of Immigration Rights in Camden, NJ

MC Law Group is a dedicated team of immigration lawyers based in Philadelphia, PA, but serving communities throughout New Jersey including Camden. We are committed to safeguarding the rights of individuals seeking to navigate the often complex and daunting immigration process. Our experienced immigration attorneys understand the intricacies of immigration law and are passionate about ensuring that every client receives personalized and competent legal support. We strive to create a welcoming environment where clients feel heard and empowered in their pursuit of legal residency, visas, and citizenship.

At MC Law Group, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. From initial consultations to filing applications and preparing for interviews, our legal team guides individuals through each step of the immigration process. We specialize in family-based immigration, employment visas, and asylum cases, making it our mission to connect individuals with the opportunities and rights they deserve in the United States.

Our commitment extends beyond just legal representation; we believe in providing education and resources to our clients. MC Law Group empowers individuals with knowledge about their rights, available options, and potential outcomes. By taking the time to explain each aspect of the immigration journey, we equip our clients with the confidence and understanding necessary to achieve their immigration goals.

Citizenship and Immigration Legal Services

At MC Law Group, we offer comprehensive citizenship and immigration services designed to simplify the residency process. Our skilled attorneys provide legal assistance to clients with naturalization applications, visa petitions, and adjustment of status. We are dedicated to ensuring that every client has the support and guidance needed to navigate their unique immigration journey successfully.

Citizenship

United States citizenship grants individuals the right to live, work, and participate fully in American society. The process of obtaining citizenship includes various pathways, such as naturalization for permanent residents, derivative citizenship for children, and military service options. Each avenue has specific requirements and procedures that will be explored further below.

Naturalization Process:

  1. Determine Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, including age, residency, and moral character.
  2. Complete Form N-400: Fill out the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) accurately, providing all required information.
  3. Gather Documents: Collect necessary documentation, such as proof of residency, tax returns, and marriage certificates, to support your application.
  4. Submit Application: File your Form N-400 along with the appropriate filing fee to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  5. Receive Biometrics Appointment: Attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be taken for background checks.
  6. Interview with USCIS: Participate in an interview where a USCIS officer will review your application and assess your English and civics knowledge.
  7. Receive Decision: After your interview, USCIS will send you a decision regarding your application; it may be granted, denied, or continued for further review.
  8. Oath of Allegiance: If approved, attend a naturalization ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance, completing your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.

Dual Citizenship:

Dual citizenship in the United States allows individuals to be citizens of two countries simultaneously, enjoying the rights and responsibilities of both. This status can offer enhanced opportunities for travel, work, and residence while requiring compliance with the laws of each country. It facilitates global mobility and connection across cultures.

Citizenship through Parents:

Citizenship through parents, also known as derivative citizenship, allows a child to obtain U.S. citizenship when at least one parent is a U.S. citizen. This applies to children born abroad and includes provisions for both biological and adoptive children, ensuring they have the rights and privileges of American citizenship upon meeting specific criteria.

Deportation Defense

Deportation defense in the United States involves protecting individuals facing removal from the country due to immigration violations. Our legal team at MC Law Group offers services such as relief applications, legal representation in hearings, and eligibility assessments to help clients navigate and fight deportation proceedings effectively.

Removal Proceedings:

Removal proceedings in the United States are legal processes initiated to determine whether an individual should be deported due to violations of immigration law. These proceedings involve hearings before an immigration judge, where evidence is presented, and individuals have the opportunity to contest their removal or apply for relief from deportation.

Immigration Appeals and Waivers:

United States immigration appeals provide individuals the opportunity to contest decisions made by immigration authorities regarding their status or applications. Waivers, on the other hand, allow certain individuals to bypass specific grounds of inadmissibility, enabling them to seek legal admission or relief despite prior violations or circumstances surrounding their immigration history.

Asylum and Refugee Services

MC Law Group provides dedicated asylum and refugee services to individuals seeking protection from persecution in their home countries. Our experienced attorneys assist clients in understanding eligibility criteria and guide them through the intricate application process, ensuring they receive the legal support needed to advocate for their safety and rights.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for asylum or refugee status in the United States, individuals must meet the following requirements:

  1. Persecution: The applicant must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
  2. Government Involvement: The persecution must be either perpetrated by the government or by individuals or groups that the government is unable or unwilling to control.
  3. Application Filing: For asylum, the application must be filed within one year of the applicant’s arrival in the U.S., unless they qualify for an exception based on changed circumstances or extraordinary circumstances.
  4. Credibility: The applicant’s testimony must be credible and consistent with the evidence presented in support of their claim.
  5. Refugee Status: Individuals seeking refugee status must meet similar criteria and are typically outside of the U.S. when applying, having been referred for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or a designated U.S. relief agency.
  6. Health and Security Checks: Applicants must pass health and security screenings, ensuring they do not pose a threat to public safety or national security.
  7. Residency Requirements: Asylum applicants must be physically present in the U.S. at the time of application; refugees must apply from outside the U.S.

Application Process:

  1. Determine Eligibility: Assess whether you meet the eligibility criteria for asylum or refugee status based on the reasons for requested protection.
  2. Complete the Asylum Application: Fill out Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, providing detailed information about your circumstances.
  3. Gather Supporting Documents: Compile evidence to support your claim, including personal affidavits, witness statements, and any relevant documentation from your home country.
  4. Submit Your Application: For asylum, submit your completed Form I-589 to the appropriate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. For refugee status, you must apply through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or designated organizations.
  5. Attend Biometrics Appointment: If applicable, attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints and photographs will be taken for background checks.
  6. Participate in an Interview: Attend an interview with a USCIS officer or refugee officer, where you will present your case and provide additional details regarding your fear of persecution.
  7. Receive a Decision: After the interview, you will receive a written decision on your application. If granted asylum or refugee status, you will receive appropriate documentation.
  8. Adjust Status (if necessary): If you are granted asylum, apply for adjustment of status to permanent residency (Green Card) after one year. Refugees can apply for a Green Card after one year of being admitted to the U.S.

Rights and Benefits:

Refugees and asylum seekers in the United States are entitled to numerous rights and benefits, including protection from deportation, the ability to work legally, access to healthcare services, and the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after one year. These protections ensure their safety and facilitate integration into society.

Work-Based Visas

MC Law Group offers comprehensive work-based visa services to assist individuals seeking employment in the United States. This includes guidance on various visa types, such as H-1B, L-1, and O-1, along with their specific requirements and sponsorship processes, ensuring a smooth application journey for both employers and prospective employees.

Common Types of Work-Based Visas:

  1. H-1B Visa: For specialty occupations requiring a higher level of education or expertise.
  2. L-1 Visa: For intracompany transferees who work for a multinational company.
  3. O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.
  4. E-2 Visa: For investors or employees of investment companies engaging in substantial trade.
  5. TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA.
  6. H-2A Visa: For temporary agricultural workers.
  7. H-2B Visa: For temporary non-agricultural workers.
  8. J-1 Visa: For exchange visitors, including interns and scholars participating in specific programs.
  9. F-1 Visa: For academic students attending an accredited institution in the U.S.
  10. B-1 Visa: For business visitors attending conferences, meetings, and other events.

Requirements:

  1. Valid Purpose of Entry: Applicants must have a legitimate reason for entering the United States, such as work, study, or family reunification.
  2. Sponsorship: Many visa categories require a U.S.-based sponsor, such as an employer for work visas or a family member for family-sponsored visas.
  3. Education and Experience: Applicants for certain work-based visas must have the necessary qualifications, including relevant educational degrees or professional experience.
  4. Financial Support: Visa applicants may need to demonstrate the ability to support themselves financially during their stay in the U.S., ensuring they do not become a public charge.
  5. Background Checks: All applicants must undergo background checks, including criminal history and security screenings, to ensure they do not pose a risk to national security.
  6. Health Requirements: Applicants may be required to undergo medical examinations to verify their health status and ensure they do not have communicable diseases.
  7. Compliance with Immigration Laws: Applicants must have complied with all U.S. immigration laws during prior visits and must not have any violations on their immigration record.
  8. Admissibility: Applicants must meet all admissibility criteria set forth by the U.S. government, which includes not being involved in activities that could make them ineligible for entry, such as certain criminal activities or immigration violations.

Employer Sponsorship:

Employer sponsorship in the United States is a process where U.S.-based employers support foreign nationals in obtaining work visas. This typically involves applying for specific visa categories, demonstrating the need for foreign skills, and fulfilling legal requirements to ensure compliance with immigration laws, ultimately allowing workers to contribute to the U.S. economy.

Family-Based Visas

MC Law Group provides essential family-based visa services to help individuals reunite with their loved ones in the United States. This includes navigating different visa types, such as IR, CR, F1, F2A, and F3 categories, ensuring a clear understanding of the requirements and processes to facilitate successful applications for family unification.

Fiancé Visas:

The U.S. fiancé visa, known as the K-1 visa, allows foreign nationals to enter the United States to marry their American partner within 90 days of arrival. This visa facilitates the unification of couples, paving the way for the fiancé to apply for permanent residency after marriage

Marriage-Based Visas:

In the United States, marriage visas enable foreign nationals to marry U.S. citizens or permanent residents and obtain residency. The two primary types are the K-1 fiancé visa for engaged couples and the CR-1/IR-1 visa for those already married, each with specific requirements and application processes.

Green Cards:

A United States green card, or Permanent Resident Card, grants foreign nationals the right to live and work permanently in the U.S. It provides access to numerous benefits, including the ability to apply for citizenship after three to five years, depending on the residency category under which the card was obtained.

U-Visa Services

MC Law Group offers specialized U-visa services for individuals who have been victims of certain crimes and have cooperated with law enforcement. Eligible applicants can access vital benefits, including temporary legal status and the opportunity to apply for a green card. Further details on eligibility criteria and specific benefits are provided below.

Eligibility Criteria for a U-Visa:

  1. Victim of a Qualifying Crime: The applicant must be a victim of a crime that qualifies under U.S. immigration law, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
  2. Cooperation with Law Enforcement: The applicant must demonstrate that they have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
  3. Suffer Substantial Physical or Mental Abuse: The applicant must show that they have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
  4. Possession of Relevant Information: The individual must possess credible and reliable information about the criminal activity that occurred.
  5. Application within the Required Timeline: The application for the U-visa must be filed within a specific timeframe following the crime.
  6. Admissibility: While certain grounds of inadmissibility may be waived, the applicant must generally meet admissibility requirements as set forth by U.S. immigration law.
  7. No Prior Immigration Violations: The applicant should not have a history of serious immigration violations that could jeopardize their eligibility for the U-visa.

Benefits of a U-Visa:

  1. Temporary Legal Status: U-visa holders can live and work in the U.S. legally for the duration of their visa.
  2. Work Authorization: Obtaining a U-visa grants eligibility for a work permit, allowing individuals to support themselves financially.
  3. Pathway to Permanent Residency: U-visa holders may apply for a green card after three years of continuous presence in the U.S.
  4. Access to Support Services: Victims may access various support services, including counseling, medical assistance, and safety resources.
  5. Protection from Deportation: U-visa status offers protection against deportation while an individual’s case is being processed.
  6. Inclusion of Family Members: U-visa holders can petition for certain family members to join them in the U.S. under derivative U-visa status.
  7. Potential for Citizenship: After attaining permanent residency, individuals may eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

In choosing MC Law Group for your U-visa application, you are gaining expert guidance through the complex immigration process. Our dedicated team is well-versed in the specific requirements and intricacies of U-visa petitions, ensuring that your rights are protected and your case is handled with utmost care. We are committed to providing personalized support, helping you navigate the legal system efficiently, and increasing your chances of a successful application so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Why You Need an Experienced Immigration Attorney

Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be daunting, making the expertise of an immigration lawyer invaluable. They ensure compliance with legal requirements, guide clients through intricate processes, and advocate for their rights, significantly increasing the likelihood of obtaining the desired immigration status while minimizing potential pitfalls and delays.

Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

  1. Experience in Immigration Law: Immigration lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of complex immigration regulations, ensuring compliance and adherence to the latest legal standards.
  2. Tailored Legal Advice: They provide personalized guidance based on individual circumstances, helping clients understand their options and the best courses of action.
  3. Application Preparation: Lawyers assist in assembling the necessary documentation and ensuring all forms are accurately completed, reducing the risk of errors that could lead to delays.
  4. Representation in Hearings: Immigration lawyers represent clients in immigration court hearings and interviews, offering legal support and advocacy to protect their rights.
  5. Minimizing Risk of Denial: With their experience, immigration lawyers can significantly decrease the likelihood of application denials through careful evaluation of cases and strategic planning.
  6. Staying Updated on Changes: Immigration laws and policies can change frequently; lawyers are attuned to these changes and can adjust strategies accordingly to maximize chances of success.
  7. Appeals and Waivers: If an application is denied, immigration lawyers can navigate the appeals process and assist with any necessary waivers, advocating for the client’s case effectively.
  8. Support for Family Members: Lawyers can help with the reunification of family members through appropriate visa processes, ensuring the loved ones of clients are also considered.

At MC Law Group, we take pride in our extensive track record of successful immigration cases and client satisfaction. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and proactive support tailored to the unique needs of each individual. We understand the intricacies of immigration law and have helped countless clients achieve their immigration goals. By choosing MC Law Group, you are partnering with a law firm that prioritizes your rights and well-being, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your immigration journey.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Contact Us Today To Schedule a Free Consultation

At MC Law Group, we understand that navigating immigration matters can be overwhelming. Our team is dedicated to providing expert guidance tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring that you receive the comprehensive support you need. With extensive experience in immigration law and a proven track record of success, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, making us a trusted partner in your journey toward legal status in the U.S. and the American dream.

We invite you to take the first step towards securing your future by visiting us for a walk-in consultation, where you can discuss your immigration case with our knowledgeable attorneys. Plus, our commitment to accessibility means we offer free consultations to help you better understand your options. Don’t wait—contact MC Law Group today and let us help you navigate the immigration process with confidence!

How We Work
free consultation

1. Schedule a Free Consultation

Discuss your immigration goals with an experienced attorney.

submit documents

2. Submit Documents

Provide essential documents, and let us handle the paperwork.

make a payment

3. Make a Payment

Make a payment to initiate the legal process.

obtain new status

4. Obtain New Status

Please be patient as immigration cases often require time.

Why MC Law Group?
We are the Guardians of Your Immigration Rights

MC Law Group, LLC is a results-driven law firm that delivers effective legal immigration solutions. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving your goals. 

multilingual attorneys & staff
Multilingual Attorneys & Staff

We speak and translate: English, Spanish, Tamil, Portuguese, Tagalog, Bicolano, & Visayan.

experienced immigration lawyers
20+ Years of Experience

Our attorneys have extensive experience in immigration litigation and appeal in all state and federal courts.

free consultation
Free Initial Consultation

We are committed to helping individuals with a variety of immigration needs starting with a free consultation.

Your Immigration Partner

Dedicated Attorneys & Staff To Get the Results You Need

“Thank you MC Law Group for helping us with our case. They are great with details and following up with the requirements. They answered all our questions and helped us with all our concerns. Special thank you to Attorney Bryn Mella and her paralegal, Ms. Aree. I will continue to recommend MC Law Group.”

-Maribelle A. 

Request a Free Consultation

"The team is such a pleasure to work with. My husband and I had an excellent experience with the firm from start til present. They were hands on which made a great difference, making sure we are aware and understand the entire process. Communication was seamless, and they were always available to discuss any concerns we had. We definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable firm."

Anne H.

"Definitivamente recomiendo el firm, tengo sobre 4 años con ellos y debo decir que el camino a mi naturalizacion en este pais a sido un proceso lento pero seguro. La licenciada Wanda Alvelo quien es mi representante legal es muy profesional en lo que hace y sabe maniobrar durante el proceso basado en su experiencia para que todo vaya en la dirección correcta. No tengo ninguna queja hasta el momento pero si recomiendo paciencia ya que cada caso o proceso es distinto y pues las cosas no se dan de la noche a la mañana."

Kevin M.

"Me siento muy agradecida con el equipo y sobre todo con Tahir que él fue el único abogado que agarró mi caso, después de que otros abogados me dijeron que no. Desde un principio él me explicó las cosas cómo iban a suceder y así fue todo yo pagué lo que desde un principio acordamos y ellos nunca mi cobraron más $ hasta que Gracias a Dios mi caso terminó y GANAMOS me aprobaron mi Green Card por Cancelation of Removal. Éste tipo de casos sólo se ganan el 3% 🙏🏽🥹😄😁 Ahora sólo estoy esperando para hacerme Ciudadana 🇺🇸 🫡. Gracias MC Law Group."

Haeida B.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Ready To Get Started on Your Immigration Journey?
Schedule Your Free Consultation Below

Bryn C. Mella, Esq.

Managing Partner

Speaks: English, Español

Wanda Alvelo, Esq.

Associate Attorney

Speaks: English, Español

Prasant Muralidhar, Esq.

Associate Attorney

Speaks: English, தமிழ்

MC Law Group will be CLOSED on December 24th & 25th. We will be open from 9am - 12pm EST on December 31st and CLOSED on January 1st.