The United States only makes a limited number of visas available each year – a number far exceeded by the number of applications submitted by individuals seeking entry into the U.S. The immigration process requires more than just filling out a form. The Chicago-area immigration lawyers at Johnson, Westra, Broecker, Whittaker & Newitt, P.C. help individuals, families investors and employers through the entire immigration process. Our attorneys analyze and determine the appropriate application for your situation and help you gather the necessary evidence and supporting documentation, and help you prepare for required interviews and exams. Whether you goal is to sponsor workers for your business or enter the country for a green card or citizenship and naturalization, our immigration lawyers can help.
Immigrant Visas – skilled workers, unskilled workers, professionals, executives, professors and researchers… all are needed and have the ability to apply for an EB-1, EB-2 or EB-3 visa through the I-140 petition process.
Non-Immigrant Visas – Workers who can demonstrate they have no intention of abandoning their home country permanent residence may be granted a temporary visa applicable for several years, or even a green card through a dual status visa.
PERMs – When the domestic labor pool is insufficient to meet a company’s needs, we help U.S. employers hire foreign workers on a permanent basis by obtaining a permanent labor certification with approval from the Department of Labor and Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS).
Foreign Nationals of Extraordinary Ability – Athletes, entertainers, leading scientists and businesspeople may all seek permanent residency through O and P non-immigrant petitions or by obtaining national interest waivers where applicable.
Family-Based Immigrant Visas – Petitions for parent, spousal, child and sibling-based immigration.
Fiancé(e) Visas – Obtaining K-1 nonimmigrant visas for an individual to travel to the states to marry a U.S. citizen.
International Adoptions – We help adopting parents understand the comprehensive home study process and prepare for interviews and home visits, while also preparing and filing the appropriate petitions, such as the I-800A, I-600 or 600A.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – Through either VAWA or a U-visa, we can help noncitizen victims of domestic abuse obtain lawful permanent residence in the country.
EB-5 Permanent Residency – an employment-based preference allowing immigration for the purposes of investing in a new commercial enterprise or troubled business.
Regional Centers – half of all EB-5 immigrant visas go to people investing in businesses located in designated regional centers. Job creation is key.
Treaty Traders – E-1 non-immigrant visas for international traders coming from certain treaty countries.
Treaty Investors – Investors from certain treaty counties may enter with less of an investment than EB-5 visa holders under an E-2 non-immigrant visa.
For people in the country on a temporary status, a conviction for almost any criminal offense can be enough to trigger removal or deportation proceedings. Our office practices criminal defense as well as immigration law; thus, we are keenly aware of the issues affecting our clients and are sensitive to the immigration implications from the moment of arrest. Parallel to our efforts in the criminal law system, we also work through the immigration process to stop deportation through cancellation of removal, deferred action, waiver, adjustment of status or other applicable proceedings.
Whether you are an investor, employer, foreign worker, or a citizen, resident or alien seeking the aid of U.S. immigration law for family reasons, we want to help. Contact Johnson, Westra, Broecker, Whittaker & Newitt, P.C. at one of our many Chicago offices to speak with one of our experienced immigration lawyers about how we can help make your dream a reality.