A Journey through Immigration Court

I often help my clients in submitting applications for cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status by means of a family petition or employment petition. When necessary, I try to help legal residents in submitting their request for a waiver and demonstrate their most genuine remorse for past mistakes. I also represent victims of violence in their applications for a U Visa or through VAWA protections. Some Central Americans have the option of applying for permanent residence through NACARA. Finally, TPS exists for persons coming from troubled countries such as El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti.

I work with a desire to help, not only the person in immigration proceedings, but also their family. This process not only affects the immigrant who is struggling to remain in the United States, but also the lives of their children, parents or spouses, which in many instances are American citizens.

Witnessing the moment at which a person gets his residence, especially in an immigration court, is a very moving experience. When you hear a Judge say that an application is "approved" I feel inspired with peace and optimism. My clients’ smiles appear to emerge from the depths of their soul. Our desire to embrace in solidarity is uncontrollable. The achievement is intoxicating and the temptation to share the news of this success is irresistible. An immigrant’s life is completely changed.  All this motivates a lawyer to go on. After years of following up, in a system with so many obstacles, the satisfaction that I feel makes it all worth the effort.

For example, Mr. Armenta, one of my clients, obtained his permanent residence through the efforts of his daughter. Angelica, at 17 years old, was an exemplary student and managed to maintain her parents and five siblings united.

The United States Department of Homeland Security, responsible for initiating deportation proceedings, is represented by lawyers that sit on the opposite side of the immigrant’s table. There are many factors that change the strategy of each process. And only an attorney with experience in the area of immigration law has the ability to identify the options for each person.

Not all stories have a happy ending. Thousands of cases conclude with a deportation order.  There are certain problems that even the best of lawyers could not resolve.  However, regardless of the path chosen, if the intention is to get the best possible outcome, immigrants must give priority to their process; they should stay informed and maintain a close relationship with their attorney.

Author: Immigration Attorney Marta Victoria Canossa.  Attorney Marta Victoria Canossa has handled hundreds of cases before the United States Immigration Service and Immigration Court.  She is a member of Ortega, Canossa and Associates, PLC, a firm that offers immigration legal counsel all over the country.  For more information please visit www.ocalegal.com, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or send a message at canossa@ocalegal.com.