Skilled Philadelphia Immigration Lawyer Helping You Start Anew In America
Immigration law in the United States is complex and always changing. To navigate this often confusing and difficult system, it’s crucial to have an experienced immigration lawyer on your side who can help you every step of the way.
I’m Peter L. Johnston, an immigration attorney representing people throughout Philadelphia, southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Whether you’re here on a temporary visa and are interested in becoming a permanent resident, or if you’re already a permanent resident and want to become a lawful American citizen, I can guide you through the process to secure your goals.
Pursuing The American Dream With Confidence
Becoming a permanent resident or citizen of the United States is a big decision. You may already work here on a temporary visa, or maybe you are interested in bringing a spouse or other loved one from your home country to join you in Philadelphia. Every immigration case is different and whatever your case may be, I take the time to listen to your story and learn your needs.
I’m committed to providing personalized legal representation in the following areas of immigration:
- Green card: Also known as a permanent resident card, obtaining a green card allows a noncitizen to permanently live and work in the United States. I can help you through the application process to secure permanent residency so you can continue living here lawfully and be able to take advantage of other rights, including owning property and being able to vote.
- Naturalization or citizenship: This process allows immigrants the opportunity to legally become a United States citizen. If you are interested in this path, I can assist you with the application, preparing for the interviews and other necessary steps through the process. Seeking citizenship can take a long time, but I will be with you every step of the way.
- Visas for family members, spouses and others: Family visas and spousal visas allow you to bring loved ones from your home country into the United States. There are many elements involved in these processes. I can help you understand the details so that you may reunite with your loved ones.
- Removal proceedings and deportation defense: If you are facing deportation, you need a skilled attorney on your side who will fight for you. I’m here to advocate for your rights and give you the chance to continue living in America.
Immigration law can be confusing to go through alone. I’m here to walk alongside you through every milestone as you pursue the American dream and build your life here lawfully.
Immigration Law FAQs
U.S. immigration law is a dynamic field, with regulations frequently changing due to political shifts, international events and evolving national priorities. Here are some quick answers to help you stay updated.
Can I get a green card after overstaying my visa?
Overstaying a visa is more common than people realize, but it carries serious consequences. U.S. immigration law treats the length of the overstay as an important factor.
If you remained past your visa for more than 180 days but less than a year and then left the country, you could face a three-year bar from reentry.
If the overstay was a year or longer, that bar extends to 10 years. There are limited exceptions, such as being an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, but these cases must be handled carefully.
The takeaway is that overstays do not automatically close the door to a green card, but they do make the path forward much more complicated.
What are some of the most common reasons for a visa denial in Philadelphia?
Visa denials happen for a range of reasons. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Missing or incomplete paperwork
- Inadequate financial documentation
- Inconsistencies in your application or interview responses
- Health-related grounds, including certain medical conditions
- Security or background check concerns
Each of these issues can feel like a roadblock, but many are preventable with careful preparation. It is important to remember that a denial does not always mean the end of the process. Often, it signals the need to address specific problems before trying again.
Can a criminal conviction affect my immigration status in the U.S.?
Criminal records carry serious weight in immigration matters. Even a single conviction for what immigration law defines as a “crime of moral turpitude” or an aggravated felony can trigger deportation proceedings or make you ineligible for certain benefits. Minor offenses may not automatically result in removal, but they still raise red flags that can complicate your case. Immigration officials take these situations seriously, and the consequences can include:
- Being denied a visa or green card
- Facing removal proceedings
- Losing eligibility for certain immigration benefits
- Having applications delayed due to additional background checks
The law makes clear that past mistakes do not disappear simply because time has passed, which is why addressing a criminal history is one of the most delicate parts of any immigration case.
Schedule A Consultation Today
You don’t have to face immigration issues by yourself. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can rest assured that your rights and interests are being protected. With over 25 years of experience, I know how to overcome the challenges of immigration law and will help you achieve a positive outcome.
Call my firm today at 215-567-2300 to schedule a consultation or email me online.