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Immigration Lawyer in Tampa

Whether you are looking to immigrate to the United States, adjust your legal status, fight deportation, or are in need of other immigration services, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced immigration lawyer for these matters. Our highly skilled legal team has years of experience helping individuals and families achieve their immigration dreams and objectives. Led by attorney Ernesto J. Buitrago, our immigration law firm is well-versed in immigration laws and the complexities of the immigration process.

To learn more about our legal services, contact our law firm to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your immigration needs. In your free case review, we will go over your immigration objectives and help you determine the legal options you have for the next steps in your immigration journey.

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HOW MAY WE HELP YOU?

How Can Immigration Lawyers in Tampa Help You with Your Immigration Goals?

For the average individual, whether they’re a foreign national or a U.S. citizen, it can be challenging to fully comprehend the many rules, regulations, visas, qualifications, requirements, exceptions, and variations of immigration law in the United States of America. But the system leaves very little room for sympathy for the uninitiated. It is fairly commonplace for applications to be denied because of missing information, improperly filled-out forms, or the slightest error of any kind. A denial can result in putting the American dream on hold indefinitely while the applicant scrambles to understand what went wrong.

Tampa immigration attorneys like Ernesto J. Buitrago are experienced in handling immigration matters for those less familiar with nationality law. As your immigration attorney, Ernesto J. Buitrago will help you with your case in pursuit of the most successful outcome possible. Schedule your free initial consultation with our legal staff today.

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CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
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Are You Looking to Become a Legal Permanent Resident or a U.S. Citizen?

U.S. Homeland Security offers hopeful immigrants several different methods for becoming lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Depending on their unique case and qualifications, they may potentially qualify for family-based immigration, refugee status, asylee status, humanitarian programs, and other programs. There are several benefits to being a lawful permanent resident, including the right to reside and work permanently within the United States.

Certain green card holders may opt to take the pathway to citizenship. To do so, the permanent resident must meet certain requirements as established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Tampa immigration attorney Ernesto J. Buitrago and his highly skilled legal team are uniquely qualified to help you with the pursuit of your immigration dreams. To learn more, please schedule your free case evaluation today.

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Meet YOUR attorney
ERNESTO J. BUITRAGO, ESQ.

Attorney Ernesto Buitrago is a distinguished and accomplished legal professional, widely recognized for his expertise in immigration law and dedication to serving clients’ diverse needs. As the founder and principal attorney of Buitrago Law Firm, he has built a reputation as a leading advocate for individuals and businesses navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.

Ernesto Buitrago’s journey in law commenced with a strong academic foundation. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a prestigious law school, where he excelled in his studies and demonstrated a passion for assisting those seeking legal solutions in immigration matters. Following his legal education, he gained invaluable experience working with prominent law firms, honing his skills in immigration law, and developing an in-depth understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by immigrants.

What is the Immigration Process for Families and Individuals?

The United States immigration system is based on several core principles, including the reunification of families, protecting refugees, the immigration of foreign nationals with unique skills valuable to the US economy, and promoting diversity.

Family immigration is one of the most common ways for foreign nationals to get a green card in the United States. This can be accomplished with the help of family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs). First, the U.S. citizen or LPR must file a family visa petition. Then, the foreign relative files an application to become a permanent resident in the United States. There are several other requirements and steps to take, with any single error potentially resulting in a case being delayed or denied. For legal assistance, it is highly recommended that you retain representation from legal professionals.

Individuals have several other means of immigrating to the United States. There are humanitarian programs, diversity lotteries, employment-based visas, and longtime resident green cards. Before applying, it is important to recognize what Visa or immigration strategy you qualify for. Please contact our law firm for more information.

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WHY CHOOSE US?
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High-rated immigration attorney and law firm founder Ernesto J. Buitrago proudly serves immigrants and their families across the Tampa area in complex immigration law cases. And though based in Florida, the law firm's focus is nationwide.
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Considered a leading authority in Florida immigration law, attorney Buitrago was voted a "Rising Star" by the Super Lawyers Magazine in back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023 and was also voted a "Top Attorney" in the Tampa Bay Top Attorney's List.
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Attorney Buitrago has unique knowledge and skills in many practice areas. He is a strong advocate for the National Interest Waiver and helps foreign-born professionals seek opportunities in the U.S.
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The attorney and his compassionate legal team are dedicated to our clients and providing them with the most excellent legal care possible. The law firm prides itself on staying up-to-date with the ever-changing legal landscape of immigration law and passing that knowledge on to our clients.
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To discuss your immigration matters in more detail, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Tampa law offices to schedule your initial consultation today. You may reach our law office at 866-519-3545.
WHY CHOOSE US?
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Is it Necessary to Hire an Immigration Law Firm for Legal Representation?

Although it may not be legally required for immigrant hopefuls to retain professional legal counsel when seeking a green card or visa, it is strongly recommended that they do so. With a system as complicated as the United States immigration process, there is no shortage of opportunities for things to go wrong, forms to be filled out incorrectly, or basic requirements to be overlooked. It can be overwhelming to attempt to navigate this labyrinthine legal system without assistance.

Our immigration law firm will ensure that you and your immigration case get the attention, communication, and representation that you deserve. We will help by explaining your available legal options, exploring the various means by which you could become a lawful resident in the United States, helping you file an application, assisting you with the preparation for all important interviews, and being by your side when issues arise.

LATEST ARTICLES & INSIGHTS

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Immigration Attorney in Tampa, FL Today

Our immigration law office is located in beautiful and sunny Tampa, Florida. Our law offices are just 4 minutes away from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, a 14-minute drive from Ballast Point Park, and 22 minutes from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is conveniently located only 14 minutes away.

To discuss your immigration legal matters in more detail, please contact our highly-rated Tampa law firm to schedule your free consultation today. You may reach us at 866-519-3545.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Interest Waiver, and do I qualify for one?  

EB-2 visas are employment-based visas meant for individuals who have an advanced degree or possess some exceptional ability in a unique field. If a foreign worker may be considered of national interest to the United States and its economy, they may apply for a national interest waiver (NIW) as part of their EB-2 visa petition. USCIS officers are asked to determine whether the applicant and their job are of substantial intrinsic merit to the United States, whether the benefits of the applicant’s work would be national in scope, and whether the PERM certification process requirement would negatively impact national interests. To qualify for a national interest waiver, an applicant must have a proposed endeavor that is of national importance to the United States and be well-positioned to execute their proposed endeavor.

How do you qualify for asylum in the United States?  

When an individual is granted asylum in the United States, they are allowed to remain in the country so that they are protected from prosecution and potentially death in their home country. But not everyone qualifies for asylum. In order to qualify, an individual must show that they are a refugee who is unable to return to their country of origin because of fears of prosecution. This fear must be well founded. If you’ve faced past persecution, it is much easier to prove to the United States government that you’re likely to be persecuted once again. For legal guidance throughout the asylum process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our law firm.

My loved one is facing deportation proceedings. Can Tampa immigration lawyers help us organize a removal defense strategy?  

The threat of deportation or removal from the United States is a terribly frightening concept. In removal proceedings, immigration judges are meant to take impartial stances when deciding whether an individual should be deported from the United States. While agents of the Department of Homeland Security present arguments for why your loved one should be deported, you must have an experienced deportation defense attorney representing your family’s interests and fighting back against government lawyers. As your legal representatives, we will consider many possible defense strategies, including applying for asylum, seeking adjustment of status, applying for cancellation of removal, and more.

I’m a green card holder. Can I apply to become a United States citizen?  

Green card holders with no special circumstances can apply to become U.S. citizens five years after they have obtained their lawful permanent resident card. Additionally, the green card holder must have physically lived in the United States for at least thirty months of those five years. Others seeking US citizenship may have a longer or shorter period to wait before they can apply. For example, if you are married to a U.S. citizen and have been married for at least three years and lived with that spouse the entire time, you can apply to become a U.S. citizen three years after obtaining your green card. Military service can also affect how long an individual must wait before applying for US citizenship.

I’m a legal U.S. resident, and I’m married to a foreign national. Do they need a special green card?  

If you are a green card holder and you’re married to a foreign national who is seeking a green card of their own, it is possible to apply for a marriage green card. The first step of the marriage-based green card process is to submit a Petition for Alien Relative to the USCIS. The legal permanent resident filing the petition is the sponsor, and the spouse seeking their green card is the beneficiary. If the foreign national spouse is living in the United States with their green card-holding spouse, the next step is to file for an Adjustment of Status. This is to establish that the foreign spouse is eligible for a marriage-based green card. There are several extra steps along the way, and it is highly recommended that you and your spouse retain professional legal representation from experienced immigration attorneys.

What is the difference between an immigrant petition and a non-immigrant petition?  

The primary difference between immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas is that immigrant visas do not expire, whereas non-immigrant visas do. An immigrant visa is a path toward permanent residency in the United States. Immigrant visas are typically granted employment-based immigration or family-based immigration and are based on the criteria of allowing an individual to work in the US indefinitely. Non-immigrant visas, on the other hand, grant an applicant only a limited amount of time to live and work in the United States. Non-immigrant visa applicants must prove to the US government that they have no intention of being indefinitely in the country and do intend to return to their country of origin.

I am an immigrant and a victim of abuse in the U.S. Is there a visa that can protect me and my rights to stay in the country?  

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is an immigration law that allows the spouse or child of an abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to self-petition for a green card. To qualify for VAWA, you must have a family relationship with an abusive U.S. citizen or green card holder, you must reside in the US at the time that the VAWA petition is filed, you must have suffered abuse at the hands of your spouse or parent, and you must be an individual of good moral character.

What are my legal options if I would like to sponsor a family member to come to the United States?  

Family sponsorship is one of the most common forms of immigration to the United States. Family-sponsored visas and family-based petitions allow those in the US to sponsor their family members so that they may hopefully eventually become green card holders in the United States. The petition process is far from simple, and you would benefit from legal representation.