Whenever a child is involved, immigration paperwork gets more complicated.

• SAVE YOU MONEY, by making sure you do not file unnecessary additional applications, and avoid paying extra filing fees
• REVIEW YOUR CHILD’S ELIGIBILITY FOR THE IMMIGRATION BENEFIT, BASED ON THEIR PARTICULAR STATUS (i.e., adopted child, stepchild, etc.). UNFORTUNATELY, U.S. IMMIGRATION LAW DOES NOT TREAT ALL TYPES OF CHILDREN EQUALLY. Take stepchildren, for example. There are some immigration applications that require the petitioner to establish a stepchild/stepparent relationship in order for the child to avail of the immigration benefit. Other applications (adjustment of status is one), do not require this.
• Even for “seemingly” straightforward applications, such as for a certificate of citizenship, the evidentiary and eligibility requirements are different for a child born to unmarried parents, or deriving citizenship from a father as opposed to a mother. An immigration attorney would know this and advise you accordingly.
• ADVISE YOU OF THE BEST TIME TO FILE A CHILD’S APPLICATION, and this is especially critical when an “adult” child or “soon-to-be adult” child is involved. What if that child wants to get married soon, or is nearing 21 years of age? Adult sons and daughter are treated differently depending on the benefit you’re applying for. Minor, unmarried children are usually given more preference. For example, only unmarried children under the age of 21 years old can qualify as “immediate relatives.” This is important, because immediate relatives have so many more options during the green card process, and can overcome ineligibility hurdles to permanent residency that other relatives simply cannot.
• LOOK OUT FOR YOU, AND YOUR CHILDREN, IN THE LONG RUN. Even when their parent’s marriage does not work out with the petitioner, for one reason or another, that does not mean a child can no longer qualify for a green card, or U.S. citizenship. An immigration attorney can help ensure that both the primary applicant and their child’s dreams (and future) continue to be protected, especially when relationships change during the immigration process.

2. When multiple applications and steps are involved, the potential for additional costs, delays, and missteps run particularly high.

3. Even if you file all the required paperwork, your application might still get denied. At your interview. At the port-of-entry. In relation to another application somewhere down the road.

• YOU SIMPLY CANNOT TELL A CONSULAR OFFICER “A,” THEN EXPECT THEM TO CONCLUDE “B” FROM IT. An immigration attorney will check whether you have “THE” complete AND best evidence to draw the line that can connect A to B, to BETTER PERSUADE the officer that you have satisfied the requirements.
• You cannot just have your host or employer write a letter with anything they choose. Some things in a letter are a waste of time and ink to say. An attorney will check to see whether the important things are included, and only the important things.
• Lastly, don’t forget about U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The issuance of a visa at a consular post still does not guarantee admission to the U.S. You will be subject to another interview by another immigration official at the U.S. port of entry. You could still be sent home, with no reimbursement for travel expenses, if a second look at your documents indicates fraudulent immigrant intent.
• Stepping away from the Tourist Visa for the moment, did you know that even further down the road at the green card stage, you could still be subject to removal if USCIS determines that you did not have a “bona fide” intent to marry at the time of your fiancé(e) petition?

4. An immigration attorney will know the “legal basis” of your eligibility (or ineligibility) for an immigration benefit

4. Perhaps the best reason to hire an immigration lawyer is because they can explain all your legal options.