Many cities in the United States have a history with immigrants: New York and San Francisco are particularly the most famous in this regard. Manayunk, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, is well-known for the 19th century influx of Italian, Irish, Polish, and German immigrants after the city became a major industrial center. Immigration continues to be a hot issue in the country to this day, which is why many immigration lawyers in Philadelphia still have their hands full.

One of the most important benefits of working with an immigration attorney is the knowledge he or she has of the country’s immigration laws. These laws can be very complex, which is why some people just bypass them and enter the county as illegal immigrants. Below are some of the services that an immigration lawyer typically offers: :

Citizenship Application

One of the most common reasons for working with an immigration attorney in Philadelphia is to gain full-citizenship in the US (also known as naturalization), which can take a long time without the proper legal assistance. He or she ensures that the client submits the proper documents on time to the relevant authorities and that the process itself adheres to relevant federal laws like the Patriot Act of 2001. Hiring an immigration attorney is also a must if a business owner wants to move his or her company to the US.

Asylum Application

Refugees and expatriates need to work with immigration lawyers before they can be granted asylum in the country. However, this process may take a long time because immigration authorities also need to consider the international implications of providing refuge to, say, dissidents and activists from countries with strong ties to the US. Applications can be filed before or after the person reaches American soil.

Temporary Residency

This is specific to foreign workers and students who wish to reside in the country for a short time. However, this can also apply to Americans who wish to work or study in another country, especially if that country’s immigration laws are very different from the US. The Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002 strictly requires schools and companies to report foreigners who are under their care.

For more about immigration lawyers, visit: wisegeek.com/what-is-an-immigration-lawyer.htm and attorneys.com/immigration/what-does-an-immigration-lawyer-do. For a brief look at the US immigration and visa policies, visit: travel.state.gov/visa/questions/policy/policy_4433.html.