Chico Immigration

U.S. immigration law is governed at the federal level, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) overseeing visa applications, green cards, and citizenship requests. While Chico is home to a strong and resilient immigrant community, legal challenges still arise, making professional representation essential.

Chico's immigrant population includes a significant Latino community and a longstanding Hmong refugee population, reflecting decades of resettlement efforts. Many immigrants work in agriculture, healthcare, education, and service industries, contributing to Chico's economy in vital ways. The city is also home to international students and faculty at California State University, Chico, creating a global presence in the local academic community. Whether you need help securing a visa, defending against deportation, or applying for citizenship, our firm offers personalized legal strategies to support your immigration goals.

Our Chico immigration attorneys assist with:

• Adjustment of Status - If you are lawfully present in the U.S., you may be able to apply for a green card without leaving the country. This allows you to remain in Chico while your residency application is processed.
• Advance Parole - If you have a pending adjustment of status application, you may need USCIS travel authorization to leave the U.S. Without advance parole, you risk denial of reentry and complications with your immigration case.
• Asylum - Chico has been a destination for refugees and asylum seekers. Individuals facing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership may qualify for asylum and later apply for permanent residency.
• DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) - Many DACA recipients in Chico work in education, healthcare, and local businesses. This program provides temporary protection from deportation and allows eligible individuals to live and work legally in the U.S.
• Deportation Defense - While California has statewide sanctuary policies, deportation remains a serious concern for many individuals. We represent clients in removal proceedings, helping them explore relief options such as asylum, waivers, and cancellation of removal.
• Fiancé(e) Visas - U.S. citizens can petition for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, allowing their foreign partner to enter the U.S. The couple must marry within 90 days for the immigrant spouse to apply for a green card.
• Green Cards - Chico's strong industries and family networks make it a prime location for immigrants seeking permanent residency. We assist individuals and families with family-based, employment-based, and humanitarian green card applications.
• Parole in Place - Immediate family members of U.S. military personnel may qualify for parole in place, allowing them to remain in the U.S. legally. Chico has a strong veteran and military family presence, making this policy an important option for many.
• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) - Chico has local organizations dedicated to supporting immigrant youth. SIJS provides a path to permanent residency for minors who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
• United States Citizenship - Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen provides benefits such as voting rights, a U.S. passport, and the ability to sponsor family members. We guide Chico residents through the citizenship application, testing, and interview process.
• U Visa & VAWA - Immigrants who have been victims of serious crimes or domestic violence may qualify for legal protection under the U Visa program or the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). These programs allow survivors to gain lawful status independently of an abuser.
• Work Permits - Chico's agriculture, education, and healthcare sectors provide many employment opportunities for immigrants. We assist clients with work permit applications and renewals to ensure they can legally work while their immigration case is pending.