145 Essex St.
Lawrence, MA 01840
978.794.2331

Immigration Law Areas of Focus

Comprehensive representation from a Massachusetts-based lawyer

You can rely on the Law Offices of Stephen A. Lagana for high-quality assistance with:

Mr. Lagana frequently interacts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the 1st and 2nd Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Visas

Depending on the type of visa they apply for and the intention of their entry into the country, visas allow foreigners entry into the United States on a temporary or permanent basis. It is critical you file your petition in accordance to all applicable rules — the U.S. government issues millions of visas every year, and one mistake in your paperwork can result in the rejection of your petition. Attorney Stephen Lagana helps sponsors and petitioners prepare and file:

  • IR-1 visas for spouses of U.S. citizens
  • IR-2 visas for a U.S. citizen's unmarried child(ren) under 21 years of age
  • IR-3 visas for orphans adopted abroad by U.S. citizens
  • IR-4 visas for orphans to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen
  • IR-5 visas for parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old
  • Family first preference visas (F1)
  • Family second preference visas (F2)
  • Family third preference visas (F3)
  • Family fourth preference visas (F4)
  • Returning resident immigrant visas (SB)

Once your petition is filed, Mr. Lagana tracks its status and assists you in the submission of the Affidavit of Support, civil documents and application forms.

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Deportation

Foreign citizens who are deported from the United States may be forced to leave for any number of reasons, including:

  • Entering the country without valid paperwork
  • Staying past the expiration of a visa
  • Committing a serious crime

Mr. Lagana walks clients through the process of applying for relief from removal. He represents your rights in court proceedings before immigration judges, and he also appeals lost deportation cases.

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Asylum

Individuals who fear for their safety due to their nationality, religion, race, or affiliation with a social or political group have the right to seek asylum from their home country. If you are living in the United States for less than one year or intend to seek asylum upon your arrival to the country, Mr. Lagana can help you complete an I-589 application with your local immigration court. If you are granted asylum and wish to bring a spouse or children into the country under asylum, Mr. Lagana works with you on your I-730 form.

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Citizenship

Immigrants seeking citizenship can rely on the Law Offices of Stephen A. Lagana for assistance navigating the green card and naturalization process. We meet with you to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements to become a citizen of the United States and, if so, see you through the entire process of petitioning for citizenship.

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Waivers

Individuals who may be — under normal circumstances — ineligible to enter the United States have the option of filing for an immigration waiver. Immigration waivers generally allow applicants to overcome the obstacles that would prevent them from obtaining a visa and can be difficult to secure without the help of a knowledgeable immigration lawyer. If your visa has been rejected as inadmissible without a waiver, or if you have not yet applied for a visa but suspect you may need a waiver, Mr. Lagana can review your paperwork to determine which waiver best suits your needs and walk you through the process of obtaining one.

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Federal court proceedings

It is critical you have sound legal representation if you are appearing in a federal immigration court. An attorney with more than 15 years of experience practicing immigration law in Massachusetts and across the United States, Mr. Lagana can deftly protect your rights before an immigration judge. Contact him today for assistance preparing your case for court.

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Board of Immigration Appeals proceedings

When denied petitions or adverse decisions endanger your ability to receive the paperwork you need to be gainfully employed or stay in the country, you need an immigration lawyer who knows how to present compelling arguments in appellate courts. Mr. Lagana works hard when handling appeals to help families stay together in the United States, regularly representing clients before their local U.S. Court of Appeals in a wide range of immigration-related cases.

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Family-based petitions

Family-based immigration petitions vary based on the applicant's status in the eyes of the U.S. government and who the applicant is filing the petition for. Mr. Lagana helps sponsors - family members who wish to help their relatives legally enter the country -  prepare and file a wide range of family-based immigration petitions each year.

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Call the Lawrence, MA Law Offices of Stephen A. Lagana

Contact the Law Offices of Stephen A. Lagana online or at 978.794.2331 to schedule a consultation. We provide responsive service and can meet with you in our welcoming office environment or discuss your matter over the phone. Our team works with clients in Boston as well as other areas of the United States.