A permanent residency card, also known as the green card, is one of the most desirable means of being able to live and work in in the United States. Being accorded such often requires the sponsorship of a legitimate employer or a family member already in the country, and at least five years' continuous stay in the country with no criminal charges.

Still, there's always the danger of being denied a green card even after you've satisfied the requirements set forth by the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If, say, your family was banking on your permanent residency to be the start of a long-term migration plan, denial can be a big letdown to them. A skilled immigration attorney like Alex Benedict offers timely assistance in such a situation.

Review

Your preferred immigration lawyer will recommend getting in touch with USCIS as soon as the application process commences. When the denial of the green card comes through, you and your counsel must review all pertinent documents for any lapses, then fill up Form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion).

You must submit the application at the nearest USCIS office within 30 days of receiving the decision and state that you're filing to reopen your case. The USCIS officer who originally studied your application will pore through it again. This time, you must append additional documents to further support your credentials.

Summons

There will be times when the denial of your I-485 – the application for adjustment of status to permanent resident – leads to summons from the immigration court. Your lawyer will diligently advise you to appear in court on the said date and to cancel other engagements that day to ensure attendance. This is one more chance to prove your case before the judge, but some circumstances may permit a reopening of the application case on the spot.

Learning of the USCIS stamping your green card application with the word "DENIED" should not be the end of the road for you, especially if you've worked hard for your immigrant status in the U.S. Prominent immigration lawyers such as Alex Benedict, Attorney-at-Law can help you gain a fighting chance. For more information on green-card related issues, log on to Immihelp.com.