Virginia Immigration Lawyers
Map courtesy of Geology.com except where noted.
Virginia became a U.S. state in 1788 and was the 10th state to join the Union. The state of Virginia is formally known as "The Commonwealth of Virginia", and its official nickname is the "Old Dominion". Occasionally, people refer to Virginia as "the Mother of Presidents", as 8 U.S. presidents were born in the state.
As one of the original U.S. colonies, Virginia's legal system is also one of the oldest in the country. For example, Virginia's legislature, the Virginia General Assembly, is the oldest legislature operating in the Western hemisphere. The oldest police force in the U.S., the Virginia Capitol Police, is also located in Virginia. Virginia has a well-developed system of case laws, as well as a body of statutes known as the Code of Virginia.
Legal claims in Virginia are processed in the state judicial system, consisting of the state Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals of Virginia, and the General District and Circuit Courts. Many landmark cases have arisen out of Virginia, such as Loving v. Virginia (1967), an important anti-segregation case. Another frequently cited Virginia case is Atkins v. Virginia (2002), which involved the 8th Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
Lawyers in Virginia represent clients in all types of legal claims. Although most of these are processed at the trial court level, Virginia lawyers also file appeals through the state's appeal system. A Virginia attorney can assist you by answering legal questions and providing much-needed representation in court.
Immigration Attorneys and Law Firms in the Largest VA Cities
The Process of Immigration within Virginia
Immigration to the U.S. is handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service, or USCIS. If you are planning on entering the country, have family members who want to come to Virginia, or need to change your immigration status, you will probably have to deal with the USCIS in Virginia during the process.
Become a Legal Immigrant in Virginia
Whether you entered the country illegally or your resident status has lapsed, you should talk to an Immigration attorney regarding your options for becoming a legal resident of Virginia.
Do not speak to federal immigration officers in Virginia without the necessary paperwork already prepared.
