Best Immigration Lawyers in St. Petersburg

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in St. Petersburg, Florida?

  For non-emergency concerns, the St. Petersburg police number is 727-893-7780.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in St. Petersburg, Florida?

  For incident reports, ask for assistance at the Records Counter in the police department’s main lobby or call 893-7537. The address of the station is 1301 First Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.

• What does deportation defense/removal mean, and how does it affect immigrants in St. Petersburg?

  Deportation defense, which is also known as removal, is a federal process of formally removing a non-U.S. citizen from the country for violating criminal or immigration laws. Once the alien is deported, they lose their right to return to the country and to St. Petersburg indefinitely, even if only to visit. The proceeding respects the alien’s rights prior to being deported, including their right to challenge their removal on constitutional and procedural grounds.

• When can an immigrant in St. Petersburg be subject to removal or deportation?

  A St. Petersburg immigrant can be deported if they:

  • violated the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act and other laws
  • violated their non-immigrant status
  • terminated their conditional permanent residence
  • aided or encouraged another alien to illegally enter the country
  • got involved in marriage fraud in order to enter the country
  • were convicted of criminal offenses
  • falsified or did not register documents relating to their entry
  • endangered public safety
  • created a risk to national security
  • unlawfully voted

• What are non-immigrant visas that foreign nationals can apply for if they want to stay in St. Petersburg?

  Foreigners who want to stay in St. Petersburg can apply for the following non-immigrant visas:

  • B-1/B-2 visitor visa for pleasure or business purposes
  • E-1/E-2 visa for treaty traders and investors
  • F-1/J-1/M-1 visa for students and trainees
  • H-1B visa for temporary workers that fill specialty occupations
  • L-1 visa for temporary workers that have been transferred from one multinational company to another
  • O/P visa for extraordinary artists, athletes, performers, and scientists

• What is lawful permanent residence/green card, and how can it be obtained by foreigners who want to live in St. Petersburg?

  Lawful permanent residence or green card is a permit for citizens of other countries indicating that they are authorized to stay and work indefinitely in the U.S. They can also serve in the military, although they are not allowed to vote. They should follow certain guidelines when traveling outside the country for an extended period and would lose their status if they commit a crime. Individuals can obtain a green card through family relationship, employment sponsorship, diversity program or green card lottery, or asylum.

• What is family-based immigration, and how can it help people who want to settle in St. Petersburg?

  One of the most common ways of earning lawful permanent residence in St. Petersburg is through family-based immigration. It has strict eligibility requirements, various potential legal obstacles, and possibly a lengthy waiting period. Family-based immigration covers various types of visas, which include marriage-based green cards, fiancé visas, widow petitions, family petitions that involve immediate or qualifying relatives, and removal of conditions from conditional marriage-based green cards.