Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Law Office of Sara B. Kohgadai believes in client-focused advocacy that goes beyond the “four corners” of your case. We want to hear your story and get you the relief you are entitled to under the law.
Our Services
California Public Records Act
The California State Legislature enacted the Public Records Act (PRA) to give the public access to information that enables them to monitor the functioning of their government. The PRA allows the public to inspect and make copies of certain public records.
Where agencies fail to disclose public documents, or improperly delay access to them, CPRA attorneys can help you or your organization get access through the courts. Many times, this is done with little or not cost to you.
Immigration Law
Affirmative Asylum Petitions
When a person has entered the United States, whether or not they were inspected at the border, and our government is not taking any active steps to remove them from the U.S., they can make what is known as an “affirmative” application for asylum. This process involves an application with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and an interview at the local Asylum Office.
If the officer grants the application, then the person has asylum. He or she can then petition for their spouse and children to join them in the United States. They are also then on the path toward a green card and eventual U.S. citizenship. If the officer denies the asylum application, and the person has no other immigration status, then they are “referred” to the Immigration Court, where a judge will consider the asylum case. (source: humanrightsfirst.org)
Adjustment of Status to Green Card Holder
The process for applying for a green card from within the United States is called Adjustment of Status (AOS). To qualify, you must have entered the United States on a valid visa. When you use AOS, you’ll be able to stay in the United States while your application is processed, even if your visa expires before your green card is approved.
There are different categories of eligibility through which you can apply for AOS. Some common categories are family-based applications, employment-based applications, and applications for special immigrants, refugees, or victims of abuse. (source: USCIS.gov)
Naturalization to U.S. Citizen
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements. (source: USCIS.gov)
Other Legal Services Available On Request
Let us know what legal issue you are dealing with and we will help figure it out. Even if we can’t take your case ourselves, we want you to feel empowered— no matter who you are working with. Contact us for a free consult.
