Louisiana is known for having a diverse immigrant population. Immigration into the United States can follow several different pathways. Once stateside, immigrants can also face several challenges and legal issues. Whether you’re visiting temporarily, pursuing permanent residency, or navigating removal proceedings, it’s recommended that you work with a Metairie immigration lawyer at our firm to help you through your case.
Anyone facing immigration issues in Metairie and beyond can count on Sardi Isaza to be their legal advocate. Our attorneys are immigrants from Colombia, so we understand immigration laws in the United States. We understand how much is on the line for immigrants, and we’re committed to helping them secure a safe future.
It’s estimated that around 239,000 immigrants live in Louisiana, accounting for 5.2 percent of Louisiana’s population. Moreover, immigrants make up 6.5 percent of the state’s workforce. These individuals contribute to the state via their tax dollars and spending power, which is an overall benefit to residents.
Understanding immigration laws and how to advocate for yourself throughout these complex cases is critical to your health, safety, and happiness. A Metairie immigration attorney from Sardi Isaza can support you through every stage of your case. Our legal team at Sardi Isaza brings
As of August, there have been 514,061 new immigration cases filed with immigration courts across the country in Fiscal Year 2026.
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Navigating an immigration case is difficult, especially when so much is at stake. Immigration laws are complex and constantly being updated.
Between the deadlines, documents, and other requirements, it’s not hard to mess things up throughout the legal process. Unfortunately, any mistake can result in an unfavorable outcome. This can either delay your case or even invalidate it, making updated guidance essential.
When you hire an immigration lawyer from Sardi Isaza, you can be sure you understand what steps to take and how to handle any challenges as they come up. Our team has been ranked as an Avvo Top Attorney and is highly rated and named as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers®.*
Our immigration attorneys at Sardi Isaza have years of experience navigating immigration cases throughout Metairie and across the country. As immigrants themselves, attorneys Pablo Isaza and Ana Maria Sardi are in a unique position to understand what it’s like to go up against the U.S. immigration system.
We’re comfortable navigating cases through the New Orleans Immigration Court or your local United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Whether you have questions about your immigration status or you’re actively facing a legal challenge, you can count on us to be there for you. To top it off, we can communicate in Spanish if needed.
The difference between the affirmative and defensive asylum processes in Metairie has to do with whether or not the individual is in removal proceedings. You can proactively apply for affirmative asylum if you’re not in removal proceedings.
If your affirmative asylum application was denied, or you’re already in removal proceedings, you must file for defensive asylum instead. In these cases, asylum is used as a defense against removal from the country.
Yes, a criminal conviction can be grounds for deportation from the United States for non-citizens. This includes green card holders and temporary visa holders. Per the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), certain offenses automatically trigger removal proceedings. Deportable crimes include:
You can be placed in removal proceedings even if you are a lawful permanent resident. Only official U.S. citizens cannot be deported.
Yes, you can return to the United States after being deported, but you must do so through the proper channels. For starters, there are mandatory wait times before you can file a petition for your return. The length of your ban ultimately depends on the reason for your removal.
In order to qualify for reentry, you typically need a family-based or employment-based immigrant petition. You may need a waiver of inadmissibility if you were removed on criminal- or fraud-related grounds.
How long it typically takes to process immigration cases in Metairie depends on the nature of the case and the size of the court backlogs. You can check official wait times for your specific application through the USCIS Processing Times tool.
The more you know about U.S. immigration laws and how they pertain to your situation, the smoother you can expect the case to go. It’s recommended that you hire an immigration lawyer to help keep things on track.
Immigration issues can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from where they live to where they work to where they can expect to be months and years down the road. Navigating an immigration case can be challenging regardless of the details of the case. A Metairie immigration attorney at our firm can help you file the necessary paperwork, meet key deadlines, and advocate for you throughout your case.
If you’re navigating a legal immigration issue in Metairie, Sardi Isaza can help see you through it. Our team is experienced with U.S. immigration laws, and we’re dedicated to helping you and your family navigate these complex issues. Reach out to our office to set up an initial consultation with a trusted attorney today.
We’re locally accessible in Metairie, on Division Street near Lake Pontchartrain and the I-10 and I-610 interchange.
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