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Immigration Attorneys in Tampa, FL
When you think about the American Dream, what comes to mind? For many citizens, it means the freedom to provide for one's family through hard work, dedication, and good deeds. For others, it means having a reliable career and enough financial security to buy a modest home and maybe even a white picket fence. In modern times, however, it's harder than ever to achieve the American Dream - and that's for people who are born in our great nation. For men and women coming to the U.S. from another country, it often seems impossible. These are good, hardworking people who simply want the opportunity to provide for their families and adopt the American way.
Unfortunately, getting through the United States immigration system is seldom straightforward or easy. Many immigration cases face hurdles and difficulties that require expert legal assistance to achieve favorable outcomes. It can be challenging to figure out how to properly organize application materials or discern the options available to you. Fortunately, immigration attorneys in Tampa, FL, can help you avoid the common mistakes so many make and help you gain access to the immigration benefits you rightly deserve. It all starts with a one-on-one conference at Central Florida Immigration Attorneys.
Services Areas
Helping You Pursue the American Dream One Step at a Time
Central Florida Immigration Attorneys possesses extensive knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. immigration system, derived from decades of specialized legal expertise. We prioritize treating our clients as partners, with the foremost goal of assisting in resolving any immigration-related challenges.
Our principal attorney, Charlene Seda, has previously served as an adjudicator for immigration services at USCIS, and Attorney Alejandro Salgado has an extensive background as a criminal lawyer. This combined experience gives our law firm a distinctive viewpoint on all facets of the immigration system, allowing us to better support our clients. Collectively, our legal team has over 20 years of combined experience and remains dedicated to offering the skilled and empathetic assistance you require.
Clients recommend their friends and families to our immigration lawyers in Tampa, FL, because we provide:
Two Decades of Professional Experience
Attorney Charlene Seda & Attorney Alejandro Seda have over 20 years of combined experience. They are both graduates from the prestigious Universidad Católica de Ponce, Puerto Rico and both received Masters Degrees from the University of Miami School of Law.
Knowledge of the System
Attorney Charlene Seda previously worked in USCIS - the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service. She knows the system from the inside and knows what she must do in order to set up your immigration case for success
Clear Communication
Our immigration lawyers strive to be accessible to our clients. We want to make sure we follow up and share the status of your case so that we are all on the same path.
Transparent Expectations
You can trust us from the moment you walk into our office. We will let you know exactly what we can and cannot do for your case. We want to set up clear expectations from day one.
The Central Florida Immigration Attorneys Difference
When you engage our firm, you gain access to decades of professional experience. We stand ready to assist as your ally and advisor at every stage of your immigration journey. Our team can support you in obtaining legal status through various application processes, explore dual intent visas, help you prepare for naturalization, and advocate for your rights if you face removal proceedings. With extensive knowledge of all aspects of the U.S. immigration system, we can guide you in identifying the most feasible paths to reside and work in the United States of America.
Unlike some immigration attorneys, our firm is truly dedicated to helping you achieve the American Dream. Together with our partners, we assist "credit invisible" men and women obtain the financing they need to hire immigration attorneys in Tampa, FL. These loans cover both government filing fees and your immigration attorney fees. In doing so, we help clients establish credit profiles to help them access credit in the future as they take the necessary steps along the journey toward full citizenship.
At the end of the day, our goal is to use every legal route available to help you build a better life for your family. When you work with our immigration lawyers, you can rest easy knowing we'll always be straightforward about what each immigration strategy entails, as well as the risks, costs, and timeline involved. Our attorneys will also be upfront and honest about what we can and cannot do. We believe transparency is paramount to helping you make informed decisions, which is why we always keep you abreast of updates pertaining to your case.
Our immigration lawyers focus on providing expert legal representation for a range of immigration needs, including:
- Immigration Law
- Family-Based Immigration
- Employment-Based Immigration
- Citizenship & Naturalization
- Deportation Defense
- Cancellation of Removal
- 601a Provisional Waiver
- Visas
- U Visas
- Visa Extensions
Our Immigration Lawyers Understand What's at Stake
Whether you need to reunite your family in the U.S., establish permanent employment, or protect against deportation, the result of your immigration case will greatly affect your future. Our immigration attorneys recognize the significance of your situation and will make every effort to attain a positive outcome in your case. Instead of bragging and boasting, at Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we let our track record do the talking. We encourage you to review our firm's testimonials to learn more about how we have made a direct, positive impact on our clients' lives. Our clients rely on us to help them achieve their American Dreams. We're ready to help turn your dreams into reality, too.
Do You Really Need Immigration Lawyers in Tampa, FL?
If you're in need of U.S. immigration benefits, it's always best to work with a qualified immigration attorney. Trying to navigate the hurdles of immigration law on your own is like flying a plane without any experience. It may seem easiest to jump in without any guidance, but doing so can be more detrimental to your goals than hiring a great lawyer. If you're wondering whether or not you need an immigration lawyer, keep these common benefits in mind.
Trying to understand legal paperwork is hard enough, even when you’re born in the U.S. For non-native English speakers, figuring out immigration paperwork is even more difficult. Filling out the forms and gathering the necessary supporting documents can be quite overwhelming and bewildering. Seasoned immigration attorneys are well-versed in the correct procedures for filling out these forms. Failing to fill out these forms accurately can lead to significant delays in the approval of your immigration benefits and may result in additional filing fees.
There are multiple ways to obtain U.S. citizenship, and if you're on your own, you might not be aware of all the options. This is where an immigration lawyer can step in to help. They can present different paths, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each, and make sure you fully grasp the implications of your choice on your citizenship journey.
Immigration lawyers are equipped to assist you in obtaining the necessary authorization to work in the U.S. A skilled attorney is familiar with the precise information you must provide to secure work authorization and to ensure the smooth progress of your application. Without a legal expert, errors in the process can cause significant delays.
If you're looking to become a U.S. citizen, chances are this is your first time trying. Thankfully, when you secure counsel from a reputable firm like Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, you can sleep a little easier knowing they have years of experience helping people just like you. Your immigration lawyer should be familiar with the various scenarios and pathways to the immigration benefit you seek. This will be advantageous for you as they have the expertise to identify the necessary documentation, recommend the most suitable options, and provide you with guidance on what to anticipate throughout the process.
Remember that the government can deem you inadmissible for various reasons, such as unresolved financial issues, criminal activity, or providing false information. If you're considered inadmissible, it doesn't have to be the end of the road. There are methods to challenge this ruling. An immigration attorney can assist you in presenting a compelling case. Although there's no guarantee that the immigration court will reverse the decision, having a seasoned lawyer by your side will undoubtedly improve your chances.
How Can You Find the Best Immigration Lawyers in Tampa, FL?
Finding the right immigration law firm can feel a little bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's true in every state but especially so in Florida, where immigrants make up approximately 21% of the population, according to the American Immigration Counsel. So, how do you find the top immigration attorneys in your state? Here are a few tips we've compiled together to help make your search easier.
While your immigration matters are in progress, it's important to stay informed about the status of your case, any challenges that may arise, and what actions you might need to take. That's why it's crucial to work with immigration lawyers who value proactive communication. You can ask your attorney about their communication skills and how often they communicate with you, but take that answer with a grain of salt. It's also helpful to check reviews and read what former clients have to say about their responsiveness. Don't settle for a lawyer who fails to keep you updated.
This tip piggybacks off our first point because it involves communication. If you have questions about your case or any other facet of your immigration status, your lawyer should be available to answer those questions and provide reassurance when needed. It's not always realistic to expect that a lawyer will be able to answer your call right away, but it is reasonable to anticipate that your attorney will respond to you within a few days. If a lawyer has a track record of not returning calls from previous clients (which you might find out from client reviews, for instance), then be cautious about working with that lawyer and keep looking for another one.
If a lawyer has ever been publicly criticized or had formal complaints made against them by former clients, the state bar association will keep records of these incidents. If you're thinking of hiring a lawyer for an important immigration matter, it's a good idea to see what their reputation is like with the state bar association. That way, you can verify the immigration lawyer's experience and also potentially become aware of any professional issues the lawyer may have had in the past.
Immigration law can be quite complex, and the procedures associated with such matters can be equally intricate. That's why it's so important to work with an immigration lawyer who has experience handling different types of immigration cases or - at the least - a good deal of experience working cases just like yours. You can gauge an attorney's experience with immigration cases by checking their website first. If that information is not readily available, don't hesitate to reach out to the lawyer directly to inquire about their experience in handling cases similar to yours. Don't forget to check reviews online.
When it's all said and done, you've got to have confidence in your immigration lawyer, trust them to be honest about your case, and provide upfront advice about your options when faced with obstacles. You can get a sense of an immigration lawyer's integrity and truthfulness by meeting them for an initial consultation and reading client testimonials to learn about their honesty. If you don't feel entirely at ease with an immigration lawyer after this meeting, it's best to look elsewhere.
Even if you're fluent in English, it's important to have an immigration attorney who can provide services in multiple languages. This is especially crucial if your immigration matters involve family members, colleagues, or others who have limited English proficiency. If language might be an issue for you or someone else involved in your immigration case, make sure that the lawyer you're interested in offers services in your native or preferred language. At Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we proudly offer legal services in both English and Spanish.
If you're new to this country, trying to understand immigration law is overwhelming. But with the right guidance and preparedness, your family's immigration goals are within reach. At Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we help clients achieve success and peace of mind through years of combined experience, honesty, communication, professional guidance, and innovative immigration law strategies. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help when you need it most.
Top 3 Immigration Attorney Red Flags
Wondering if there are any red flags you should be aware of when choosing immigration attorneys in Tampa, FL? The simple answer to that question is yes. If you've got a bad gut feeling or notice any of the following red flags, be wary.
Lawyers Who Wait at USCIS Offices
Attorneys who try to approach you at an office offering United States Citizenship and Immigration Services often provide lackluster legal services. Great immigration lawyers won't have the time to hang out at a USCIS office all day because they're busy serving clients.
"Experts" Who Aren't Really Lawyers
Beware of individuals who present themselves as "visa consultants," "notarios," or "petition preparers," as they are not the same as licensed attorneys. Oftentimes, they simply assist with filling out forms but lack a genuine understanding of your legal circumstances. There is a possibility that they may complete the forms incorrectly or even abscond with your money without providing any services at all.
Illegal Guidance and Advice
Be very careful of lawyers who give you unethical or even illegal advice. For example, be cautious of lawyers who advise you to lie on an immigration form, deceive a USCIS officer, or attempt to bribe an immigration authority. If you get caught, it could result in a permanent bar from U.S. immigration benefits.
Changing Lives One Immigration Case at a Time
At Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we have years of combined experience successfully representing clients in a range of immigration cases. We're dedicated to providing reliable, transparent legal services, whether you need help with a basic immigration application or litigation for an extremely complicated federal matter.
Unlike some immigration law firms, we combine state-of-the art technology with traditional one-on-one service to give our clients robust, effective counsel. You can count on your case progressing as fast as possible while having confidence that our immigration lawyers in cityname, state, will answer your questions honestly, clearly, and efficiently. To learn more about our immigration, citizenship, and deportation defense services, schedule your initial consultation today.
Latest News in Tampa, FL
‘Highly Active’ Atlantic Hurricane Season Expected As Peak Looms: NOAA
Tampa, FL Patchhttps://patch.com/florida/southtampa/highly-active-atlantic-hurricane-season-expected-noaa
FLORIDA — Anywhere from 17 to 24 named storms with winds 39 mph or greater are forecast during what is expected to be a “highly active” Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its mid-season hurricane outlook update Wednesday.Hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30.Of these named storms, anywhere from eight to 13 could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, including four to se...
FLORIDA — Anywhere from 17 to 24 named storms with winds 39 mph or greater are forecast during what is expected to be a “highly active” Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its mid-season hurricane outlook update Wednesday.
Hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30.
Of these named storms, anywhere from eight to 13 could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, including four to seven major hurricanes that are category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher. The updated outlook includes the four named storms to date.
This week's outlook is similar to the agency’s outlook issued in May, NOAA said, which called for 17 to 25 total named storms. Of those, eight to 13 were forecast to become hurricanes and four to seven major hurricanes.
The most recent named storm was Debby, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane Monday morning in Florida’s Big Bend area.
Find out what's happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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Prior to this, Tropical Storm Alberto brought nearly a foot of rain to parts of Texas and New Mexico in June, while Tropical Storm Chris brought rain to parts of Mexico in early July.
On July 1, Hurricane Beryl formed as the earliest Category 5 storm on record in the Atlantic basin. Beryl caused catastrophic damage and about 45 deaths across several islands in the Caribbean Sea, Texas, Louisiana and Vermont.
"The hurricane season got off to an early and violent start with Hurricane Beryl, the earliest category-5 Atlantic hurricane on record,” NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, NOAA administrator, said. “NOAA’s update to the hurricane seasonal outlook is an important reminder that the peak of hurricane season is right around the corner, when historically the most significant impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms tend to occur.”
In a typical season, 14 named storms form in the Atlantic basin, including seven hurricanes, three of which are major hurricanes, NOAA said.
“Atmospheric and oceanic conditions continue to support an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, with a 90 (percent) probability of this result,” the agency said. “2024 has only a 10 percent chance of a near-normal season and a negligible chance of a below-normal season.”
Atmospheric and oceanic conditions setting the stage for an extremely active hurricane season include warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, reduced vertical wind shear, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon, forecasters said.
The dry Saharan air that has prevented tropical storm development at times this season, so far, is also expected to ease in August.
Silencing The Inner Critic
Tampa, FL Patchhttps://patch.com/florida/southtampa/calendar/event/20240828/30b1def9-29fd-4662-9828-e2d5197b668a/silencing-the-inner-critic
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Tampa|Local EventKMCTampaBay, NeighborWed, Aug 28, 2024 at 6:15 PMGuinn Center, 6900 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL, 33604...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Tampa|Local Event
- Wed, Aug 28, 2024 at 6:15 PM
- Guinn Center, 6900 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL, 33604
- More info here
Our inner critic can often prevent us from living the life we really want to live, and can be an unreliable source of negative feedback. We can learn to recognize this inner critic as it operates in our life and relationships and discover through meditation how to let go of this painful habit. Through reflecting with wisdom, we can skillfully develop the inner qualities that build true self confidence and enable us to realize our full spiritual potential.
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Recapping the impacts of Debby on the Tampa area
Meteorologist Kyle Hansonhttps://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/weather/2024/08/07/recapping-the-impacts-of-debby-on-the-tampa-bay-area
While Debby brought winds on the lower end of tropical storm force to our area, the biggest impact was rain.What You Need To Know Debby became a tropical storm on Saturday, August 3rd, as it was moving to the north away from Cuba in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.It gradually strengthened as it moved north and its center passed approximately 75 miles to the west of the mouth of Tampa Bay on the evening of August 4th.After passing by our area, it strengthened to a minimal category 1 hurricane lat...
While Debby brought winds on the lower end of tropical storm force to our area, the biggest impact was rain.
What You Need To Know
Debby became a tropical storm on Saturday, August 3rd, as it was moving to the north away from Cuba in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.
It gradually strengthened as it moved north and its center passed approximately 75 miles to the west of the mouth of Tampa Bay on the evening of August 4th.
After passing by our area, it strengthened to a minimal category 1 hurricane late at night and made landfall near Steinhatchee with winds of 80 mph on the morning of August 5th.
Close to home, winds did briefly gust to over 60 mph at some coastal locations during the height of the storm late in the day on the 4th, but even there winds were rarely sustained at tropical storm force (39 mph or higher).
Rainfall
Debby was a rather disorganized storm, which led to a lopsided look of it. Nearly all the rain from Debby was spread well to the east of the center.
Torrential rain led to widespread inland flooding, particularly in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Myakka City saw the highest rainfall total of over 21 inches.
Places like Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and Pinellas Park saw well over a foot of rain.
This led to historic flooding of the Manatee River, with a record crest of 20.1 feet at Rye Bridge, producing major flooding.
The Alafia River and Little Manatee River in Hillsborough County also saw major flooding.
Storm Surge
Since Debby developed so close to landfall and winds barely reached hurricane force, storm surge was not as significant as past storms in our area, but it still produced coastal flooding.
During the high tide on the morning of Monday, Aug. 5, surge peaked at 2 to 4 feet above the mean high tide.
Surge was on the lower end of this range for the immediate Tampa Bay Region and closer to the higher end around Citrus County.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
5 Key Takeaways From Day 11 of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp 2024
River Wellshttps://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/tampa-bay-buccaneers-news/bucs-news-tampa-bay-buccaneers-training-camp-2024-day-11-observations
It was Day 11 for Buccaneers training camp, and it was a tale of two venues — the team started outside but, rain forced the team to finish indoors.As always, BucsGameday was there in person to report on the action, and we've got five takeaways for you down below:Trey Palmer is currently in a battle with Buccaneers wideout Jalen McMillan, and he's been getting outshined so far. That being said, he had a big day today — he caught two big deep ball passes, with one coming from a beautiful Baker Mayfield football down t...
It was Day 11 for Buccaneers training camp, and it was a tale of two venues — the team started outside but, rain forced the team to finish indoors.
As always, BucsGameday was there in person to report on the action, and we've got five takeaways for you down below:
Trey Palmer is currently in a battle with Buccaneers wideout Jalen McMillan, and he's been getting outshined so far. That being said, he had a big day today — he caught two big deep ball passes, with one coming from a beautiful Baker Mayfield football down the middle of the field to big applause. Today was a strong day for him, and Tampa Bay will hope he displays more of that prowess as camp continues.
There was another slew of interceptions today. Tyrek Funderburk, Josh Hayes, and Kaevon Merriweather all got their hands on the football, which head coach Todd Bowles is likely pretty happy about — he's wanted his defense in the position to get more turnovers.
That being said, it's a bit of a double-edged sword. And with the feast...
...Comes the famine.
Of those three interceptions today, two of them came from Kyle Trask passes. And while Trask had a good deep ball to wideout Cody Thompson earlier in the day, he didn't finish out strong and the two picks he did throw weren't exactly tough ones for Merriweather and Hayes.
There's somewhat of a competition for backup quarterback in Tampa Bay, and as both have thrown some interceptions in camp and struggled elsewhere, it will be interesting to see where the Bucs go there.
READ MORE: Bucs Defensive Tackle Comments on Offensive Line Newcomers
Graham Barton is splitting reps with Robert Hainsey in first-team work at center, and while he is likely to win that competition, he's certainly been tested throughout camp.
Barton got to participate in 1v1 work with the defensive line, and he was tasked with lining up against Vita Vea. And while Vea bested him plenty, Barton was able to hold his own some reps and is getting used to the power he'll be seeing in the NFL.
Tight ends have been somewhat of a focal point this camp, and Cade Otton is no exception. He caught two nice passes in on the right side of the field to start 11v11 work and also had a nice touchdown in red zone work, catching a laser from Baker Mayfield in the center of the end zone.
Cade Otton played a lot of snaps last year, so he'll hopefully get some relief from that this year. But if he can take a step up, Tampa Bay's offense would add an entire new dimension.
READ MORE: Ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Starting Wide Receiver Signs With Baltimore Ravens
Stick with BucsGameday for more FREE coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout training camp.
Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook
More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News
• Ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Starting Wide Receiver Signs With Baltimore Ravens
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• Bucs CB Bryce Hall Enjoying Being Part of Team 'Brotherhood'
Dome Night: Dalí Alive 360°
Tampa, FL Patchhttps://patch.com/florida/southtampa/calendar/event/20240906/cab0ffe8-e156-4c00-b57c-f84bd3e4b536/dome-night-dal-alive-360
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Tampa|Local EventDali Museum, NeighborFri, Sep 6, 2024 at 6:00 PMThe Dalí Museum, 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Tampa|Local Event
- Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 6:00 PM
- The Dalí Museum, 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701
- More info here
Join us for an exclusive evening of Dalí Alive 360°, featuring special pricing and showtimes. Following the captivating 35-minute 360°-display of Salvador Dalí’s life and work, we encourage you to extend your night at The Dalí with drinks and Spanish-style bites from Café Gala, wander through the surreal Avant-Garden and discover unique Dalí-inspired souvenirs from the Museum Store.
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