Castan y Lecca Group Immigration

IMMIGRATION

 

Status Adjustment

Adjustment of Status is the process of changing an individuals’ immigration status to that of a lawful permanent resident inside the United States. Consular Processing is the process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad and entering the U.S. as a permanent resident. Sometimes determining which path to take is pretty straightforward, but at other times, a complex legal analysis is needed. Keep in mind that each case is unique and each case includes particular facts that determine the right legal strategy for your case. We recommend that you consult an experienced immigration attorney before moving forward with your case.

NATURALIZATION

Naturalization is the process by which foreign nationals are granted U.S. citizenship and receive full rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution and laws, including the right to vote. Citizenship is the ultimate goal we strive for when working with non-citizen clients. There is no greater reward for us as attorneys than to witness our clients’ goals manifest into reality. It’s a special moment we are honored to share with you.

Hundreds of immigrants have walked through our doors without a driver’s license or work permit, fearful of deportation; we’re always proud to help them become citizens of our country so they can enjoy the American Dream.
Castan y Lecca Group

Eligibility Requirements for Becoming a Naturalized U.S. Citizen:

1
Permanent residence status for at least four years and nine months prior to applying for citizenship or two years and nine months if residency obtained through marriage and you are still married and residing together. Exceptions apply for members of the Armed Forces.
2
Continuous residence in the United States for the applicable statutory period.
3
Good moral character.
4
Basic English language skills and ability to prepare for the civics and history test. Exceptions apply if a severe learning disability is present or if the applicant meets a certain age and length of residency threshold.
5
Support of the U.S. Constitution.
6
Willingness to bear arms to defend the United States.
Criminal issues and other moral character concerns, such as child support issues or owing taxes, may affect eligibility for naturalization. If you have ever been arrested, cited, detained, or charged with or convicted of any crime or offense, it is extremely important to consult an immigration attorney before submitting your application. At Castan, Lecca & Boeschen, we provide exceptional services that span both the criminal and immigration fields of law.

DACA

DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS)

The DACA program became effective on June 12, 2012, granting certain immigrants protection against removal from the United States. It also granted other benefits, such as employment authorization and the opportunity to obtain a Social Security number and driver’s license. You are eligible for this type of deferred action if the following seven qualifications apply to you:

1
Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
2
Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday.
3
Have continuously resided in the United States from June 15, 2007 to the present.
4
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and when you applied for deferred action with USCIS.
5
Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012.
6
Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States.
7
Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

NONIMMIGRANT VISAS

  In contrast to immigrant visas, nonimmigrant visas only allow an individual to enter the country for a specific, limited period of time. A wide variety of nonimmigrant visas exist, including the lesser-known visitor, student, and work visas. Consult an immigration attorney at Castan, Lecca & Boeschen if you are interested in temporary travel to the U.S. or in changing/extending your current nonimmigrant status.

IMMIGRATION-RELATED SERVICES

Castan y Lecca Group

Crimmigration

If you are a non-citizen with a criminal charge, you face higher stakes and harsher consequences—even if the charge is minor. We know that this can be a daunting situation for anyone, but a criminal attorney who does not have expertise in immigration law will not be able to fully evaluate how your criminal case will affect your immigration status. At Castan, Lecca & Boeschen, we understand the complex intersection of immigration and criminal law and are ready to assist you in this process. The best thing you can do if you are faced with this situation is to hire an attorney who uniquely understands both immigration and criminal law. Our attorneys’ knowledge and experience in dealing with U.S. immigration laws and representing non-citizens in misdemeanor criminal cases allows them to evaluate cases from all sides and provide clients with the comprehensive representation they deserve. Reach out to us for more information.
Castan y Lecca Group

Family Law

The values of family unity and children’s best interests have historically driven immigration policy, so immigration and family law are often closely intertwined. Family law, however, is mainly a states’ issue, while immigration law is strictly federal. This means that most non-citizens facing family issues need to consult two different attorneys. When you choose Castan, Lecca & Boeschen, you have representation across several fields of legal practice. Because members of our team specialize in these areas, they’re able to adeptly evaluate all the risks and consequences that non-citizens face in court. It is crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side during this complicated process.
(864)761-4141

Dustin Thompson

Attorney

Dustin Thompson was raised in rural Camilla, Georgia. Dustin graduated from Georgia Southern University majoring in political science and history. After graduation, Dustin obtained a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta. Before becoming a lawyer, Dustin worked a variety of jobs from a watermelon farm in Mitchell County to a policy think tank in Washington D.C. Dustin has practiced law almost exclusively in the workers’ compensation arena since 2014. For nearly a decade, he worked for a large defense firm in Georgia representing employers and insurers and gaining the invaluable experience and knowledge of how insurers defend claims. In 2023, Dustin joined the firm to use his expertise and litigation skills to help individuals who have been injured as a result of work accidents and third-party negligence.  Dustin has been repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” in the practice of workers’ compensation. Outside of work, Dustin enjoys traveling, hunting, and attending sporting events. He and his family are active in Buckhead Church.

MICHAEL BOESCHEN

Attorney

Michael Boeschen (Mike) was born in Wichita, KS and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Mike graduated from The McCallie School and went on to study history, Spanish, and Latin American Studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from the University Of Georgia School Of Law. During law school, Mike participated in the Legal Aid Clinic, assisting in the defense of indigent criminal defendants. Mike has been licensed to practice law in Georgia since 2002 and his main practice area consists of representing injured workers as they navigate through the Georgia workers’ compensation system. Mike is also fluent in Spanish. In his spare time Mike enjoys following soccer, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two young daughters. Mike and his family are parishioners of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, GA

CHRISTIAN PECONE

Attorney

ED DENKER

Attorney

Edward Denker was born in Philadelphia, PA but has made Georgia his home since 1999. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia. Edward spent his first years in practice representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He then spent more than a decade honing his litigation skills representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation claims, where he gained immense experience and knowledge of how insurers defend those claims. In 2017, Edward returned to his passion of representing people who have been injured at work or through the negligence of others. When he isn’t working, Edward enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He is also an avid sports fan, and enjoys cooking and travel

ILIANA DOBREV

Attorney

Iliana Dobrev was born in Bulgaria. After high school, she immigrated to the United States to study law. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in political science concentrating on pre-law and minoring in Spanish. In 2015, she graduated from Georgia State University College of Law. While in law school, Iliana completed a Graduate Research Assistantship in Labor and Employment Law and Employment Discrimination and two externships in Immigration Law. As an immigrant herself, Iliana is passionate about advocating for and defending immigrants. She is delighted to help families stay together and pursue the American dream. Iliana is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and worked in both a fellowship and a firm specializing in immigration law. Iliana is fluent in Bulgarian and Spanish
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KEN THAXTON

Attorney

Ken Thaxton was born and raised in Roberta, GA. When Ken was a child, his father started a trucking business, which Ken ultimately spent over ten years working with through his late teens and twenties. Ken graduated from Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA in 2001 with a 4.0 GPA. He then studied Business and Information Technology at Macon State College, ultimately graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 2004. After graduation, Ken continued to work with his father’s trucking company, and in late 2005, Ken and his father started an aircraft charter company, Southern Jet, Inc., under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Ken served as President of Southern Jet from 2006 until 2010, when he and his father sold the company. Ken is a Commercially Licensed Instrument, Multi-Engine Pilot. While serving as President of Southern Jet, Ken started Law School at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. Ken focused primarily on business and civil law, including Workers’ Compensation, while at UGA. He graduated Cum Laude and in the top 25% of his class from UGA Law in 2012. Ken is a licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia, and he is also a licensed neutral (mediator) in the State of Georgia. Ken represents small businesses in transactional matters and business conflicts, and he also represents injured workers and Plaintiffs injured in cases of negligence. During his spare time, Ken enjoys swimming, cycling, sporting clays, and fishing. He also does charity work with a national scholarship fund
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ALEXANDER LECCA

Attorney

Alexander Lecca (Alex) was born in Miami, Florida to immigrant parents from Cuba and Peru. Alex graduated from Coral Gables High School, where he was a recipient of the Elsa Glazer Award (given to students who graduate with a 3.5 GPA and above). He went on to study marketing at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. At the University of Miami he was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. In law school, Alex received several book awards and graduated Cum Laude. During law school Alex clerked for the Honorable Beth Bloom, had an internship with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office, and clerked for a prestigious litigation law firm. Alex is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Florida and handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. He is also a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Alex is also fluent in Spanish. During his spare time, Alex enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and four children. He also helps coach his children’s baseball, football, basketball, and soccer teams. Alex and his family are parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

DANIEL CASTAN 

Attorney

Dan Castan is a senior partner at Castan and Lecca, PC in Buckhead and represents injured workers before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and plaintiffs in State and Superior Courts of Georgia for injuries suffered in accidents. Dan litigated one of the seminal claims securing the rights of undocumented workers to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits in the state of Georgia when injured in the case of Wet Walls, Inc. vs. Ledesma. Dan has successfully fought and settled multi million dollar cases. He was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey to immigrant parents from Cuba. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and received his Juris Doctor from The Washington College of Law at The American University in Washington D.C.  Dan was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November, 1993.  He is an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Atlanta Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Dan is a founding member and Director of the Latino Victory Fund Georgia and serves on the Board of The Latin American Association. Dan has been dedicated to getting Latinos elected to local, state and Federal offices in Georgia. He has been a Big Brother through Big Brothers and Sisters of Metro Atlanta and a mentor through The Latin American Association’s mentor/mentee program. Dan is married with two children.