Immigration legislation in the United States changes daily. We strongly encourage those who are not naturalized citizens to stay informed about immigration policies in the United States through credible news sources. Along with staying informed, it is critical for those looking to become United States citizens to understand the importance of adequate representation when pursuing citizenship or legal residence processes.
Below we will list some of the reasons why you, as an immigrant in the process of seeking (http://es.caslec-law.com/lo-que-hacemos/inmigracion/legalization of your status within the country, should get the help of an expert lawyer to help with this process.

There are 185 different types of visas – Know which visa is best for you

The migration process has several determining factors, such as economic activity, conditions of migration, or job prospects. These factors will determine if you qualify for either immigrant or non-immigrant visas (https://www.usa.gov/visas) . This requires an in-depth study by an expert immigration lawyer, which assesses the timeline, needs, and type of visa required on a case by case basis.  If you have questions about the type of visa that best suits your current situation, please contact our office. Our lawyers are ready to help you start your journey to citizenship.

Cases of deportation

Deportation is a nuanced topic. Cases of deportation are not always governed by the type of immigrants residing illegally within the territory. Deportation proceedings may take place due to different and individual circumstances, all of which should be handled by a legal expert.  Some of the popular causes of deportation cases are:
  • Criminal cases 
  • Denial of an affirmative request by the USCIS 
  • Problems of inadmissibility in entering the country 
  • Do not maintain status 
  • Matrimonial fraud
  • Convictions for criminal cases 
  • False claim of citizenship
If you are in the process of being deported, consult with a trusted immigration lawyer. Castan and Lecca attorneys will try their best to help you find a favorable solution to your deportation case.

Asylum

Outside of the United States, some countries are experiencing extreme conflict that leaves their citizens at risk. Some may choose to seek asylum alone, while some may bring their family to seek a better life. There are different ways to apply for asylum, one can file with USCIS or through an immigration court. Asylum status must be applied for within one year of entry for this process to remain lawful. Once this process has been conducted, the recipient will have the possibility to:
  • Obtain work permits.
  • Access to certain public benefits. 
  • Seek permanent residence and citizenship. 
  • Extend these benefits to the spouse and family.
Currently, asylum seekers will not be able to carry out any work in the country or to obtain a driving license unless they reach 365 days after completing an application. Contact an attorney who can analyze your situation and provide you guidance.

Migration by family ties



There are certain types of circumstances that allow immigrants to receive legal status through a family member.  In many cases, those requesting the immigrant must fill applications and read instructions required by different immigration agencies. The online documents provided by USCIS and other immigration offices often contain dense language with strict rules, so the slightest error can put an applicant at risk and in serious cases, face deportation. The two ways to solve this type of process are:
  1. Status Adjustment A Form I-130 with USCIS must be filed for status adjustment
  2. Consular processing A request for adjustment of consular status or formality is made in the foreign country
In both cases, a waiver of inadmissibility (https://www.uscis.gov/i-601) may be required. Therefore, choose an expert lawyer (http://caslec-law.com/) with a wealth of knowledge who can accurately follow the steps within this request.

Deferred actions for those arriving in childhood DACA

DACA came into force in 2012 to create guarantees for those who qualify. To be considered as a DACA recipient, you must:
  • Have been under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012
  • Arrived in the United States before their 16th birthday
  • Continuous residence in the national territory from June 15, 2007, to the present day
  • Have been physically present in the United States on June 15, 2007, and when they requested deferred action before USCIS
  • No legal status on June 15, 2012.
  • Currently in school, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, has obtained a certificate of development of general education (GED), or is a veteran honorably given under the Coast Guard or the United States Armed Forces.
  • Has not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three or more misdemeanors and does not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
The factors that determine legalization in this type of process are often long and confusing. Contact your trusted attorneys at Castan & Lecca for legal advice. 

Naturalization

This status gives immigrants full rights and protections under the constitution and laws, including the right to vote. Even though naturalization gives full rights, citizenship is the goal.  The requirements for naturalization ( https://www.usa.gov/become-us-citizen) are:
  • Permanent residence for 4 years and 9 months before applying for citizenship.
  • If the residence was obtained through marriage requires a stay of 2 years and 9 months, exceptions apply for members of the Armed Forces.
  • Continued residence in the United States during the applicable legal period.
  • Show good moral character.
  • Having basic language skills and the ability to prepare for the civic education and history exam, if you have a severe learning disability or if the applicant has reached a certain age and length of residence exceptions apply.
  • Has not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three or more misdemeanors and does not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
The factors that determine legalization in this type of process are often long and confusing. Contact your trusted attorneys at Castan & Lecca for legal advice. 

Victims of violence

If a person is a victim in a case of trafficking or violence, they may claim such status provided in exchange for cooperating with the authorities of the country. In addition, persons who are victims of family violence by their spouse may be protected under this immigration status in the same way. At Castan & Lecca, our experience in this type of case gives us enough empathy and professionalism to become the helping hand you need in this type of case.

Non-migrant visas

This type of visa allows for a limited time stay, such as student, visitor, or work visas. In some cases, an extension of the time spent in the territory may be required. In each one of these cases, the collaboration of experts (http://es.caslec-law.com/quienes-somos/ ) is essential to achieve the expected result. We trust that you have clear goals you want to achieve in this country, but as your legal experts, we recommend you leave all the work to us. Contact us and start your journey to become a proud citizen of the United States of America.
(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
castan&lecca-ken-bio

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.