Kentucky Immigration Lawyer

It’s not easy to be an immigrant in today’s America.

An experienced Kentucky immigration lawyer can take the guesswork out of ICE policies. Upon arriving in Kentucky, immigrants have many challenges and questions, and they need a trusted advisor they can rely on to represent their rights under the law. Whether grappling with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issues or other everyday legal problems, new and potential citizens have a Spanish-speaking friend in Carman Fullerton law firm.

Coming to the United States represents a whole new world of possibilities for immigrants, but it can also represent a lot of uncertainty as new families tackle language barriers, learn U.S. laws and work to assimilate into a new culture.

If you are newly arrived in the Commonwealth and need a Kentucky immigration lawyer, contact Carman Fullerton at (859) 971-0060 for a initial consultation about your case. We can also represent immigrants in cases such as DUI and vehicle accident and injury cases, among others. We are here for you.

Why Do I Need a Kentucky Immigration Attorney?

Most U.S. citizens don’t go it alone when facing legal trouble, so immigrants who may not speak English fluently and who may be unfamiliar with the U.S. legal system definitely should not try to represent themselves.

Whether you’re recovering from a serious accident, facing criminal charges, dealing with the possible break up of your marriage and family, have a workers’ compensation claim or ICE is threatening to deport you or a loved one, Carman Fullerton can help.  We have many years of experience as Kentucky immigration lawyers and know the ins and outs of the legal system.  You can benefit from our knowledge, fluency in English and legal education.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY FOR ME?

A Kentucky immigration attorney at Carman Fullerton will approach you in a way that makes you feel comfortable.  We will work with you on your terms, not ours. We understand that you may feel vulnerable and confused, and you may feel like the deck of cards is stacked against you. It is an unfriendly time in some corners of America for immigrants. At Carman Fullerton, we want you to know that it’s important to us that you feel safe, listened to and understood. We understand that you don’t want to be shuffled here or there with only minimal attention from your attorney. Sadly, that might be the treatment that some lawyers would give you. Not us. We understand that your future is at stake and it is critical that you receive skilled and effective legal representation. You can trust us. We speak your language.

ARE ALL MY FAMILY MEMBERS IN LEGAL TROUBLE BECAUSE I’M IN LEGAL TROUBLE?

Not in most cases. We understand that you want to keep your family safe. With everyday legal problems that many Americans face – serious accidents, divorce, bankruptcy, drunk driving – it is only the person(s) named in a lawsuit or legal charge that are facing any legal challenges. The rest of their family is not facing any legal ramifications as individuals. When it comes to ICE and immigration legal processes, though, it is possible that your whole family is at risk. That’s why it’s best that you hire a Kentucky immigration attorney as soon as a problem arises. The chances of resolving an ICE legal challenge in your favor increase the earlier you have an attorney to represent you and argue your case. Don’t delay. You need every advantage you can get in these circumstances. Call us today at (859) 971-0060.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS AFTER I HIRE AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY?

First, we will listen to you. It’s likely that you haven’t really been listened to up to this point. Whether by police, court officials or ICE representatives, you may feel like no one is listening and you’re just being shuffled from one place to the next. That ends right now. After we listen to you tell your story in your native language, we will then get to work. We will examine police reports or ICE documents, review the evidence, read eyewitness accounts if there are any, explain the legal process, and answer all the questions you may have. There are never too many questions for you to ask, and no question is a silly question. We will take as much time as you need to answer every question so that you feel more comfortable facing and finding your way through America’s legal system.

It all starts with a phone call. You can feel very safe reaching out to us and sharing your story.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER IN KENTUCKY?

That will vary from case to case, depending on the charges against you and how complicated your case is. If you are charged with drunk driving, that case might cost a different amount to defend than if you face ICE charges. Either way, rest assured that attorney fees are very reasonable at Carman Fullerton, and you will receive dedicated and excellent legal representation for every dollar with us. If you would like more detailed cost information that is specific to your case, give us a call at (859) 971-0060 and we can discuss it.

Where Can I Learn More About Immigration Laws in Kentucky?

Several internet web sites can provide more information about Kentucky laws, as can a Kentucky immigration lawyer.  Below you will find information about legislation and rules Kentucky has regarding immigration status, checks by law enforcement, educational institutions and employers, as well as the existence of E-Verify requirements, restrictions on public benefits based on an individual’s immigration status, and more.

Law Enforcement and Immigration in Kentucky

Under a federal program called “Secure Communities,” all arrestees are fingerprinted and run through a federal database which checks their criminal record and immigration status, according to FindLaw.

Employment & Immigration

Refer to federal employment eligibility verification rules and the requirements for Form I-9.

Driver’s License/ID Requirements

Applicants must show birth certificate and Social Security card to authenticate age and identity and must prove Kentucky residency (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)

Public Benefits Restrictions

Under federal law, illegal immigrants are prohibited from receiving most public benefits. However, they are allowed to receive emergency services, health care and other programs that have been deemed “necessary to protect life and safety,” FindLaw states.

Voting ID Rules

Election officers are required to verify identity of voters either by personal acquaintance or by documentation (driver’s license, Social Security card or credit card).

HOW DO I KNOW THAT I WILL BE TREATED FAIRLY BY THE LEGAL SYSTEM?

That is a very real and profound question in today’s America.  You have a right to be concerned. Tensions are high right now in some sections of America where immigration policy and immigrants at large are concerned. Sadly, sometimes the rich contributions of immigrants can be overlooked in America’s current polarized environment, and citizens and the legal system might be tempted to rush to judgment. That’s why it’s so important to have a highly experienced Kentucky immigration attorney by your side. Regardless of your country of origin, the Kentucky immigration lawyers at Carman Fullerton will treat you with respect, compassion and care. We have no bias against any immigrant or family, and we are deeply aware of the immense contributions immigrants have always made to the state of Kentucky, In our hearts, we know that America is at its best when the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of fair legal proceedings and a fair trial is extended to everyone. That’s one of the ways our Kentucky immigration attorneys are different from many other law firms. We care deeply about the work we do, and we care deeply about our clients.

Contact a Kentucky Immigration Lawyer Now

If you have faced discrimination or are confused about any of these immigration opportunities and restrictions, contact Carman Fullerton at (859) 971-0060 for a initial consultation about your case.  Our Kentucky immigration attorney can cut through complicated policies and paperwork on your behalf.

We help people who have legal problems commonly faced by those who have immigrated to the United States. Naturally, issues that threaten immigrant status which arise from aggressive campaigns by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cause many to worry.

But everyday legal issues encountered by our new or prospective citizens concern them just as much, which is why we also provide representation in other areas, such as …

  • Vehicle accident injury claims and cases
  • On-the job injuries & workers’ compensation
  • DUI defense
  • Family law

ENGLISH IS NOT MY NATIVE LANGUAGE. CAN YOU STILL HELP ME?

Absolutely. First and foremost, we understand how important it is to you to be able to communicate in your native language. We will do everything we can to help translate your spoken concerns into English. Not speaking English well, or at all, should never be a reason not to contact an attorney at Carman Fullerton. We have years of experience working with immigrants from all over the world, who speak many languages, and that has never stopped us from providing effective and skilled legal representation to our clients.

CAN MY FAMILY COME WITH ME WHEN I MEET WITH YOUR LAW FIRM?

Yes, absolutely! We understand that sometimes family members can help translate your words as well as provide comfort and support to you. We also know that you might feel better having a spouse and children with you rather than leaving them at home alone. All of this makes sense to us. Go ahead, bring your family along when you come to our office. And yes, you and other family members all can speak to us on the phone when you call. Whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable and safe is what we will provide.

How Many People Immigrate to Kentucky?

Kentucky has a small but growing immigrant community. While nearly 4% of the state’s population was born in another country, foreign-born residents make up a vital, educated share of the labor force, according to the American Immigration Council (AIC). More than a third of immigrants in Kentucky possess a college or higher degree.

The Commonwealth benefits from the various ways immigrants participate in the economy—from working in arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media professions to accounting for nearly 30% of Kentucky’s fishing, farming, and forestry employees. As workers, business owners, taxpayers, and neighbors, immigrants are an integral part of Kentucky’s diverse and thriving communities and make extensive contributions that benefit all.

Nearly 4 percent of Kentucky residents are immigrants, while nearly 3 percent are native-born U.S. citizens who have at least one immigrant parent.

  • In 2015, 157,336 immigrants (foreign-born individuals) comprised 3.6% of the state’s population.
  • Kentucky was home to 68,802 women, 70,300 men and 18,234 children who were immigrants.
  • In 2016, 115,969 people in Kentucky (2.7% of the state’s population) were native-born Americans who had at least one immigrant parent.

Where Are Most Kentucky Immigrants From?

According to the American Immigration Council, the top countries of origin for immigrants to Kentucky are:

  • Mexico (19.2%)
  • India (6.9%)
  • Cuba (5.1%)
  • China (4.5%)
  • Guatemala (3.7%).

More than a third of immigrants in Kentucky are naturalized U.S. citizens.

  • 58,196 immigrants (37%) had naturalized as of 2015, and 36,841 immigrants were eligible to become naturalized U.S. citizens in 2015.
  • More than three-quarters of immigrants (78.2%) reported speaking English “well” or “very well.”

Kentucky immigration lawyerA Kentucky Immigration Lawyer Can Help Undocumented Workers

More than 24,000 U.S. citizens in Kentucky live with at least one family member who is undocumented, according to the American Immigration Council.

  • 50,000 undocumented immigrants comprised 30% of the immigrant population and 1.1% of the total state population in 2014.
  • 56,157 people in Kentucky, including 22,262 born in the United States, lived with at least one undocumented family member between 2010 and 2014.
  • During the same period, 2% of children in the state were U.S. citizens living with at least one undocumented family member (19,713 children in total).

Our Kentucky Immigration Attorney Can Help DACA Recipients

Nearly 3,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients live in Kentucky, according to the American Immigration Council.

  • As of 2016, 59% of DACA-eligible immigrants in Kentucky, or 3,448 people, had applied for DACA.
  • An additional 2,000 residents of the state satisfied all but the educational requirements for DACA, and up to 2,000 others would be additionally eligible as they grew older.
  • As of October 2016, Kentucky allowed lawfully present immigrant children to enroll in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

If you have applied for DACA and now have concerns about your future immigration status, or if you have questions about eligibility for the program, talk to our Kentucky immigration attorney.

Immigrants Are Vital to Kentucky’s Labor Force

According to the American Immigration Council, 99,838 immigrant workers comprised 4.8% of Kentucky’s labor force in 2015.  Kentucky’s immigrant workers are most numerous in the following industries:

  • Manufacturing
  • Accommodation and food service
  • Health care and social assistance
  • Retail trade
  • Educational services.

A Kentucky Immigration Lawyer Is Your Ally

If you need help with DACA, naturalization or labor issues, contact Carman Fullerton at (859) 963-2669 for a initial consultation about your case.  We have helped hundreds of immigrants solve complicated immigration problems.  We want Kentucky to be a welcome home for you.

Ways That Immigrants Contribute to the Commonwealth

Immigrants in Kentucky contribute a billion dollars in taxes every year.

  • Immigrant-led households in the state paid $719.3 million in federal taxes and $343.1 million in state and local taxes in 2014.
  • Undocumented immigrants in Kentucky paid an estimated $36.6 million in state and local taxes in 2014. Their contribution would rise to $52.7 million if they could receive legal status.
  • DACA recipients in Kentucky paid an estimated $9.1 million in state and local taxes in 2016.

As consumers, immigrants add billions of dollars to Kentucky’s economy.

  • Kentucky residents in immigrant-led households had $2.8 billion in spending power (after-tax income) in 2014.

Immigrant entrepreneurs in Kentucky generate hundreds of millions of dollars in business revenue.

  • 8,690 immigrant business owners accounted for 4.6% of all self-employed Kentucky residents in 2015 and generated $283.5 million in business income.

The History of Immigration in Kentucky

Kentucky has taken in fewer foreign immigrants than more urban states. Most 19th and 20th century immigration was urban or, in the case of Kentucky’s eastern coal region, industrial in nature. However, during the last decade of the  20th century and the first decade of the next century, immigration to Kentucky began to increase; undocumented Hispanic workers have come in unprecedented numbers, according to ImmigrationtotheUnitedStates.org.

As American industry began tapping in earnest the vast timber and mineral resources of the eastern Kentucky mountains during the early 20th century, new immigrants entered the state. Indeed, as coal mines and company towns arose during the first two decades of the century, Hungarians, Poles, Italians, Yugoslavs, and a veritable Ellis Island of other groups entered the Kentucky coal fields. These immigrants never outnumbered native-born white miners in the region, but they become a large contingent.

Kentucky immigration attorneyInto the 21st century, Kentucky’s population has remained predominantly white and native born. Nonetheless, during the 1990’s, Kentucky experienced the nation’s third-fastest growth in immigrant population. By 2000, about 2.5% of Kentucky’s total residents were documented immigrants. Immigrants from Vietnam and China were among the two fastest-growing groups to enter the state during this period. Most of these new immigrants did not come to Kentucky directly from their original homelands but instead migrated from elsewhere in the U.S., according ImmigrationtotheUnitedStates.org. They were evidently hoping to make their livelihoods in a less crowded state.

Hispanics have long worked as laborers in Kentucky. They have had a particularly long-standing presence in Central Kentucky’s famous thoroughbred horse industry. During the 1990’s and early 21st century, Latin Americans began entering Kentucky in unprecedented numbers. By 2006, Mexicans alone accounted for nearly one-quarter of the state’s foreign-born population.

While less than 4 percent of Kentucky’s population is foreign-born today, the state is one of several across the country that in recent years have become increasingly attractive
to immigrants, according to a 2016 report by New American Economy. While in 1990 less than 1% of Kentucky’s population was foreign-born, by 2010 that share had more than tripled, reaching 3.4%.  Such patterns have only continued in more recent years. Between 2010 and 2014, Kentucky’s immigrant population grew by almost 9% —faster than the number of foreign-born residents increased in the U.S. as a whole.  Today, Kentucky is home to roughly 160,000 immigrants. Such new Americans serve as everything from livestock workers to software developers, making them critical contributors to Kentucky’s economic success overall.

Kentucky Immigrants Contribute to Society

The New American Economy 2016 report and other data show that in Kentucky:

  • 7,711 immigrants were self-employed.
  • Immigrant-owned businesses generated $315 million in business income.
  • 35,360 people are employed at firms owned by immigrants.
  • 20% of Fortune 500 companies based in Kentucky were founded by immigrants or their children.
  • One of these firms generates $6.0B in annual revenue and employs 13,000 people globally.
  • The more than 146,000 immigrants who were living in the Commonwealth in 2010 were responsible for creating or preserving almost 7,000 manufacturing jobs.
  • Immigrants are nearly 77% more likely to hold a graduate degree than natives.
  • Kentucky’s immigrants also contribute to our nation’s entitlement programs. In 2014, through taxes on their individual wages, immigrants contributed $105.4 million to Medicare and $407.2 million to Social Security.

A Kentucky Immigration Attorney Understands Your Value

The attorneys at Carman Fullerton respect Kentucky’s long history of successful immigration, and they are ready to help any immigrant who needs legal representation. Contact a Kentucky immigration attorney at (859) 971-0060 for a initial consultation to discuss your specific legal situation. We value immigrants, and we are here to serve you.

Client Testimonial

“Compassionate. Knowledgeable. Professional. Detailed-Oriented. Involved. Julie/Jennifer/Shannon simply-put were amazing! They all helped to achieve an approved martial immigration status (09/2018). I am overjoyed and grateful for all their help. I would 100% recommend if you are looking for a great legal immigration attorney.” – Aaron Thompson (Google Review)