Rousell Law Firm — Guiding Clients Through Complex Immigration Matters Across the Nation
If your goal is to build a life in the United States, you deserve the support of a dedicated immigration attorney. With the right legal team by your side, being born outside of the U.S. doesn’t have to be a barrier to gaining citizenship, permanent residency, or securing a legal immigration status. A knowledgeable immigration law firm can help you navigate even the most complex immigration issues.
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When you reach out to our office, you’ll work with an experienced immigration attorney who understands the journey of starting a new life in America. Whether you’re seeking a green card, applying for citizenship, or facing a legal challenge, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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Ready to take the next step? Call us today at 504-221-1616 to schedule your case evaluation with a trusted immigration lawyer.
Immigration Services in New Orleans
Immigrating to the United States opens doors to opportunity, safety, and family reunification. However, U.S. immigration law is complex, constantly changing, and highly regulated. The Rousell Law Firm helps individuals and families navigate every step of the process with clarity, expertise, and strategic advocacy.Whether your goal is a visa, green card, citizenship, humanitarian protection, or defense against removal, we guide you through the rules, forms, and timelines to maximize your chances of success.
Understanding Immigration
Immigration refers to the process by which individuals enter, live, and work in a country that is not their country of birth. In the U.S., immigration is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), enforced by agencies such as:
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – handles applications for visas, green cards, naturalization, and waivers.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – oversees lawful entry into the U.S. at ports of entry.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – enforces immigration law within the U.S., including removal proceedings.
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The U.S. recognizes multiple pathways for immigration:
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Family-Based Immigration: Reuniting loved ones with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
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Employment-Based Immigration: Attracting skilled workers, investors, and entrepreneurs to support the U.S. economy.
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Humanitarian Immigration: Protecting refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of trafficking or abuse.
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Temporary Non-Immigrant Visas: Allowing individuals to work, study, or visit the U.S. for a limited time.
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Each pathway has specific requirements, documentation, and potential obstacles. Our New Orleans immigration attorneys explain your options and guide you through the best strategy for your circumstances.
Why U.S. Immigration is Complex
Immigration law combines federal statutes, regulations, and case law, and policies can change quickly. Some factors that make immigration complicated include:
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Numerical Limits: Many visas have annual caps or require waiting for priority dates.
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Eligibility Criteria: Family relationships, employment qualifications, military service, and humanitarian considerations all have detailed rules.
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Inadmissibility Grounds: Criminal history, prior immigration violations, health issues, or misrepresentations may prevent entry or green card approval.
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Waiver Requirements: Certain obstacles can be overcome with waivers, but eligibility depends on specific criteria.
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Changing Policies: Executive orders, agency regulations, and court rulings can impact your case.
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Because of these complexities, working with an experienced immigration attorney can be the difference between success and denial.
The Benefits of Legal Immigration
Successful immigration opens doors to:
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Permanent Residency: Live and work in the U.S., travel abroad with reentry rights, and eventually apply for citizenship.
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Employment Opportunities: Work for U.S. employers in your field, start a business, or gain specialized training.
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Education Access: Attend public and private colleges, apply for financial aid, and qualify for in-state tuition in some cases.
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Family Unity: Reunite with spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
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Safety and Protection: Gain protection from persecution, violence, or human trafficking.
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Pathway to Citizenship: Participate fully in U.S. civic life, vote, and obtain a U.S. passport.
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Immigration is more than a legal process; it is a pathway to security, opportunity, and a future for you and your loved ones.
Requirements vary depending on your immigration category. Typical documents include:
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Completed USCIS forms
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Application fees
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Birth certificate
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Passport-style photos
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Non-immigrant visa copy
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Biographical information
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Medical examination results and vaccination history
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Form I-94 (arrival/departure record)
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Marriage certificate (for family-based petitions)
Our Immigration Practice Areas
Reunite with the people who
matter most. We assist U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents in petitioning for spouses, children, parents, and siblings to join them in the United States.​
Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Cards)
We assist clients in obtaining and maintaining lawful permanent resident status through family or employment sponsorship, asylum, or adjustment of status.
Employment &
Non-Immigrant Visas
We represent both professionals and employers in securing temporary and permanent employment-based visas, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, and TN classifications.
Naturalization & Citizenship
Ready to become a U.S. citizen? We guide lawful permanent residents through every step of the naturalization process — from eligibility assessments to preparing for the citizenship interview and exam.
Fiancé(e)
& K-Visas
If you’re engaged to a U.S. citizen or have recently married one abroad, we can help you bring your fiancé(e) or spouse to the United States through the K-1 or K-3 visa process.
Immigration Waivers
If you’ve been deemed inadmissible due to unlawful presence, prior removal, or certain criminal issues, you may still be eligible to obtain a waiver. Our firm handles I-601, I-601A, and I-212 waivers care.
Immigration and Your Rights
Immigration law can affect your legal status, employment, and family. Every person has rights, including:
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The right to legal representation in court (at your own expense)
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The right to apply for immigration benefits for which you are eligible
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The right to contest removal or deportation
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The right to fair and impartial treatment by immigration authorities
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Our attorneys advocate for your rights at every step, ensuring your case is presented fully and fairly.
The Rousell Law Firm's Team
Clarity in Counsel. Results-Driven Solutions. An Open, Honest Process.
At Rousell Law Firm, we blend compassionate guidance with thoughtful legal strategy. Our attorneys take the time to understand your individual needs, craft a customized plan, and deliver a clear path forward — offering straightforward expectations, transparent pricing, and practical timelines.
Same Day Consultations
Tailored Approach & Transparent Guidance
Serving Greater New Orleans Metro & Surrounding Areas
Joelann S. Rousell, J.D., MBA
Managing Attorney
Attorney Rousell is a dedicated and skilled legal professional committed to providing exceptional representation for clients facing family law, immigration, personal and other legal matters.
Arielle M. Lewis, J.D.
(Of Counsel)
Attorney Lewis (Of Counsel) assists the Rousell Law Firm with all family matters, such as: divorce, child custody, child support, and community property matters.
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Heather Rousell
Social Media/Marketing Consultant
Heather Rousell serves as the firm’s Social Media and Marketing Consultant, overseeing digital strategy, brand presence, and client engagement across all platforms.
Why Rousell Law?
Support is only a phone call away. We’re here to listen and ready to help.
Candid Evaluation
of Your Unique Situation
Comprehensive Plan Tailored to Your Needs
Results-Driven Representation
Clear and Responsive Communication
Fair and Transparent
Legal Fees
Don't Face This Alone
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Start Your Legal Journey and Secure Your Rights
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Whether you are trying to figure out child custody, want to discuss working out an amicable agreement in your case, or simply need legal advice to reach your goals, don't navigate your situation without the guidance of an attorney.
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Are You Facing A Legal Challenge And Seeking Experienced Guidance?
Our Experienced Attorneys Are Here To Help.
At The Rousell Law Firm, we offer personalized case evaluations to help our clients understand their options and make informed decisions. During your 30 minute initial consultation, potential clients have the opportunity to speak directly with Attorney Joelann Rousell about their case and receive a preliminary evaluation.
During the initial consultation, our goal is to provide you with an introductory explanation of the law that applies to your facts, a clear understanding of your legal matter and potential outcomes. Whether you are grappling with a family law matter, immigration, disability or need assistance with estate planning, our attorney has the knowledge and expertise to assist you in achieving your objectives.
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Legal challenges can be overwhelming, but don’t allow them to consume you. Take the first step toward resolving your legal matter with confidence by hiring Attorney Joelann Rousell.