Certified Specialist in Immigration Law

One of fewer than 200 Certified Specialists in California — serving families, workers, and individuals nationwide for over 30 years.

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Years of Experience

Welcome to the Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner

With nearly 30 years of experience, we help families, professionals, and individuals navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Based in Long Beach, CA, and serving clients nationwide, we provide honest advice, clear strategies, and strong legal advocacy.

How We Can Help You:

  • Family & Marriage Visas: Bring your loved ones to the United States with confidence.
  • Deportation Defense: Aggressive representation and defense in Immigration Court.
  • Asylum & Waivers: Protecting your rights and helping you overcome prior visa denials or admissibility issues.
  • Business & Investor Visas: Strategic solutions for professionals, entrepreneurs, and employers (including EB-5, H-1B, and E-2).
  • Citizenship & Naturalization: Guiding you seamlessly through the final steps to becoming a U.S. citizen.

What to Expect When You Work With Us:

  • Clarity: A customized legal strategy tailored to your specific goals.
  • Organization: A precise document checklist and realistic timeline so you always know what comes next.
  • Accessibility: Consultations available via phone or video, accommodating clients across all time zones.

Why Choose Us?

Certified Specialist in Immigration Law

Brian D. Lerner holds the Certified Specialist designation in Immigration and Nationality Law from the State Bar of California — one of fewer than 200 attorneys in the state to earn this credential out of over 200,000 licensed.

Personalized Service

Every case gets a tailored strategy, a document checklist, and a realistic timeline. You will always know where your case stands and what comes next.

Proven Track Record

Over 30 years of immigration cases handled — from family petitions and asylum to deportation defense and complex visa matters — for clients across California and nationwide. Licensed in California, Texas, and Michigan, with admission to multiple U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

"We chose Brian Lerner due to his experience. He did not disappoint. My son's visa was successful and he is now pursuing his basketball dream in the US."

- Filomena Leaupepe, Athlete Visa
★★★★★

"If I could rate them with more stars I would. I had my hearing and thanks to attorney Brian Lerner and the team, I now have the opportunity to gain residency in this country."

- Claudia Rodriguez, Removal Hearing
★★★★★

"Attorney Brian D. Lerner handled our Legal Permanent Residence and Waiver of Inadmissibility case with Par Excellence legal expertise, the utmost respect, and genuine compassion."

- H.C., LPR & Waiver of Inadmissibility

Asylum & Humanitarian Protection
We assess eligibility, nexus, and the one-year filing rule; prepare declarations and evidence; and guide credible-fear/bond issues. We also handle TPS, humanitarian parole, and related EAD applications with realistic timelines.

Waivers of Inadmissibility
I-601/I-601A and other waivers with hardship frameworks, evidence plans, and legal arguments tailored to your case history. We flag risks early and show how to strengthen equities.

Removal Defense (Immigration Court)
Master/Individual hearing prep, applications for relief, expert usage, and country-condition evidence. We make sure filings are complete and deadlines are met.

Naturalization & Citizenship
N-400 filings, continuous residence/physical presence analysis, language/civics exemptions, and interview prep. We also evaluate prior issues that could affect eligibility.

Employment & Investment Visas
E-2/EB-5 strategy, H-1B and PERM planning, and employer compliance. We map evidence to regulatory criteria and timing.

What documents do I need for a marriage-based green card?
Typically passport, birth certificate, I-94 if any, marriage certificate, proof of bona fide relationship, prior immigration records, and the I-864 affidavit of support with tax evidence. We tailor the list to your entry history and whether you’re adjusting in the U.S. or through a consulate.

How long does asylum take in Southern California?
Timelines vary by office and court. Affirmative cases can take many months; defensive cases depend on the court’s calendar. We file complete applications, track biometrics/interviews, and update you on local scheduling trends.

Can I adjust status after a visa overstay?
Sometimes—eligibility depends on the petitioner (e.g., U.S. citizen spouse), manner of entry, and other factors. We review bars and waivers and advise whether consular processing or a waiver makes more sense.

What happens at a removal hearing?
You’ll have a master calendar hearing for scheduling and pleadings, then an individual hearing for testimony and evidence. We prepare filings, witnesses, and country-condition reports and explain what the judge must decide.

Do I get work authorization while my case is pending?
Many categories allow it, but the rules differ (asylum clock, parole/TPS categories, pending AOS). We identify your category and file the I-765 at the right time.

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