Brian D. Lerner is a Certified Specialist immigration attorney in Long Beach with nearly 30 years of experience handling family-based petitions, deportation defense, asylum, naturalization, employment and investment visas, and waivers. The Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner serves clients across California and nationwide, including international clients in different time zones. Every matter receives a clear strategy, document checklist, and realistic timeline so you know what comes next — whether you need to bring a spouse to the U.S., respond to an RFE, apply for a waiver after a prior denial, or defend a case in Immigration Court. Consultations are available by phone or video. If you are unsure where to start, we will review your goals, risks, and the fastest lawful path forward.
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."
"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."
"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."
Our Services
Family Immigration
Helping families stay together through various immigration options.
Business Immigration
Assisting businesses and professionals with visas and work permits.
Asylum & Refugee Protection
Providing support and representation for asylum seekers and refugees.
Deportation and Removal
Defending individuals facing deportation and removal proceedings.
Family-Based Immigration We prepare I-130s, consular processing, and adjustment of status for spouses, parents, and children. You’ll get a document list, properly completed forms, and interview preparation—plus strategies for common issues like prior entries, status gaps, and I-864 questions.
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.
Immigration FAQs
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.
