BAY AREA IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
Your Second Chance.
Your Future.
We Fight For It.
Strategic waiver representation for individuals facing bars to entry, reentry, or immigration benefits across San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose.
AILA Member Firm
Serving All of Bay Area
Results-Driven
Bilingual Support
START YOUR CONSULTATION
Legal Consultation
Request
Tell us about your situation and we’ll outline your options.
Confidential & protected by attorney-client privilege
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Every immigration path,
handled with precision
From green cards to deportation defense — we bring legal clarity and strategic guidance to the most complex immigration situations.
01
Green Card & Adjustment of Status
I-485 filings, USCIS interviews, and permanent residency for those already in the U.S.
02
DACA & Humanitarian Relief
Timely renewals and expanded protections for Dreamers and vulnerable individuals.
03
Removal & Deportation Defense
Aggressive representation in immigration court to fight removal orders.
04
Family-Based Immigration
Spouse visas, fiancé petitions, and consular processing to reunite families.
05
U Visas & VAWA Petitions
Confidential legal support for crime victims and survivors of domestic violence.
06
Asylum & Waivers
Protection from persecution and waivers for grounds of inadmissibility.
YOUR ATTORNEY
Dylan Hackett
Lead Attorney & Managing Partner
Dylan Hackett is the managing partner of Golden Gate Immigration Law. As a former Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office, he brings prosecutorial experience and strategic precision to every immigration case. His international background — including leading a business in Nicaragua — gives him a unique perspective on the challenges immigrants and families face navigating the U.S. legal system. Our team provides full bilingual support so every client is heard and understood.
California Bar
Former Deputy D.A. · San Mateo County
USCIS & Immigration Court
Managing Partner
Se habla Español
(415) 622-8792
Mon – Fri 8:00am – 6:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area, California
WAIVERS OF INADMISSIBILITY
Two common grounds
we help you overcome
A finding of inadmissibility does not always mean the end of your immigration journey. In many cases, a waiver allows you to overcome the bar and move forward with your visa or green card application. Attorney Dylan Hackett evaluates your specific grounds and builds the strongest possible waiver case.
01
Unlawful Presence Waivers (I-601 / I-601A)
For individuals who accrued unlawful presence in the U.S. and are subject to 3-year or 10-year reentry bars upon departure.
- I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver — apply before leaving the U.S.
- Must demonstrate extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent
- Allows consular processing to proceed without a prolonged bar to reentry
02
Other Grounds of Inadmissibility
Immigration law recognizes multiple grounds of inadmissibility beyond unlawful presence. Many have corresponding waivers available.
- Criminal grounds — certain misdemeanors and crimes involving moral turpitude
- Fraud or misrepresentation — false claims to U.S. citizenship or prior immigration fraud
- Health-related grounds — certain medical conditions or vaccination requirements
Common Questions
What is a waiver of inadmissibility?
A waiver of inadmissibility is a formal request asking the U.S. government to forgive a specific ground that would otherwise bar you from receiving a visa, green card, or entry into the United States. Waivers are not automatic — you must demonstrate that you meet the legal standard, which typically requires showing extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member. If your waiver is approved, your next step may be a green card application.
What is the difference between an I-601 and an I-601A waiver?
The I-601 waiver is filed by individuals who are outside the United States or are applying at a USCIS office. The I-601A is a provisional unlawful presence waiver that allows eligible individuals to apply before leaving the U.S. for their consular interview, significantly reducing the time separated from family. An attorney can determine which waiver applies to your situation. For official inadmissibility grounds and waiver information, visit USCIS.gov
What does “extreme hardship” mean for a waiver?
Extreme hardship is the legal standard required for most inadmissibility waivers. It means you must demonstrate that your qualifying relative — a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent — would suffer hardship beyond the normal difficulties of separation if the waiver is denied. Factors include health conditions, financial impact, ties to the U.S., and country conditions abroad. Building a strong extreme hardship case requires thorough documentation and legal strategy.
Can I get a waiver if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of the offense. Certain criminal grounds of inadmissibility have corresponding waivers available under INA § 212(h). However, aggravated felonies and certain other serious offenses are not waivable. An immigration attorney must review your specific criminal history before you file any application or depart the United States.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
From first contact
to clear strategy
01
Evaluate Your Grounds
We conduct a thorough review of your immigration history, criminal record if applicable, and prior visa or entry issues to identify the specific grounds of inadmissibility you face.
02
Determine Waiver Eligibility
Not all grounds are waivable. We advise you clearly on whether a waiver exists for your situation and what the realistic prospects of approval are before you invest time and money in the process.
03
Build Your Extreme Hardship Case
We gather medical, financial, psychological, and country conditions evidence to construct the strongest possible extreme hardship argument on behalf of your qualifying relative.
04
File & Monitor Your Waiver
We prepare and file your waiver application with complete supporting documentation and monitor your case through USCIS adjudication, responding immediately to any requests for evidence.
DON’T WAIT — IMMIGRATION LAW CHANGES FAST
Your situation deserves
a real legal strategy
A consultation could change everything.
Just clarity on your path forward.
Just clarity on your path forward.
Or call directly: (415) 622-8792 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Hablamos Español