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Immigration Attorney, Garland, TX
An immigration lawyer provides the essential service of helping people navigate the U.S. immigration system. As professionally trained individuals, their knowledge of the law allows them to guide people through complex immigration processes.
From green card and visa applications to deportation defense, immigration appeals, citizenship, naturalization, etc., immigration attorneys can help. They have significant professional knowledge and a wealth of experience to assist you.
You might be convinced that you do not need the help of an immigration law firm or lawyer with your case. However, going solo is seldom the answer. If you are worried about the associated legal fees, think about the money you will potentially save by having your application accepted or once that deportation case is dropped. If all you want is to achieve lawful immigration status, a skilled immigration law office can help you achieve it.
How Does Immigration Work in the U.S.?
U.S. immigration law primarily regulates how aliens enter or exit the country. To protect the interests of its people while considering certain humanitarian factors, it has come up with visa categories and a green card system that allows eligible aliens to gain legal status in the country.
Several bodies work together to regulate U.S. immigration, including but not limited to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.), Customs and Border Protection (C.B.P), and the National Visa Center (N.V.C). Depending on your immigration issue, you may deal with any of these departments. For example, you file most of your green card application forms with the U.S.C.I.S. Meanwhile, the I.C.E. detains people facing deportation, and the C.B.P. apprehends undocumented immigrants at the border.
Categories of Visas
The visa classes are broadly divided into immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Getting an immigration visa typically involves applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and following specific instructions. One can apply either from outside the U.S. or even while residing in the U.S. Applying for an immigrant visa from outside the U.S. is referred to as consular processing. When you are in the U.S., it is called an adjustment of status.
Immigrant visas are further divided into various categories, such as family-based visas and employment-based visas. Family-based visas allow certain relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to relocate legally to the United States. Meanwhile, employment-based visas allow people to enter the U.S. based on their skills and what the U.S. economy stands to gain from their presence.
Immigration Issues Garland TX Lawyers Can Help With
Apart from helping you apply for a green card or nonimmigrant visa, immigration lawyers may be able to help you with the following issues:
- Providing competent representation and immigration advice
- Visa interview preparation
- Humanitarian immigration application, e.g., seeking asylum or refugee status
- Inadmissibility waivers and fee waivers
- Adjustment of status
- Citizenship and naturalization
- Deportation defense/immigration appeal
- Detention bond application
Hiring the right lawyer for your immigration case is vital for quality service. For instance, this means hiring a K1 Visa immigration lawyer if your fiancé faces any immigration issues rather than a criminal defense or personal injury lawyer. That way, you get someone who has experience dealing with cases similar to yours.
Need Immigration Help? Contact Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law Today
If you need help applying for any immigration benefit or are caught up on the wrong side of the immigration system, the help of an immigration attorney will be beneficial. Whatever your frustrations or complaints are, our immigration lawyer is on your side and can provide you with competent representation.
Our experienced Garland immigration lawyers understand that you are striving for the American dream, and we aim to help you navigate the immigration process. Our knowledge of immigration law, coupled with experience in and outside the Houston Immigration Court and other immigration courts, gives us an edge.
If you need immigration assistance, do not hesitate to contact us. Our TX immigration lawyers are ready to serve you no matter where you are in the country. Contact Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, for a free consultation in either Spanish or English!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit My Spouse With a Pending Green Card Application?
Technically you can visit your spouse in the U.S. with a pending green card application on a tourist visa. However, it is not generally advised or encouraged because immigration authorities may take it that you are misrepresenting your reason for coming into the country. This might have adverse effects on your pending application. If you want to visit your spouse but are unsure what route to take, our team of experienced immigration lawyers can help you.
How Much Does Getting a Green Card Cost?
There is no fixed cost for getting a green card, and they generally vary based on the circumstances of each case. You will need to consider many expenses to determine the total cost of your application. These may include but are not limited to the following:
- Form filing fees
- Biometric fees
- Medical examination fees
- Expedited processing fees
- Visa application fees if the applicant is in certain countries
- Immigration lawyer cost or fees
USCIS offers fee waivers for certain forms to applicants who need help to afford the forms or applications. Fee waivers are also available for certain visa categories such as VAWA, T or U visa applicants, and humanitarian-based visas.
Who Is a Lawful Permanent Resident?
A lawful permanent resident is someone the United States government has authorized to live and work anywhere in the United States, sponsor certain close relatives for green cards, and eventually apply for citizenship. Lawful permanent residency is valid for ten years and can be renewed. Lawful permanent residents are also called “green card holders” and can live in the U.S., enjoying many rights and privileges available to citizens.
How Long Does it Take to Bring Your Spouse to the U.S.A.?
There is no fixed period for the procedure. However, spousal visa applications typically take over 12 months to process. The period may be shorter for spouses of U.S. citizens, but it typically takes much longer for spouses of permanent residents.
