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Family Immigration Attorney Houston
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may petition for their relatives to receive green cards of their own. However, not all relatives qualify, and the process for those who qualify can be long and complicated. At DMCA, or De Mott, Curtright & Armendáriz, LLP, we have family immigration attorneys in Houston who routinely obtain these family-based green cards for our satisfied clients.
Under U.S. immigration law, certain family members of U.S. citizens and family members of green card holders can be given immigration status as green card holders. But who qualifies and how long it takes to obtain the green card depends on which category the green card is sought under, between two broad categories: immediate and preference family members.
Immigration Options for Immediate Family Members
A person is an ”immediate family member” for immigration purposes if they are a close relative of a United States citizen in any of the following relationships:
- Spouse, including same-sex marriage in states that allow it
- Unmarried child under the age of 21
- A parent, but only if the sponsoring child is over 21 years old
Anyone in any of these relationships may apply for a green card, and their application will be processed much faster than for anyone applying under any other family immigration category. However, the relative cannot apply for a green card unless their U.S. citizen relative has filed a petition for them, which has been approved. The petition can be concurrently filed with the green card application. A knowledgeable family immigration attorney in Houston can help you with both processes.
Preference Categories for Family Immigration
Preference family members are all other family members who are not immediate relatives. However, even in this case, not all other family members qualify for the green card. Rather, the preference category is for relatives that fall in any of the following family preference categories:
- First preference (F1) – Includes unmarried children of U.S. citizens over the age of 21.
- Second preference (F2A) – For spouses and unmarried children of green card holders who are under the age of 21.
- Second preference (F2B) – Unmarried children of green card holders over 21 are eligible in this category.
- Third preference (F3) – This includes married daughters and sons of U.S. citizens.
- Fourth preference (F4) – Siblings of U.S. citizens, provided the U.S. citizen is over 21 years of age or older, may apply under this category.
The Family Immigration Process
The family immigration process begins with the U.S. citizen or green card holder filing a petition (Form I-130) with the USCIS. The petition is to have the relative approved for a green card. This petition must be accompanied by evidence to show that the relationship exists and that the relationship is genuine and not for purposes of circumventing U.S. immigration law.
If the petition filed is for an immediate relative, then the petition can be filed together with Form I-485 Application to Register for Permanent Resident or Adjust Status. This is the application used to apply for a green card.
In all other cases, the green card application can be submitted only after the underlying I-130 petition is approved.
Seek Help from a Family Immigration Lawyer in Houston
If you are in the Houston area and wish to petition for a relative to obtain a green card, or are applying for one, contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Can I Determine Which Visa Option Is Right for Me?
- Selecting the appropriate visa requires a careful analysis of your specific goals, family situation, and educational or professional plans. Consulting with a qualified attorney is the most effective method to identify the pathway that aligns with your circumstances.
What Is Federal Immigration Litigation?
- Federal immigration litigation involves legal proceedings initiated in federal district courts to address grievances related to immigration enforcement and administration. These cases often seek remedies for unlawful actions, such as challenging the length or conditions of detention or seeking damages for tortious conduct by government agents. It is distinct from administrative proceedings and provides a venue to hold government agencies accountable under federal law.
How Can an Attorney Assist Me with Employment-Based Immigration Processes?
- An attorney provides essential support by managing the complex laws surrounding visa petitions and compliance requirements. They assist with preparing and filing necessary documentation and provide representation in immigration court if removal or deportation proceedings occur.
What Is Immigration Criminal Defense?
- This specific area of law focuses on providing legal representation to immigrants who are facing criminal charges. It addresses both the defense against the criminal accusation and the management of any potential negative impact on the individual’s immigration status. The goal is to resolve the criminal matter in a way that preserves the client’s ability to remain in the country.
Client Reviews
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Nikola
I cannot thank DMCA enough for helping me through one of the most stressful periods of my life. After receiving a USCIS Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) on my Adjustment of Status case, I consulted with multiple immigration attorneys. The overwhelming feedback I received was that my case faced significant challenges and that I…
Bernice
Where can I begin , when you first search for an attorney in hopes to fulfill a long life dream of becoming a permanent resident, it is crucial to make sure you do your research and consult with the correct firm. Monica Saenz is my husbands attorney and I am more than grateful to have…
Ryam
Amy, Noemi, and the team at De Mott, Curtright & Armendáriz were excellent to work with. They were knowledgeable, responsive, and guided us through a complicated immigration process with professionalism and attention to detail. We always felt well-informed and supported, and their advice was instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. We are very grateful for…
Yuridia
We are very happy with everything they did for us! Monica Saenz was always there to help us with everything no matter what it was! Very responsive and on top of things throughout all of our process. Husband had his interview this month and everything went smoothly and he was approved! It definitely does matter…
Ana
Great team! Thank you Noemí and Kendra for always answering my questions. Always giving enough information to my concerns! Thank y’all! They are a great legal team.
Tom
Everything you could hope for from an Immigration Attorney! Linda and Eleni were excellent on helping me through the process. Amy Thomas was incredible with her support. She took the time to explain and really went above and beyond to help me understand each stage of the process. Very responsive and helpful! Highly recommend!
Norma
Quiero tomarme el tiempo para recomendar esta firma de abogados muy profesionales el abogado Justin Tullius hizo un excelente trabajo en mi caso a demás que siempre se mostró muy humano y con mucha empatía com migo y mi familia por qué tuve un caso difícil y también quiero mencionar a su asistente Enrique Contreras…
Lupita
Yo Maria Antonia Licea Sanchez y Mi Familia, le damos gracias DMCA especialmente a Emma Farmer y mi abogada Monica Saenz por su gran trabajo y esfuerzo que hicieron mi proceso mas fácil y gracias a ellos hoy salgo de las sombras. Se los recomiendo al 100%, Siempre atentos cuando tenemos preguntas nos dan la…
Angie M.
They have been great the entire process!! Just wanted to update my review and thank y’all again for everything!!! The process takes time, but it’s definitely worth it, and I appreciate the way you always took time to answer all my questions and guide us through the process!!
Lesley L.
Total help, everything was step by step… endless thanks to lawyer Monica and her assistant Angela… attentive to the case at all times… They guided us perfectly… Highly recommended…
