Immigration Lawyers With Decades Of Combined Experience
Family Immigration Lawyer Dallas
U.S. immigration law permits U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their relatives for green cards by filing the required paperwork with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At De Mott, Curtright & Armendáriz, LLP, also known as DMCA, our experienced family immigration lawyers in Dallas help individuals navigate the complex U.S. immigration system and obtain green cards for their relatives.
Overview of family-based immigration
All family-based immigration is divided into two major categories: immediate relatives and family preference. Immediate relatives are spouses, parents, and unmarried children (under age 21) of U.S. citizens. One of the biggest advantages of being in this category is that there is no annual limit on how many people can migrate under this category. This is significant because all other categories of immigration, whether family- or employment-based, have limits on how many people can immigrate under those categories.
Because of these limits, there are huge backlogs in all these other categories where applicants must wait for a long time, often years, before they can obtain their green cards. That’s not the case with immediate relatives because they don’t have to wait beyond normal processing time, as there is no backlog in this category.
The other major category of family-based immigration is the “family preference” category, which is comprised of everyone else who is not an immediate relative but falls in any of the following subcategories:
- First preference (F1) – unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens over 21
- Second preference(F2A) – spouses and children of green card holders who are unmarried and under 21 years of age.
- Second preference (F2B) – unmarried daughters and sons of green card holders who are over 21 years of age.
- Third preference (F3) – married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and
- Fourth preference (F4) – siblings of U.S. citizens if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older.
As noted above, a disadvantage of being in this family preference category is that the number of green cards available for this category is limited. Because of this, there is a backlog of filed applications for green cards in this category, which has caused a long wait for many in this category to obtain their green cards. An experienced family immigration lawyer in Dallas can help you understand which category is most appropriate for you.
The Family Immigration Process
The process for family-based immigration begins with the U.S. citizen or green card holder filing an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS and paying the associated fee. If the person filing the petition is a U.S. citizen, their qualifying relative can file their green card application at the same time the petition is filed. If the person filing the petition is a green card holder, then the qualifying relative must wait for the petition to be processed and approved first before they can submit their application for a green card.
Call an Experienced Family Immigration Lawyer in Dallas
Obtaining a family-based green card is not easy, so having an experienced Dallas family immigration lawyer from DMCA to help you can make a difference in successfully going through the process. Contact us today and schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.
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
Support When It Matters Most
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…
