When USCIS wrongly denied our client’s application for a Certificate of Citizenship, the result was deeply unfair. Our client had every right to recognition as a U.S. citizen, yet the government’s denial stood in the way.
We brought the case to federal court. Unfortunately, the district court dismissed it, ruling that the filing was “untimely.”
But we didn’t stop there.
Taking the Case to the Fifth Circuit
Led by Attorney Lance Curtright and Attorney Alejandra Martinez our experienced Federal Litigation Team appealed the decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. After thorough briefing and argument, the Fifth Circuit overturned the district court’s dismissal. The appellate court ruled that our lawsuit had, in fact, been timely filed.
Why This Decision Matters
The Fifth Circuit didn’t just rule in our client’s favor it issued a published decision. Published opinions are more than victories for one case; they establish binding precedent for all future cases within the circuit’s jurisdiction.
That means this ruling now applies across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, strengthening protections for individuals seeking recognition of their citizenship.
Changing the Law in Favor of Our Clients
This outcome represents more than a single family’s success — it reshapes the legal landscape for countless others in three states. At DMCA, we are proud of the precedent our litigation created and the lasting impact it will have.
We didn’t just win a case. We changed the law.
De Mott, Curtright & Armendáriz (DMCA) is a Texas-based immigration law firm dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants and their families. With offices in San Antonio, Houston, Austin, and Dallas, our attorneys bring decades of experience in federal litigation, removal defense, business immigration, and family-based immigration matters.