NEWS
Key Takeaways A green card holder can petition family members, but the relatives they can sponsor are more limited than those available to U.S. citizens. Understanding the difference between citizenship and green card holder status is important before sponsoring family. A green card holder may generally petition a spouse and certain unmarried children, but visa availability can affect the waiting period. Careful preparation can make sponsoring family easier for families in Houston and Dallas. Which…
Important news for immigrant visa applicants: A federal judge has struck down the State Department’s 75-country immigrant visa pause On August 21, 2026, a federal judge in the Southern District of New York ruled that the Trump administration’s policy suspending immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries was unlawful. The court found that the policy improperly replaced the individualized immigrant visa process required by Congress with a blanket nationality-based refusal system. If your immigrant…
If you have Advance Parole, we strongly recommend that you DO NOT travel internationally at this time. On August 13, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) issued a significant decision in Matter of Delcarmen-Lara, 29 I&N Dec. 830 (BIA 2026), that changes how departures from the United States under Advance Parole are treated under immigration law. As a result of this decision, we strongly advise our clients NOT to travel internationally using Advance Parole.…
Key Takeaways An expired green card does not automatically mean you lose your lawful permanent resident status. Knowing how to renew an expired green card in Texas can help you avoid problems with employment, travel, and proving your immigration status. A green card expires after a certain period of time, but your permanent resident status may continue if you remain eligible. An expired green card alone does not mean you will be deported, but certain…
Key Takeaways A bona fide marriage is a relationship entered into for genuine reasons, not only to obtain an immigration benefit. There are many types of evidence for USCIS to determine whether a marriage is real and legally valid. Knowing which documents prove a real marriage can help strengthen your green card application and avoid delays. Understanding what to do if USCIS thinks your marriage is fake can help you respond properly and protect your…
Key Takeaways The right option depends on where you and your partner are now, whether you are married, and your long-term immigration goals. A K-1 visa allows a fiancé to enter the U.S. to get married, while a marriage visa is for couples who are already legally married. Comparing the cost of a K-1 visa and the marriage-based green card cost can help you understand the total financial commitment. An experienced Texas immigration lawyer can…
Key Takeaways Gathering the documents needed for a marriage-based green card before filing can help prevent delays and requests for additional evidence. A complete application for a marriage-based green card includes identity records, financial information, immigration forms, and proof that your marriage is genuine. Strong evidence helps show that your marriage is real and supports your application. Working with an experienced Texas immigration lawyer can help you apply for a marriage-based green card with confidence.…
On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that all children born within the borders of the United States are U.S. citizens. This has been the law of the United States for more than a century. The current administration attempted to redefine birthright citizenship through an executive order, and the Supreme Court voided that effort. I believe we should celebrate this decision by the Supreme Court. I don’t believe the U.S. Constitution or federal…