Immigration Lawyer in Houston, TX
If you’re located in Houston and trying to navigate the US immigration system on your own, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what steps to take next. An experienced Houston immigration lawyer can help you understand your rights as an immigrant and update you on new immigration legislation that may impact your status. Whether you need to apply for employment sponsorship, family-based immigration, or naturalization, we can help.
At Serrano Law Firm PLLC, our compassionate legal team understands the issues and circumstances that immigrants and their families are facing in Houston, in addition to our in-depth understanding of federal immigration law. Call to speak to an attorney. One concern for people seeking immigration services is how much it will cost them to hire a competent lawyer. Call our office for a free consultation.
Understanding Why Immigration Law Matters in Houston
Houston is one of the largest cities in the United States and is one of the most diverse and immigrant-rich populations across the nation. According to recent US census data, Houston has a population of over 2.3 million people, hundreds of thousands of whom identify as being from immigrant families or born in another country. This makes Houston a Mecca of language, culture, and opportunities.
The 2020 Census reported 167,189 Asian residents, 520,389 Black or African American residents, and over 1,013,000 Hispanic or Latino residents in Houston. This diversity is strongly shaping the economy and culture in Houston, driving a notable demand for legal immigration services.
Workers want to stay and develop their careers. Families want their loved ones abroad to be with them in Houston. Residents who have been living in Houston for a long time want to get citizenship.
Whatever your situation and immigration needs, a passionate and skilled Houston immigration attorney can help. Serrano Law Firm PLLC has served many clients who were in circumstances just like yours.
What a Houston Immigration Lawyer Can Do for You?
Even though immigration law is formed at the federal level, it is crucial to have a local understanding in order to increase your chances of a successful case. Working with an immigration attorney who is deeply rooted in the local community and has experience working with regional centers and stakeholders can truly make a difference. Specifically, we can support you with the following:
- Family-based immigration. We can help lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens sponsor their loved ones for a green card. Depending on the situation, this could be spouses, children, siblings, or parents. We can help with filing Form I-130, consular processing, and adjustment of status.
- Green card support. Whether you want to achieve lawful permanent residence status through employment, family, or humanitarian means, we can help you understand what your options are and pursue an optimal pathway. If you are already looking to the United States, we can help you navigate the adjustment of status process. If you are located outside the country, we can help you successfully work through consular processing.
- Citizenship and naturalization. Our dedicated legal team can support you on the major milestone of becoming a U.S. citizen. We can help you file your N-400 application, prepare you for your English and civics test, and help you understand the types of questions that are commonly asked at the USCIS Field Office.
- Employment-based immigration. Whether you are a healthcare worker or engineer, the city of Houston is heavily reliant on foreign talent like you to support economic operations and success. We assist employers and workers alike with navigating complex processes like obtaining a PERM labor certification. Additionally, we support EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 green card petitions, EB-2 National Interest Waivers, and Form I-140 filings.
- Temporary Protected Status. For nationals from countries like Haiti, El Salvador, and Venezuela who filed for initial TPS filings or TPS renewals, we are here to help. We can also help file for crucial documentation in conjunction with TPS, such as employment authorization and advance parole for travel.
Immigration Attorney Houston – Reviews
Rogelio C. – 5 Star Review on Google
We searched for an immigration attorney in Houston and we found Attorney Serrano. He has helped us with the permanent resident process and the removal of conditions. He and his staff are very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the immigration process. They have made the entire process easy and they always promptly reply to any questions. I would definitely recommend him.
Diana B. – 5 Star Review on Google
Attorney Serrano is by far a top immigration attorney in Houston and he has helped my family with the naturalization process. I would definitely recommend him, honest and he will answer your questions directly . Thank you Diana S.
Kimberly G. – 5 Star Review on Google
Mr. Serrano was very knowledgeable and attentive to my mother’s immigration case. He handled the case very well and was very kind. One of his secretaries was very nice and answered all of my questions as well. I thank both of them for completing the case as smoothly as possible for my family.
When & Why an Immigration Attorney is Important?
Most immigration lawyers offer a free consultation where you can discuss your situation. During this free consultation, you can ask your lawyer about their experience with cases like yours, request references, and ask about your lawyer’s qualifications.
Your lawyer will listen carefully and offer a strategy for your case. You can then ask about the fees once you decide to proceed with that lawyer.
Before you make a commitment, make sure you meet at least two other lawyers to get an idea about common immigration lawyer fees.
Immigration Lawyer Fees
Since there are many types of immigration-related cases, immigration lawyer fees vary. So, make sure you ask your lawyer about their fee structure.
The following are some of the fees that are common in the industry. Every case is different and you should call our office for an accurate cost estimate. The numbers below likely do not represent cost & fees for your specific case. Every case is different. Call our office for a free consultation and price estimation.
- Retainer fee: It is paid in advance and the lawyer uses this amount to start working on your case. The immigration law firm will then receive a certain amount of money per hour from the retainer amount. For example, if you pay a retainer fee of $1,000 and your lawyer’s hourly rate is $100, your lawyer will work on your case for $10 hours before any other charges accrue.
- An hourly rate: Immigration lawyers often offer hourly rates when your immigration case is complex such as detention or immigration appeal. The average hourly rate for an immigration lawyer can be between $150 and $300. Although our law firm has a different price structure and hourly rates that are not published here. Call our office for a free consultation and price quote. These numbers do not represent what you will incur with our law firm.
- An extra fee for premium processing: Premium service is an optional service offered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to help make your immigration application processing faster. You may have to pay extra for this service.
- Permits and visas: Your immigration lawyer will charge you a fee to file for visas or permits. The type of immigration you are seeking will determine the amount you pay. For example, you may pay a specific immigration attorney fee, and then an additional amount of USCIS fees for certain Visas and/or Permits.
Completing the immigration process on your own without help from a lawyer is possible but very complicated.
Remember that losing a case may mean deportation or separation from your family. An immigration lawyer knows all the complicated regulations, rules and laws, which means that the lawyer can make the whole process less risky for you.
Some of the factors that determine an immigration lawyer cost include:
- The type of case you are dealing with determines cost. For example, deportation cases or criminal cases cost more than filing immigration forms.
- An experienced immigration lawyer may charge a higher rate than an inexperienced lawyer that doesn’t even specialize in immigration cases.
- The location of the immigration lawyer may also determine the cost. Immigration lawyers in Los Angeles may charge more than lawyers in Texas.
Common Immigration Challenges We Help Resolve
Even immigration system cases that seem relatively simple can unexpectedly become complex if deadlines are missed, paperwork is incorrect, or if laws change. Our skilled legal team helps our clients avoid making mistakes that could have cost them money and time. Also, we help solve challenges like:
- Responding to requests for evidence
- Resolving delays in getting Form I-130 or I-485 approved
- Navigating denials of visa applications at US consulates
- Assisting with legal immigration status problems after marital status or job changes
- Fixing incorrect documentation or green cards that have expired
We’re not just here to fill out paperwork at Serrano Law Firm PLLC. Instead, we are here to listen to your immigration story. As your attorneys, we develop intricate, custom immigration plans that help you overcome your challenges and meet your goals.
FAQs
Q: Who is the Best Houston Immigration Lawyer?
A: Typically the State Bar of Texas does not allow attorneys to advertise themselves as the best lawyer. Most attorneys will refrain from calling themselves the best immigration attorney in Houston or Texas. Instead, you should look for Google Reviews as a starting point.
Serrano Law Firm PLLC has several 5 Star Reviews on Google from Actual Happy Clients. Many of whom tell their immigration lawyer story over a few paragraphs. We have re-printed some on this page. You might also consult friends and family who have used an immigration lawyer. Call our office today for a quick consultation.
Q: How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?
A: The cost of your immigration case depends on the complexity of your case and exactly what you’re hiring us for. For example, helping you get an employment based visa, may cost a different amount than helping you out with certain deportation issues. The cost just depends on your specific case. The good news is you can call our office at (713) 222-2834 and we can typically give you a decent cost estimate after a quick interview.
Q: What Are the Lawyer Fees for a Citizenship Application?
A: While every case is different, and may incur fees that are different from any other specific case, we encourage all potential clients to call our office for a free consultation. We can typically give you a rough estimate over the phone as to what fees you might incur in your immigration case.
By working with an attorney who is upfront about case fees, you can be sure that there are no surprises or hidden fees down the line.
Q: What is the Immigration Consultation Fee?
A: If you’d like to speak to an immigration lawyer in Houston, Tx about your immigration case, then call our office for a FREE consultation at (713) 222-2834. Whether you need assistance filing a family-based petition or green card application, or are unsure whether you’re eligible for naturalization, you have the opportunity to speak with a Houston immigration attorney at no cost at all. Let us help you solve your problems by giving us a call today.
Q: How Can I Become a U.S. Citizen in Houston?
A: If you’ve held a green card for at least five years, or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen, and meet the physical presence and residency requirements, as well as knowledge of English and US civics, you may be eligible to apply for US citizenship through naturalization.
An experienced attorney at our office can help prepare form N-400, get ready for your interview, and prevent common mistakes that could jeopardize your entire application.
Call a Houston Immigration Lawyer Today
Whether you need to navigate a green card application, sponsor a family member, or get US citizenship, a dedicated immigration attorney from Serrano Law Firm PLLC is eager to support you.
We can provide you with professional legal guidance that is reinforced by deep ties with the community and decades of combined local experience. Call us today at (713) 222-2834 or contact us online to start discussing your options and finding a way forward.