The immigration attorneys at The Law Offices of David A. Breston are dedicated to helping you achieve your immigration dream in the United States. With the help of our skilled Houston immigration lawyers by your side, we can help represent you and your loved ones if they are facing complex immigration issues. Attorney David Breston is dedicated and will work hard for immigrant and non-immigrant clients in Houston.
We offer a free initial consultation and regardless of limited resources, our immigration law firm will work with you to get the representation you deserve while navigating the immigration process. We also employ bilingual attorneys who not only speak Spanish but who also understand the intricacies of immigration law and how U.S legislation will affect your life in a practical way.
Immigration law is a complex and convoluted area of unique legal applications. The entirety of the “immigration system” falls under the jurisdiction of a given country. Countries have the ability to set special limitations on who is and is not a citizen of the country. This system has implications for the travel, habitation, labor, and studying capabilities of citizens and non-citizens alike as it relates to the country in question.
The United States, for example, automatically grants citizenship to anyone born on its territory. Furthermore, those born outside of the country but to American parents also have an easy avenue through which to claim American citizenship. However, those born outside of the country to nationals of a foreign country may not reside in the United States without the proper visa and paperwork. They may be restricted in how much time they can spend in the country based on their country of origin and may only become naturalized under special circumstances.
Just as the processes of citizenship and visas fall under federal jurisdiction, there are certain cases in which states have control over mechanisms that directly affect these processes. Texas is familiar with these, as it is a state that shares a border with a region known for immigration into the United States, Central America.
Despite this, people travel from across the globe to live, work, and contribute to Texan society. No matter their nationality, they must adhere to Texas immigration laws in order to continue residing in the country legally – even more so if they hope to qualify for naturalization in the future.
In the State of Texas, various institutions carry out certain immigration checks to verify the legitimacy of foreign nationals working there. For example, the law states that those who are undocumented are forbidden from working in the United States. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry expanded this measure by employing the use of “E-Verify,” an online program used by various state and federal-level law enforcement agencies.
One of the many barriers that those immigrating to the United States face is access to public assistance. A number of public assistance programs for those who do not make sufficient income to support themselves and their families are not available to those without proper documentation. Illegal immigrants, undocumented individuals, and others may face serious roadblocks when attempting to apply for these programs.
While those who are undocumented or in complex situations do have many rights, there are still some concerns regarding their ability to function as normal citizens do on a day-to-day basis. For example, federal law states that anyone – with or without documentation – has the right to primary, secondary, and tertiary education, along with in-state tuition costs. However, there are still certain annual habitation requirements, secondary school requirements, and other caveats that are best discussed with an immigration attorney.
There are also many situations in which someone may face discrimination when trying to find a job. Certain employers may use the opportunity to decline a visa holder’s documentation when trying to be hired, in addition to outright discrimination based on national origin, faith, race, or other demographic characteristics. Other problems may include errors with the E-Verify system or bureaucratic mix-ups with paperwork. In any of these cases, it is highly advised to consult a lawyer who is knowledgeable about federal and state immigration law.
Unfortunately, there are other situations in which immigrants may struggle to obtain public benefits. One such example is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Although extremely helpful, only legal residents and naturalized US citizens qualify to receive these benefits, as undocumented immigrants are not eligible. The same goes for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In any case, those with green cards are still eligible to receive these benefits, but they are sometimes denied.
Some individuals eventually face deportation. “Removal,” as it is technically referred to, is most often carried out by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agents may use a number of mechanisms at their disposal, such as expedited removal, reinstatement of removal, or other formal proceedings. No matter the case, immigration attorneys are highly necessary.
Immigration law isn’t a singular field of law. Rather, it is a wide-ranging umbrella term for laws regarding the rights of illegal immigrants who are brought into the system. This includes obtaining a visa or green card, defending visa or green card status, obtaining citizenship for you or a loved one, securing sponsorship, and seeking asylum, among others.
Immigration is a hot topic in the U.S – and especially in Texas – today. After all, we share a border with Mexico. With changing laws and more changes projected in the future, understanding your rights as a legal or illegal immigrant can be confusing.
Not only is the legal process for immigration complex, it is time-consuming and expensive. If you are in this country illegally or you’re trying to gain legal entry, knowing who to contact at any time can give you peace of mind. The Houston immigration lawyers at the Law Office of David A. Breston work on immigration cases and criminal defense cases in Houston regularly.
Maybe you’re facing deportation or trying to extend your visa, or maybe you’ve been accused of identity theft. As an immigrant of any kind, you have rights. Our team of Houston immigration attorneys will fight to protect those rights while making the process easier for you to understand and handle.
Understanding your rights as a visitor or permanent resident in Houston, TX is part of the process when facing legal complications. As an immigrant in Texas, you have the right to:
If you are a legal immigrant, always carry your documentation with you. Do not talk about your circumstances. Do not present falsified documents to law enforcement, and do not lie about your circumstances. If you are unsure or you are undocumented, ask to speak to an attorney and say nothing else. Encountering law enforcement in Texas can be a frightening experience. Try to stay calm and remember your rights.
Challenges in immigration are numerous, and no two cases are alike. Regardless of the obstacles you face, there is a path to a successful legal resolution if you have the right representation. Our team of immigration attorneys in Houston understand the state and federal level criminal justice system.
We also know how US Citizenship and Immigration Services operates when it comes to immigration. When we take on an immigration case, we will work to:
First, you are afforded the right to vote and run for office. It is easier for U.S. citizens to help their family members come to the country; and there are many government jobs and scholarships that the American citizen can take advantage of as well. Finally, there are many fiscal benefits associated with U.S. citizenship; most notably social security which is not afforded to those who lack citizenship.
There are various types of immigration cases in the state of Texas, each one with its own implications for immigrants and their families. It is important to understand the differences between each one to fully comprehend the potential life-altering impacts that they can have.
It is advisable to seek the support of an experienced legal professional when pursuing citizenship. Although not necessarily designed to be so, the process can be complicated and may easily result in misunderstandings that could delay or prevent citizenship. Immigration attorneys are knowledgeable in all aspects of immigration application and will support you throughout the process – from beginning to end.
Finally, immigration is a volatile and dynamic subject in the United States currently – and alterations to current expectations for those applying for citizenship will be more manageable if you collaborate with an experienced attorney in Houston.
Additional Information: Texas Immigration Laws
If you are a foreign business professional, the complicated nature of immigration laws in Texas can be confusing. Our Houston employment immigration lawyers are always abreast of the changes in U.S. immigration law and can help you achieve your objectives. We have experience in, and can assist with, all types of business immigration law, including:
Our Houston immigration law firm also assists businesses with all aspects of immigration compliance and worksite enforcement, including I-9 verification.
Contact us today to learn more about the immigration process, criminal charges, and other immigration issues in Houston and across the state of Texas. For decades we have helped clients battle tough immigration laws.
Our immigration lawyers know that fighting the Texas legal system can be tough to navigate, that is why we make it our mission to be the best possible representation for you. Don’t just take our word for it, hear what our clients have to say on Google, Yelp, and Facebook.
I hired David after trying through another attorney to get my wife immigrated to the USA. He had her here in 4 months because he knows the latest rules and steps for immigration. Do not be fooled, this process must be done properly amongst a constantly changing system. David and staff knows the business of immigration.
-Roland R.
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