People spend a lot of time talking about immigration issues in Houston like obtaining green cards, but very few understand how difficult the process of legally entering the United States from your home country can be. For those of you going through the immigration system process, you’re not alone.
Our Houston immigration lawyers understand the federal process of helping you become a green card holder, and we can help you overcome the numerous questions and concerns you may face.
Visiting the United States and looking into permanent residency? Immigrated illegally? Run into obstacles in your immigration case? Ready to become a United States citizen? Seek legal support from David Breston Houston green card attorneys. Call (713) 224-4040 to schedule a free consultation.
David A. Breston, a Houston native and graduate of Memorial High School and the University of Texas Law School, is affiliated with prestigious organizations such as the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He holds licenses to practice in both State and Federal Courts. With a career spanning over two decades, David Breston has been dedicated to representing individuals in U.S. citizenship and immigration services such as deportation or removal proceedings and managing family-based immigration petitions for permanent residency in the United States.
Anyone who wants to spend a significant amount of time in the United States going to school, traveling, or working may need to apply for a green card to become a lawful permanent resident. A work visa from an employment sponsor will allow an immigrant to work in the United States temporarily, rather than permanent residency through a green card.
The green card is formally referred to as the “I-551 Permanent Resident Card,” it allows immigrants who are not yet citizens to stay in and work in the United States legally. Physically, it is an identification card that will fit in your wallet and identify you as a permanent resident. A job offer in the U.S. is one-way individuals could become green card holders through a work visa.
Anyone who wants to become a U.S. citizen will have to apply for and hold an active green card for a certain period.
When you apply for a green card, getting sponsored is the most common way to obtain permanent resident status. You could be sponsored by an employer, family member, or spouse who is a citizen.
Individuals seeking asylum in Houston from dire situations in a home country may be eligible for green card application without sponsorship. A certain number of immigrants are granted green cards after winning a diversity green card lottery.
Here are several main ways to obtain a green card sponsorship:
Although those are the most commonly cited paths to permanent residency, there are other ways to secure a card legally. Young people in special circumstances may not require a sponsorship or other path to qualify for permanent residency. Widowers of U.S. citizens, as well as other family members such as battered spouses, parents, and children, may also be able to become green card holders under special family categories. Our Houston green card attorneys can help those who are facing this situation.
Those who work in certain fields, such as international organization employees, religious workers, some translators, and armed forces members may fall under special categories of jobs. Still, other programs provide pathways for American Indians who were born in Canada, informants, Haitian refugees, and human trafficking victims, among others.
If you do not recognize a viable pathway to permanent residency, a Houston permanent residency lawyer can help you determine if there is a legal outlet for your situation. The immigration process allows for a range of circumstances, although recognizing them may be difficult at first.
Once you have determined an appropriate pathway, you are likely eligible to start the green card application process. Depending on your situation, the forms you need to submit will vary.
Our Houston green card attorney can help you find the right documentation for yourself and your family members and put together the information to expedite the process. Many immigration cases are delayed or rejected because of insufficient or erroneous information. We can also assist with other steps in the process. The initial application is only the first step in a complex process.
Maintain permanent resident status by:
Once you have acquired a green card, you will be expected to carry the card with you at all times. If an immigration agency or law enforcement officer finds you without your card, you may face up to 30 days of imprisonment and a $100 fine for the offense. As a permanent resident with a Green Card, you must avoid participating in criminal activity, as committing certain crimes can lead to deportation or revocation of your green card. Permanent residents are required to follow all local, state, and federal laws including income reporting to the IRS.
Green card holders in Texas who wish to become U.S. citizens must meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, including:
Once you determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen, you can begin the application process and file form N-400. Once you file your form, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local application support center for fingerprinting and a background check. Then you will go through a Citizenship interview and answer questions regarding your application, as well as take the English and Civics test mentioned above. USCIS will approve, deny, or continue your application. If approved, you’ll attend the naturalization ceremony in Texas where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and recieve your Certificate of Naturalization, confirming your U.S. Citizenship.
Exemptions and accommodations to this process include:
Contact us to learn more about the immigration process, criminal charges, and other immigration issues in Houston and across the state of Texas. For decades, our immigration lawyers at the Law Office of David A. Breston have worked on immigration cases and criminal defense cases in Houston. We have helped clients battle tough immigration laws and can also help you.
Our team of Houston immigration attorneys 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.
Best Immigration Lawyer. Very professional, knowledgeable and responsive attorney. With the expertise of David and his team I received my green card and my family was able to reach America.
-Hussain (AVVO Review)
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