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11 Feb, 2021 by Mu
What i expected in my asylum-immigration court procedings consultation:
-Getting a quick response from attorney
-If Attorney understood my case very well
-If Attorney has or can create any strategies about the case,
-If Attorney knows what the other party (Gov) will do against you
I got advice, real advice from Brian
not like many immigration attorney says
“i think so, i dont think so, hire me and im gonna tell you.”
I explained my case to Brian on virtual consultation, He understood my case very well without seeing a document but i felt like he already read all docs and knows my country conditions.
He just charged 97 $ for consultation fee for 25 min but he gave talked to me and call me back after my internet connection cut off
We talked for 1 hour.
So i see Brian really care about his clients and he will do his best for them.
In consultation, He says your chance is under %50 because of those reasons, He was right
And also he says, i will increase these chance with my strategies and he explained mostly me some.
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14 Feb, 2020 by Adrian s.
"I'm thankful to Brian for explaining to me in easy-to-understand terms how asylum works. He is someone who truly cares about his clients, and is willing to fight for them. He puts their interests first
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14 Feb, 2020 by Mey lau
"A friend referred me to Mr. Manning after we had reached out to several immigration attorneys with no luck. Mr. Manning took his time to provide clear immigration guidance on our situation without giving us false hope. We were very thankful for his patience and willingness to describe all the potential problems we could face with each of the options available to us given our situation. Dealing with the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services can be so confusing and overwhelming without experienced immigration assistance; Having such a great immigration attorney by our side was really meaningful. Some of my family members are not fully bilingual and Mr. Manning actually took the time to also explain our options in Spanish. We are very grateful for his help and honesty." Given how hard things have become for immigrants like us we have no idea how we would have handled our situation without his guidance.
Coming from a country where political turmoil and persecution are the norm one cannot help it but be thankful for finding a legal professional with such a great insider perspective of the immigration process for asylum seekers.
I would highly recommend Mr. Brian Manning to anyone needing legal immigration help in Houston.
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23 Jun, 2018 by Carolina
Mr. Moyse helped me with my U visa, and I will always be grateful with him, I was almost deported when hi filed my U visa, and thanks to him, today I have my permanent residence, he really cares about his clients, he is very professional but at the same time hi is very kind and honest, thanks Aaron for your help, me and my family will always be grateful, and we will always recommend you. Att Carolina
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12 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
You don't realize how badly you need a good lawyer until you find yourself in that predicament , I had talked to several lawyers and they all seem to have a dishonest vibe in the way they priced our case or in the way they wanted to go about handling our case . Mr. Moyse is one of the most honest lawyers I've worked with, and in the multitude of lawyers available , our family felt very lucky to work with him. Despite the fact that we couldn't come in to visit him as often as we liked because we live in dallas, he' still remained very timely and personable and helped us with my brother's long 6 month case . We were really grateful that he took the time to reply to all our questions and concerns.
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20 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Moyse was the nicest man and genuinely cared about my case. He answered all of my calls and emails, and if he missed a call he returned it within the hour. He was very professional and made me feel more comfortable about my case.
My previous attorney, whom I fired after realizing he was doing absolutely no work on my case, was awful compared to Mr. Moyse. Mr. Moyse does not only show you attention when you first meet with him. He answers your calls throughout the duration of your case and never ignores you. You are always made to feel on the top of his priority list.
I highly recommend Mr. Moyse because he is professional, diligent, sincere, serious, nice, and much more. You will not regret hiring him. His fees were competitive and very reasonable.
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19 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I have reached out to Sophia for multiple immigration related advice and filings over last four years and every single time Sophia went above and beyond to make sure everything is take care of and all the paperwork is timely submitted. She is very knowledgable, articulate and extremely patient while answering any questions I had. I would definitely recommend Sophia for any immigration advise and services.
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30 Mar, 2015 by E. philip
I have never written a review before, so here goes...
I have been living in the States for some time and wanted to establish myself as a citizen.
Growing up I had a few scrapes and issues and thought my record would have an impact on being
granted citizenship. I was a bit embarrassed with my younger life and worried about the tougher immigration standards that exist now, but after speaking with Mrs. Sophia Johnykutty and being made to understand that success for my welfare and citizenship was the only option, I just decided to follow what she asked me to do.
Her work was amazing.
Every little thing that she could do without me being present, she did, and I didn't have to take time off from work or family to run and find a lot of paper work (except a lunch hour at work to get fingerprinting done for my FBI check and the morning of being sworn in :) )
Mrs. Johnykutty carefully went over each and every legal term and detail I asked about and explained it in terms that made sense to me. Aside from her incredible quality of work, SHE NEVER TOOK IT EASY WITH MY CASE. I can't write enough about how important that was for my application and my peace of mind. She was there from day one and pretty much held my hand through the ENTIRE process. Whenever we needed to meet at the immigration office, she was always there before I was and she was 100% ready to fulfill what she needed to do and never forgot a single thing.
I have known people complain about how their lawyers don't really care or have compassion for their them, but this was never the case with Sophia. She is very much a friend that cares. My wife jokingly points out to this day that if it wasn't for Mrs. Sophia Johnykutty, I would never have become an American citizen.
Thank you so much, Mrs. Johnykutty!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
E. Philip (U.S. citizen)
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07 Feb, 2015 by James
My experiance with Sophia has been with obtaining the various Letters of Determinations I required (with being a British Citizen) for joining various rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Sophia was very professional and always gave good information in a very timely manner, at all stages I was kept well informed of the progress.
When I required information regarding the Letter of Determination requirements of the various Rigs I was intending to visit, Sophia always supplied this information quickly, and indeed also kept me informed if there was any change, this information greatly assisted myself in Planning my Schedules to be as efficient as possible.
I have no hesitation in recommending Sophia to any potential Client.
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09 Oct, 2014 by Louis
Peta has a wide range of skills but I most recently worked with her on a family law case. She was extremely responsive. She was sympathetic to my needs and without her I would have been a tough spot. She was worth every penny. If you are in the Houston area, trust no other lawyer to handle your case with as much knowledge and care as Peta.
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17 Sep, 2014 by Carlos
I love this woman. I had a crazy immigration case and she was patient, knowledgeable and got the problem fixed. I will admit that I was not the easiest client to deal with; I was anxious, scared and demanding. She answered all my questions and was just so patient and caring. I recommend her wholeheartedly to every one with an immigration issue.
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02 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
She was a great lawyer. Smart and effective. She got me everything i wanted.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Onyebuchi
My in absentia order of removal was reversed by Olubusayo Fasidi at the BIA level. Am happy that she handled my case. She is the best. Go for her, she will tell you the truth and at the same time resolve your case✔✔✔✔✔.
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13 Mar, 2014 by Adepitan
I contacted Fasidi Legal Group recently to prepare me for my 1-360 adjustment of status interview in Houston. Attorney Fasidi was very knowledgeable and professional with way she put my documents together and her conduct during the interview was excellent. She is not one of those lawyers that comes late for their client's interview and put their client's under unnecessary tension. I got my approval notification few days later. Thank you.
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02 May, 2013 by Eunice
I recently worked with Attorney Olubusayo Fasidi for my husbands immigration filing for temporary/ permanent resident status. Olubusayo gave us great guidance through the entire process. She ensured all necessary paper work was accurately completed and promptly updated us on immigration directives we received for each step in the process. My husbands paper work was filed the first week in Oct 2012 and he was approved the first week in January 2013. She was a pleasure to work with and was very patient and responsive. She continues to be a great source of advice to us today and we don't hesitate to refer her to friends and family if any immigration needs or questions arise.
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27 Oct, 2020 by Olusola olusoji
I am so proud to call Mr Fullerton my lawyer, for he went beyond the call of duty every time to discuss, travel and empathize every step of the way. I will recommend him any day or night of the week to get the job done right. He is also trustworthy and dependable.
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07 Aug, 2020 by Andres
After many years of searching for a lawyer that would take my case on I got recommended to Omar Fullerton's office. That was the best recommendation ever as Mr Fullerton and his staff went above and beyond. He helped me prove I was a US Citizen. Very professional, very responsive, fair price and above all very caring! I strongly recommend A Fullerton Law Firm PLLC!
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11 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
He is precise and highly knowledgeable, he is familiar with most judges and understands how to communicate effectively to get the best outcome for my case. I have told all my family and friends about this great attorney.
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06 Nov, 2015 by Karina
Mrs. Mcgettrick is an excellent immigration attorney! She is very knowledgable, dedicated, and caring. After noticing that the previous attorney I had hired was not taking my case to heart, I hired Mrs. Mcgettrick to handle my delicate immigration case. I was given such peace by seeing Mrs. Mcgettrick comb through every aspect of my case and by seeing her use all the resources possible to get the outcome I needed. I wasn't the only one that noticed. In court, the judge assign to my matter also congratulated Mrs. Mcgettrick for doing such and extensive and thorough job. I highly recommend Mrs. Mcgettrick as an immigration attorney! She is great!
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01 Oct, 2015 by Agustín
Excellent lawyer ,very efficient and dedicated to her work , I truly recommend her ,our process was really complicated and she was very supportive and accurate in everything we needed, the process was faster than we thought We are very thankful for her service.
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24 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Denise has been one of the BEST lawyers I have worked with. She has been very informative and patient throughout my process, explaining every bit of detail. She vested in personally to make sure everything happens in an organized timely matter. What I value most in her is her ONE on ONE time to the client. I definitely recommend her for services. After hiring her, I didnt have to worry about anything. She followed up on my process, next steps and regular updates.
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23 May, 2022 by Ever
Es la mejor muy excelente y profesional en su trabajo yo un cliente activo estoy más que satisfecho con su trabajo lo recomiendo a todo el que necesite un abogado de inmigración
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09 Feb, 2017 by Robert
Thanks to Mrs. Amanda I finally was able to get my citizenship. Before ,i went to previous lawyers and it was just a waste of time and money and with no solid or concrete answers to my questions.
Mrs. Amanda and her staff ,explained to me every detail needed to get the process started and with positive results. Her and her staff did an extraordinary work and kept me informed on every detail with the process all the way up to the final stage.
Kudos to her and her staff ,i highly recommend her and her staff for any immigration issues. Thanks for such a great effort and hard work accomplishing my goal of being a citizen.
Many Blessings
Robert
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01 Dec, 2014 by Nathalie
What a difference it makes to get the right attorney. After 14 years in removal proceedings and 5 lawyers, I'm finally free to live again.
Mrs. Amanda and her staff demonstrated to me what the true definition of law means. I was kept informed of my case at all times. Even with the 5 disappointing lawyers I got in the past, I was able to trust her. I'm still amazed and shocked with the great news. Thank you for representing people like me who have no voice.
My kids, Husband and I are forever grateful for what you did. There’s no amount of money that can pay for the hard work you put in and as a result changed my life forever. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!!!!!!!!
Nathalie
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27 Apr, 2021 by Diane
Sara Padua help me with a Business Issue that she resolved in no time with great professionalism.
I highly recommend Padua Law Firm.
Diane Roederer
CEO of DR Delicacy
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14 Dec, 2018 by Yesenia
Thank you Ms. Padua for assisting us. Your professionalism and timeliness are greatly appreciated. We are very satisfied and content. We highly recommend the Padua Law Firm.
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29 May, 2018 by Rebecca
Sara is really knowledgeable in a variety of areas. I hired her to help with a probate litigation case and she has been amazing. She really listened and focused on the outcomes we were looking for and kept us in the loop the whole time.
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20 Jun, 2016 by Gabriela guillen
I used Douglas A. A'Hern for my husbands case it was a drug case and Mr. A'Hern was always available anytime I would have a question. He would personally answer any question or concerns I had. He took the time to explain why and how he was doing things. Even though at first we hesitated with the way he was taking the case he kept telling us it was for the best and now that the case is close I know is true. He is a great attorney I would definitely recommend him and his rates are decent.
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21 Feb, 2013 by James
Having used numerous attorney's in the past I know that it is hard to find a good one that does not want to retire on you. I have used D. A'Hern for several differant cases with myself and my family and I will continue to use him in the future as well as refer family and friends. He took the time to explain the process that I was going through and at each step explained what was happening, what I could expect and how we were going to achive the desired result. I found that he was very knowedgeable and responded in a timely manner when I asked questions about the probate process and how to proceed. This process has been very difficult to deal with since there are several family members involved and he has continued to help focus on the task at hand even when your personal character is attacked for trying to fulfill the last wishes of a loved one. He has provided several avenues to proceed with each situation and allowed us the time to think about them before making a decision and not pushing us in one way or the other.
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10 Jan, 2013 by Angela
Douglas A'Hern is a fantastic lawyer. He gave 110% when it came to my legal needs. He was very compasionate and attentive. I appreciate all he did for my family and me.
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24 Aug, 2018 by Debra
Saira Shah worked on our real estate contracts and provided excellent service in the time frame we needed.
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23 Aug, 2018 by Marva
Saira Shah is an excellent health care and transactional attorney who works well with difficult people and finds workable solutions to complex problems.
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22 Dec, 2014 by Aracely
Mrs. Cruz helped me receive my documents needed to work in this country. She guided me through the process and maintained me informed of the current status of my paperwork. She is a knowledgeable and honest lawyer which is hard to find. Her staff is helpful and attentive. She is a lawyer that I will highly recommend with any legal issue you may have.
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26 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Mrs. Cruz helped me receive my documentation needed to be able to work legally in this country. She responded to my emails immediately and kept me informed along the way of how the process was going. Even after receiving payment for her legal services she still stayed in contact with me regarding future dates with immigration. It is rare to find a lawyer that will take that extra step to help and Mrs. Cruz takes that step. She offered guidance over what was expected at those meetings and answered any question I had. To summarize she is knowledgeable, trustworthy, honest, and the one lawyer I would recommend.
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25 Apr, 2015 by Ghassan
I am pleased to write this review to strongly recommend Mr. Andrew Chung as he is reliable, responsible and a dedicated attorney.
I came to him seeking help with my asylum case. I tried five different attorneys before meeting Mr. Chung. Although the other attorney’s were promising they did not meet my expectations. Fortunately for me I found Mr. Chung. Mr. Chung is different from the other attorneys I tried. Not only did he handle my immigration case in a very professional way but he was also very good about responding to my questions quickly. In addition to this, Mr. Chung spent a lot of time with me examining my case and helping me discover my strongest arguments for my statement.
I’m confident enough in Mr. Chung’s abilities to recommend (based on my own experience as asylum seeker) him to others who really want to get their immigration cases taken care of in a professional manner. Although I understood that there were no guarantees, I truly believe Mr. Chung gave me with the best possible chance to get my application approved and thankfully it did get approved. I believe that he will not only meet your expectations, but also exceed your expectations should you choose him to represent you.
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21 Jul, 2014 by Deena
Andrew Chung was our lawyer for my husband’s immigration case and he did an amazing job. Our case went very smoothly and quick. He was very detail oriented and thorough. He made sure we had everything we needed and correct before we sent in the paperwork to make sure we didn’t have it sent back. He was very attentive. When I sent him emails, he answered all my questions very promptly, if not immediately, within the hour. He even responded to me while on vacation. He cares a lot about his clients; he didn’t treat us like we were just another case on his stack. He spent a lot of time with us and met up with us whenever we needed him to. During our interview, our officer seemed very content with what we sent them, she didn’t ask for any additional information or proof, she said she had everything she needed. I would highly recommend him to others and I will definitely continue to use him as our lawyer if we have any additional needs.
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09 May, 2015 by Nitya
I had the best experience with Mr. Verma. He is extremely knowledgeable, fast and organized. He did a very thorough job in processing my I-130 and adjustment of status in 2013. Mr. Verma was very professional and kept be well informed on the application process from start to finish. I was highly impressed with his work so I also hired him for I-751 this year. He makes the whole process so easy and hassle-free, it is wonderful. I will definitely call upon him for any future work and strongly recommend him for anyone who wants peace of mind.
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07 May, 2015 by Kristen
I can say with experience working with Mr. Anand Verma that he is not only knowledgeable but very positive in his approach. He developed positivity in me. I strongly recommend Mr. Verma.
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13 Jan, 2022 by Jhoselin garcia
Muy amable ella esta llevando mi caso de migración con ayuda de Dios vamos a ganar gracias abogada
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23 Dec, 2017 by Recinos
I recommend kaitlyn bailey to everybody needing help with any immigration problems. Very professional trustworthy, all I can say is thank you miss kaitlyn
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23 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Elle is one in a million. She is very experienced and knowledgeable in regards to immigration laws and policies. I can say without hesitation that she is a good listener and always ready to help. She is also an attorney i turn to when i have questions. I've never seen her unprepared. She's a very good person and a great advocate for her clients. She is straight forward and ready to help with your case. Always answers texts and phone calls in a very timely manner. I can't thank her enough for all her dedication and hard work. God bless her.
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30 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Shirin came highly recommended and assisted myself and my spouse's deportation case in a very professional and caring manner. She also helped us avoid time and extra costs. She was always available to answer any questions and guided us through the entire immigration process. We are so pleased with her firms service, expertise and knowledge on our case. Thank you for helping us navigate thru this complex process!!
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23 Apr, 2024 by Nelson
I highly recommend Leslie and Tony Garcia the family law duo!!
They are caring, they were available 24/7 for me. They treated me like a family member, giving me advice in everything but also supporting me and making sure I was fine during this stressful time. Leslie and Tony were great, always going the extra mile at no additional cost. Honestly I won’t have enough money to pay all the things they had to do during my case.
Thank you!!
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25 Jul, 2020 by Juan carlos deleon
Tony Garcia handled my divorce case with utmost diligence. He was always on point and responded to the other counsel within hours if not within 24hrs. I recommend him to anyone looking for a divorce attorney. Thank you sir! I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a fair and professional divorce attorney.
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19 Jun, 2015 by Amy
Mark set up the LLC for my business. I had questions about set-up and he answered all questions right there and then. We were able to set up the LLC within a very short time frame and he had all paperwork to me by weeks end. He is incredibly courteous and pleasant. His fees are reasonable and fair.
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20 Feb, 2014 by Perez.daniel
It was difficult understanding the process for I-140 petition initially for me. It took some time for me to understand the whole process and I am really happy to get the guidance and support from Mary Elizabeth Cleveland (Liz). Liz handled my process satisfactorily throughout by regularly replying for all my queries. I got my I-140 approved now, I am about to file for my green card through that I-140.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Rina
Nelli Helped us with our Immigration process from South Africa to Texas. She is so patient and always finds the answers you need. We had no clue where to start, but Nelli was there for us every step of the way! We got our Green cards in the mail this week. Thank you so much Nelli, you have truly changes our lives forever! We can highly recommend her service!
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21 Sep, 2021 by Esther
Attorney Carolina did a great job helping my family with our father's citizenship. She was very professional and knew so much about immigration law. We had a consultation and left feeling so much more at ease with the citizenship process, because we had attorney Carolina in our corner. We watch attorney Carolina on her firm's Facebook lives and she talks about really important immigration news. We like to stay informed and Attorney Carolina does an excellent job of that. Great Lawyer!
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04 Oct, 2022 by Idowu
Atty Paul was everything we could ask for; very personable and attentive. She delivered as we expected, no surprises and timely!
She is the only person we can HIGHLY recommend to anyone needing an immigration attorney.
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01 Sep, 2019 by Cynthia
Timothy Donahue is a great immigration attorney I have consulted with and outstanding criminal defense and known him since he got out of law school when we worked at same office. He speaks Spanish and is good with his clients and very knowledgeable in the law. Highly recommend Tim Donahue.
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07 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
My sister referred me to Douglas Evans because she hired him to
represent her on a felony case and got all charges dropped.
So we hired him to represent my husband and he also won his casefor him inwent in front of the judge and case was close without
any consequences so we surely will recommend him to anyone that we know or who would need a lawyer...
Cause he does work on helping you all. Thank You Douglas Evans,From Lorraine
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13 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Great service, very direct, honest and knowledgeable.
He helped us with our immigration case and we have used him for several corporate matters.
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12 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
After talking to some lawyers, I didn't know who to select. Then, I found Brian. He's easy-going, charges a fair price, and is knowledgeable. He is a young lawyer who can get the job done.
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22 Sep, 2022 by Juana
Ms Lisa goal since the start was to fight for my husband case and she did it. We are so grateful to have contacted her to resolve our case. She is so patient she answers all our questions. She worked so hard to get this dismissal I highly recommend her.
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21 May, 2016 by Octavian
Mrs. Giambra has helped me with very precise advice on my O1 visa pettion. She has excellent attention to detail.
With her hel I managed to have a great RFE response to the government and finally get my visa petition approved.
I definitely recommend Mrs. Giambra as an immigration attorney, she will be honest and do her best for her clients and their petitions.
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16 Nov, 2015 by Cynthia
My home flooded in Southeast Houston and the insurance companies wanted to blame each other. Mr. Powers was able to help get everything fixed for what my policy said. I would use him again if I ever needed to.
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22 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
She is such a down to earth person. She makes everything plain and clear. Straight forward and no nonsense. I recommend her to everyone I know. I wish I would have known about her sooner. I would saved myself a lot of stress and headache.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What an Immigration Lawyer Can Do for You
An immigration lawyer specializes in helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complex immigration process. These lawyers provide legal guidance on various immigration matters, such as obtaining visas, gaining permanent residency (green cards), applying for citizenship, and defending clients in deportation or removal proceedings. Immigration lawyers also assist with employment-based immigration, asylum applications, and resolving issues related to visas or immigration status.
Whether you're trying to immigrate to the U.S., facing deportation, or sponsoring an employee or family member for a visa, an immigration lawyer can help you understand your legal options and navigate the often complicated legal system.
When Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
Hiring an immigration lawyer is beneficial in many situations where you are dealing with U.S. immigration laws, whether for personal or business reasons. Common reasons to hire an immigration lawyer include:
- Visa applications: If you need assistance applying for a visa, whether it's a work visa (H-1B), student visa (F-1), or tourist visa (B-1/B-2), a lawyer can help ensure the application is properly completed and submitted.
- Green card applications: If you're seeking permanent residency, an immigration lawyer can guide you through the process, whether through family sponsorship, employment, or the Diversity Visa (lottery) program.
- Deportation or removal defense: If you’re facing deportation or removal from the U.S., a lawyer can defend your case in immigration court and seek to prevent removal.
- Asylum applications: If you’re seeking asylum due to persecution or fear of persecution in your home country, a lawyer can help you prepare a strong case and file for asylum.
- Family reunification: If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident looking to bring family members to the U.S., a lawyer can assist with the family sponsorship process.
- Citizenship and naturalization: If you're ready to apply for U.S. citizenship, a lawyer can help you navigate the naturalization process and ensure you meet all the requirements.
- Business immigration: If you're an employer seeking to hire foreign workers, a lawyer can assist with employment-based visas, labor certification, and compliance with immigration regulations.
- Special immigration categories: Immigration lawyers also handle complex cases, such as visas for victims of human trafficking (T visa), crime victims (U visa), or those seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Hiring an immigration lawyer early in the process can help you avoid delays, errors, and possible denials due to incomplete or incorrect applications.
What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?
An immigration lawyer provides a wide range of services to help clients with their immigration needs, whether personal or business-related. Their tasks often include:
- Assisting with visa applications: Helping clients fill out and submit visa applications, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.
- Filing for green cards and permanent residency: Guiding clients through the process of applying for a green card, including family-based, employment-based, or other forms of residency.
- Defending against deportation or removal: Representing clients in immigration court who are facing deportation and working to prevent removal from the U.S.
- Preparing asylum cases: Assisting clients in applying for asylum based on fear of persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
- Handling citizenship applications: Helping lawful permanent residents apply for naturalization and ensuring they meet all the legal requirements for U.S. citizenship.
- Employment-based immigration: Assisting employers with the process of sponsoring foreign workers for temporary or permanent visas, including H-1B, L-1, and EB-1 through EB-5 visas.
- Representation in immigration interviews: Preparing clients for immigration interviews and attending interviews at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices.
- Appealing denied applications: If a visa, green card, or citizenship application is denied, a lawyer can file appeals or motions to reopen or reconsider the case.
How Are Immigration Lawyers Paid?
Immigration lawyers generally charge for their services based on the type of immigration case and the complexity of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Flat fee: Many immigration lawyers charge a flat fee for specific services, such as preparing a visa application, green card petition, or citizenship application. Flat fees help clients know upfront what the legal costs will be for a particular service.
- Hourly rate: For more complex cases, such as deportation defense or appeals, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates vary depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing immigration matters, some clients may need to pay a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
- Pro bono or sliding scale: Some immigration lawyers or nonprofit organizations may offer free or low-cost services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in asylum or humanitarian cases.
It’s essential to discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the costs and payment arrangements.
How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer varies based on the type of legal service required, the lawyer's experience, and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:
- Visa applications: For help with visa applications (e.g., H-1B, L-1, F-1), legal fees may range from $2,000 to $7,500, depending on the complexity and the type of visa.
- Green card applications: Fees for family-based or employment-based green card applications typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the case.
- Deportation defense: For defending clients in removal proceedings, costs can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and how long the case takes.
- Asylum cases: Asylum applications may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on whether the case is defensive (in removal proceedings) or affirmative (not in removal proceedings).
- Citizenship applications: Legal fees for filing a naturalization application usually range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s immigration history.
- Business immigration services: Fees for assisting businesses with employment-based visas (such as H-1B or EB-5 visas) often range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of costs and fee arrangements before proceeding with legal services.
Top Questions to Ask an Immigration Lawyer
Before hiring an immigration lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your case effectively. Important questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with immigration cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s family-based immigration, employment visas, or asylum. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes, including any challenges you might face. -
How long will the process take?
Immigration cases can take time, so ask how long it may take to process your application or resolve your legal issue. -
Will you handle my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of your case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly. -
What documents do I need to provide?
Ask the lawyer about the documentation required to support your case, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or employment contracts.
How to Check the Credibility of an Immigration Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable immigration lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Check their state bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for specific immigration law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in immigration law and have experience handling cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their ability to handle immigration cases.
- Check for industry affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can indicate the lawyer’s expertise and commitment to immigration law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with an immigration lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Passport and immigration documents: Bring your passport, visa, and any documents related to your current immigration status.
- Family documents: If you're applying for a family-based visa or green card, bring marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of family relationships.
- Employment information: For employment-based visas, provide your employment contract, offer letter, or other documentation of your job.
- Criminal records (if applicable): If you have any criminal history, bring copies of court records and other relevant documents.
- Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any prior immigration applications, visas, or issues with immigration authorities.
- List of questions: Prepare any questions you have about your immigration case, the process, costs, and the likelihood of success.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer understand your case more effectively and get the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.
