Best Immigration Lawyers in Plano

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Plano, Texas?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Plano Police Department is 972-424-5678.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Plano, Texas?

  You can obtain a copy of the police report that is related to your case from the Plano Police Department’s Open Records Unit. You can submit a written request in three ways:

  • via the Plano Texas Public Records Center (https://planotx.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(305fjfyziblm0flri5xxfsfh))/SupportHome.aspx)
  • via fax (972-941-2191), and
  • in person at either of the two locations: Police Headquarters 909 14th Street Plano, TX 75074

  Joint Use Facility 7501-A Independence Parkway Plano, TX 75025

• Who can you sponsor if you are already a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of Plano?

  You may be able to sponsor some of your family members if you have already been granted U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in Plano. However, you can only petition the government to offer visas for your immediate family members, such as your spouse, children (married or unmarried), siblings, or parents.

• Who are eligible to obtain an immigrant visa in Plano?

  Immigrant visas are provided for people who wish to become permanent citizens of the United States. In Plano, these visas are often given to returning residents, diversity immigrants, employees who are coming to the U.S. to fill a position for a certain company, and spouses, children, fiancés, and other immediate family members of lawful permanent residents or citizens.

• What are the qualifications to obtain a green card in Plano?

  A Green Card is issued to a foreign-born person in Plano who wishes to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. To be eligible for a Green Card, you must hold an immigrant visa as well as an authorized and acceptable immigration petition. You must also fit into one of the immigration categories specified in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and be lawfully permitted to enter the United States.

• How do you apply for employment-based permanent residency status in Plano?

  If you are a foreign-born individual who wishes to apply for an employment-based permanent residency or Green Card in Plano, you must secure an approved labor certification, I-I40 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, and I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Once you have obtained these documents, you can apply for consular immigrant visa processing.

• What are the residency requirements for naturalization if you are an immigrant in Plano?

  To qualify for naturalization as a foreign-born national with an immigrant visa in Plano, you must have lived in the metro or the United States for at least five years. Meanwhile, if you earned a Green Card after marrying a U.S. citizen, you must have lived in the United States for at least three years. Additionally, immigrants seeking citizenship must have spent no more than six months outside of the United States during the entire period of their permanent residency.

• What do immigration lawyers do?

  Immigration lawyers help individuals and businesses communicate with authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Immigration lawyers assist foreign nationals who are living or working in the United States or want to enter the country legally. They provide legal advice, prepare visa and green card applications, and represent clients in administrative hearings and immigration courts. They also represent individuals who are facing legal challenges such as detention or deportation.

• How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

  Immigration attorney fees vary significantly based on the specific services a client needs, the attorney’s experience, and the geographic region. Lawyers in this field usually charge between $150 to $350 per hour, plus fees for filing various kinds of paperwork. Services such as form filing, green card applications, and naturalization applications can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars including attorney fees and filing fees. For employment-related visas or green cards, the employer may be responsible for a portion of that cost. The cost of more complex situations such as asylum applications and deportation defense can range from $1,000 to nearly $10,000.

• Do immigration lawyers go to court?

  Yes, while immigration attorneys typically represent clients during administrative proceedings overseen by the U.S. Department of Justice, they can present cases in federal courts at all levels. They also handle circuit court and Supreme Court complaints after cases have been reviewed by the Board of Immigration Appeals—the highest administrative body within the immigration system.

• Is hiring an immigration lawyer worth it?

  Hiring an immigration attorney is generally a smart decision. Effective legal representation can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and help clients navigate complicated filing processes and deadlines. Lawyers can provide accurate, personalized advice consistent with current regulations. They can prepare effective applications and help clients  avoid application rejections or requests for additional information. Immigration attorneys help clients prepare for interviews, apply for waivers, and overcome various legal barriers. Immigration laws are notoriously complex and subject to change, and government agencies are favoring detention and deportation increasingly, which can make self representation risky.

• What questions should I ask an immigration lawyer?

  Initial meetings give prospective clients an opportunity to screen immigration attorneys and determine if an attorney can meet their needs. You should assess the lawyer’s level of experience as well as their history handling similar cases. Here are some useful questions to ask:

  • How can you help with my case?
  • What’s the best strategy in this case?
  • Can you check my immigration status?
  • How much will these services cost?
  • What is the best way to reach my immigration case manager?
  • What happens if I am unable to pay?
  • What is the next step?

• Can a lawyer help immigrant children who have been separated from their parents?

  Yes, immigration attorneys can petition Immigration and Customs Enforcement to release detainees and reunite children with their parents. In recent years, officials have separated thousands of migrant and asylum-seeking children from their parents, especially at border crossings. Attorneys affiliated with the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the American Immigration Council are actively fighting government policies through the Immigration Justice Campaign. In some cases, pro bono legal services are available to families who have been affected by parent-children separation.

• How can someone legally immigrate to the United States?

  Generally speaking, individuals who are visiting the United States for more than 90 days or are arriving from a non-waiver country must apply for a visa or green card. Visas enable individuals to remain in the United States temporarily for specific activities, such as studying, working, or traveling. Foreign nationals, including relatives of permanent residents and citizens, who wish to live in the United States permanently, must apply for a green card. Usually, travelers must secure documents at a foreign consulate before traveling to the United States. An immigration attorney can provide specific advice regarding different types of visas and eligibility categories, as well as updates on immigration policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• When do you need an immigration lawyer?

  In many cases, individuals can secure a visa or green card without a lawyer’s assistance. However, there are instances where legal representation is valuable. Businesses that would like to sponsor foreign workers should generally consult an immigration attorney to ensure that they’re complying with all employment laws. Individuals may need help from an attorney when facing bureaucratic delays, burdensome paperwork, deportation proceedings, or challenges related to previous violations or financial instability. Lawyers can step in any time that the process becomes too complex for an individual to handle independently.

• Are illegal immigrants eligible for federal assistance?

  No. Individuals must be legal immigrants to apply for federal welfare benefits such as Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and affordable health insurance. Eligibility depends on the immigrant’s status. For example, refugees are generally eligible for benefits, while other legal immigrants must be long-term residents with at least 10 years of work history. An attorney can provide more information and assist with the application process.

• Can I switch immigration lawyers during proceedings?

  Yes, it’s possible to change representation during an immigration case, especially if the attorney is inefficient or uncommunicative. However, immigration is a slow process, and your immigration attorney may not be responsible for the delays. Regardless of the reason for switching, it’s essential to notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to ensure that communications are forwarded to the correct representative. Individuals are also encouraged to report scams.

• Do I need an immigration lawyer to get a green card?

  Legal representation isn’t required to apply for a green card, but it’s helpful in many cases. The application process can be complicated, and you may fall into more than one eligibility category. Lawyers can determine which option will be the fastest, easiest, or cheapest. They can also help if you are facing challenges due to a criminal record or previous immigration violations.

• What can an immigration lawyer do for me?

  An attorney is a vital ally for immigrants who are starting a new life in the United States. These professionals can provide personalized advice, explain potential options, and help you choose the best course of action. In addition to guiding clients through the complex process of applying for a visa or green card, they help immigrants understand relevant rules and regulations, find employment opportunities, and proceed on the path toward achieving long-term goals, such as citizenship. Most importantly, qualified immigration attorneys can help clients avoid costly mistakes that may result in delays or denials.