Houston Immigration Lawyer & Attorney, Immigration Law Firm TX

Immigration

Immigration Bonds, Naturalization & Deportation Defense Houston

Full-Service Immigration Lawyer in Houston, Texas

Attorney Ricardo De Lara is an experienced immigration lawyer in Houston, TX, assisting families with legal matters concerning citizenship, immigration bonds, deportation defense, green cards, and more.

    Do You or a Family Member Need Immigration Legal Services?

    When you need the best immigration lawyer in Houston, Texas, you need Houston Immigration Attorney Ricardo De Lara on your side.

    Don’t face the U.S. Immigration System alone – get in touch with us today.

    The De Lara Law Firm, PLLC is a highly respected Houston-based immigration law firm. Attorney Ricardo De Lara helps people navigate the complicated U.S. immigration laws and procedures.

    Our experienced immigration attorney in Houston is committed to providing high-quality legal services for every client.

    At the De Lara Law Firm, PLLC we offer a one-on-one consultation with a lawyer who is highly experienced in U.S. immigration law. Give us a call today or fill out our easy online form to schedule your consultation.

    How Our Houston Immigration Lawyer Can Help You

    We understand that the current U.S. immigration system can be confusing and intimidating. The process is constantly changing, and the number of factors involved can make it overwhelming, but we are here to help you every step of the way.
    Houston Immigration Lawyer Ricardo De Lara has helped many families with the following immigration legal services.

    Immigration Bonds

    The number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests are on a steady increase in recent years. In 2019, around 143,000 immigrants were arrested by ICE. It’s a traumatic experience when a loved one is in custody on immigration charges. You’re not sure when you can see them again, or if they can stay in the country. The good news is they may be eligible for an immigration bond.
    When United States immigration officers detain you, a bond may be your ticket to going home quickly. Although immigrants are not U.S. citizens, they still have certain rights under the law. Simply put, an immigration bond is a financial payment that secures the release of a person detained by ICE.
    However, if your loved one is granted an immigration bond, it does not mean the deportation case is over. The individual being released must agree to attend all court hearings and follow the judge’s orders.

    How to Obtain an Immigration Bond

    To obtain a bond hearing, an individual must submit a request for a bond hearing in immigration court. If you are not eligible or if the judge does not grant the application, no hearing will be held. The detainee will need someone who is over 18 and with legal status in the U.S. to pay the immigration bond. The minimum amount of an immigration bond in the U.S. is $1,500. If the detainee is considered a flight risk, the bond amount will increase.
    A detainee is eligible for an immigration bond if he or she can prove that they are not a flight risk or danger to the community upon release. In some cases, when a detainee has past criminal convictions, ICE may refuse an immigration bond.

    There are several rules and regulations surrounding immigration bonds, and the ability to post bonds is not promised in all circumstances. Without legal guidance, it can be quite challenging for an immigrant or their relatives to negotiate bail effectively.

    The bond hearing process can be a frustrating and intimidating experience. Let us put our experience and understanding of immigration law to work for you during what is likely one of the most stressful times in your life. Call Attorney Ricardo De Lara for a consultation today!

    ICE Holds

    If you or a loved one has been arrested by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you need to act quickly. An experienced immigration bond lawyer may be able to help get your family member released from detention.
    Let Houston Immigration Attorney Ricardo De Lara help you. We know what it takes to challenge an ICE arrest, and we’re ready to fight for you. Reach out today to speak with an attorney.

    Deportation Defense

    Are you an immigrant living in the U.S. and facing deportation or removal? The Immigration process can be overwhelming for both immigrants and their families. Deportation and removal are umbrella terms for formal processes that remove aliens from the United States.
    When you’re fighting immigration charges or when the government is trying to deport you for criminal charges, your first line of defense is the experienced legal representation from a Houston deportation attorney.

    Having a skilled immigration lawyer on your side can make a big difference in your case. Here at the De Lara Law Firm, PLLC we’ve successfully defended hundreds of immigrants. Connect with us today to speak with an attorney and learn more about deportation defense.

    Houston Deportation Defense Help

    Attorney Ricardo De Lara has helped many people with the following legal matters related to deportation defense:

    Cancellation of Removal

    Cancellation of removal is an immigration benefit that allows permanent residents and nonpermanent residents to apply to an immigration judge to adjust their status from that of a deportable alien to one lawfully admitted for permanent residence. This can be accomplished when certain conditions are met.

    Asylum

    The legal process allows someone who feels their life is in danger to seek refuge in a safer country. Under U.S. and international law, if a person reaches any U.S. border “with a well-founded fear of persecution for reason of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group, who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence,” they may apply for asylum.

    Appeals

    If you get an unfavorable ruling you may be able to appeal your deportation case. The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) interprets and applies immigration laws. The BIA hears appeals from decisions by immigration judges. Matters the BIA can review include:

    • Removal, deportation, and exclusion orders
    • Asylum
    • Withholding of removal/deportation
    • Exclusion of aliens applying for admission to the U.S.
    • Petitions to classify the status of alien relatives for the issuance of preference immigrant visas
    • Motions to reopen and reconsider prior decisions
    • Denial of bond or parole

    Naturalization & Citizenship

    When you’re looking to obtain citizenship, it’s a good idea to retain legal counsel. The naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen is often long and complicated. An immigrant must apply for naturalization, file Form N-400, and satisfy all other requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

    What is the Naturalization Wait Time?

    The naturalization processing time, from the time you file your citizenship application to when you attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, is between 18 and 24 months.

    How Much Does it Cost to Apply for Naturalization?

    The current government filing fee for naturalization applications is $725, including $640 for processing and $85 for biometrics services. Applicants aged 75 and older are exempt from the biometrics fee.

    Who is Eligible for Naturalization?

    There are a number of factors that will determine your eligibility for naturalization.
    • How long you’ve had your green card
    • How long you’ve physically lived in the United States
    • Whether you’ve served in the U.S. military and whether your service was during peace or wartime
    Naturalization Attorney Houston

    What is the Naturalization Process?

    Step 1: Application for Naturalization

    The first step is to file an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) and pay the filing fee. You can fill out and mail a paper application or complete it online.

    Step 2: Biometrics Appointment

    The next step is setting up your biometrics appointment. During this appointment, you’ll have your fingerprints taken at your local USCIS field office. The fingerprinting is done to conduct a background check and takes place about one month after your application is received.

    Step 3: Citizenship Interview and Exam

    The citizenship interview typically takes place around 14 months after filing your application. During the interview, a USCIS officer will verify the information on your application. The interview will take place at the nearest USCIS office.
    The USCIS officer will also give you a two-part naturalization test (unless you qualify for an exemption). The first part is an English language test that evaluates your written and spoken English skills. The second test assesses your knowledge of U.S. history and how the government works.

    Step 4: Oath of Allegiance

    After your application is approved, you will attend an oath of allegiance ceremony. You are not a U.S. citizen until you have taken the Oath of Allegiance.

    Naturalization and Citizenship Houston Attorney Help

    At De Lara Law Firm, PLLC we want to make your citizenship process as simple and straightforward as possible. Our experienced immigration attorney in Houston, TX, can help you through every step of the naturalization process, including helping you file forms N-400 and N-600.

    With our experience in immigration law, along with our passion for excellence, we will handle your naturalization or citizenship application with the care and professionalism required by the government. You can trust us to take care of the details and make sure your documents satisfy all the requirements.
    Schedule a consultation to have an attorney review your case and discuss your legal options with you. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form today.

    Family-Based Immigration

    The United States maintains strict laws when it comes to immigration. For many foreign nationals, the easiest path to obtain United States citizenship is through sponsorship by a family member.
    Parents, children, and siblings of U.S. citizens are often eligible for permanent residency. There are currently no limitations on visas for immediate relatives. However, the number of visas issued for other certain family members is limited each fiscal year.

    Who is Eligible to Sponsor a Relative for a Green Card?

    A sponsor must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. The sponsor generally must live in the United States, a territory or possession, unless you live abroad temporarily and your permanent residence is still in the U.S.
    Family Based Immigration Lawyer Houston

    What are Sponsor Obligations?

    A sponsor must sign a legally binding affidavit of support for the Beneficiary, guaranteeing that the Sponsor maintains the standard of living of the intended immigrant at a level not lower than 125% of the national poverty level. This obligation continues until the Beneficiary has become a U.S. citizen or has worked in the United States for 40 qualifying quarters (about ten years).

    What Relatives Can You Sponsor if You’re a U.S. Citizen?

    If you are a U.S. citizen, you may petition for a green card for the following relatives:
    • Husband or wife
    • Children, whether married or unmarried, no matter what age
    • Brother or sister, if you are at least 21 years old
    • Parent, if you are at least 21 years old

    What Relatives Can You Sponsor if You’re a U.S. Permanent Resident?

    If you are a lawful permanent resident, you may petition for a green card for the following relatives
    • Husband or wife
    • Unmarried children

    Houston Family-Based Immigration Attorney

    If you are applying for a family-based green card or visa, you must ensure that all of your immigration paperwork is accurately completed to prevent potential delays and issues. A skilled attorney can help guide you through the complex immigration process.
    De Lara Law Firm, PLLC is ready to help you and your family members with visas. Whether you’re seeking a family-based immigration visa or a green card, we take the time to craft a solution for your unique case. Our immigration attorney in Houston can also assist your spouse, fiancé, and children with visas. We help our clients with the entire process, including:
    • I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
    • I-485 Adjustment of Status
    • I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions
    • I-90 Green Card Renewal or Replacement
    • Waivers

    Contact Our Immigration Lawyer in Houston for Your Consultation

    If you’re looking for the right attorney to help you with your immigration issues, give us a call today. Attorney Ricardo De Lara is ready to help you with the complicated immigration processes.

    The consultation is easy, and our office is conveniently located in Houston, Texas. To meet with an attorney for a case review, fill out our easy online form or give us a call today!