Immigration Lawyers in Houston - Alonso & Alonso Law Firm

Based on the type of questions most asked by clients, here are the answers to the most common questions applicants have about the immigration process. 

How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Houston?

The fees charged by an immigration lawyer in Houston depend on the level of experience, the type of petition, and the complexity involved in the immigration system for the appropriate immigration route for you. At Alonso & Alonso Law Firm, complete transparency about pricing is provided at the free initial evaluation. 

What should I bring to my first consultation?

The types of items that should be brought to the first consultation would vary, depending on whether it’s an employment-based, family-based, or humanitarian-based petition. However, typically, the following should be brought to the first consultation:

• Information about the aspiring immigrant, including details of any criminal record
• Financial documents (required for sponsorship)
• Proof of U.S. residence/citizenship (for sponsors)
• Details of any prior immigration petitions
• List of notes and questions 

Even if a few additional documents are required, it’s not a big deal. You still can get professional legal guidance from our Spanish immigration attorney in Houston.

Can you help if I have a criminal history?

Absolutely. Even if you have a criminal history, Alonso & Alonso Law Firm can help. In most cases, having a criminal record doesn’t directly disqualify you from getting a green card, although it does make the process more complicated. However, the Firm has helped several immigration applicants with criminal records, so we’ll be able to handle your case.

Does your team in Houston offer services in Spanish?

Certainly, Alonso & Alonso Law Firm has many native-Spanish speaking immigration lawyers in Houston, ensuring that language doesn’t become a barrier in the immigration process. 

How long do immigration cases take?

The overall time period for immigration petitions in Houston depends on the type of application, the legal status of the sponsor, and mistakes in the application, as well as the backlog of the center processing the application. 

The entire process can take anywhere between a couple of months and a few years.

How can I schedule a free evaluation with an experienced immigration lawyer in Houston?

You can easily schedule a free evaluation by calling our office directly or filling out the contact form on our website. During this initial, zero-cost evaluation, an experienced Houston immigration specialist will listen to your situation and ask questions to determine your eligibility for various immigration options. We provide honest guidance with no pressure, ensuring you understand all available pathways before committing to anything.

What types of family-based immigration cases do your Houston immigration attorneys handle?

Our Houston immigration attorneys specialize in a wide range of family-based petitions, including parent-child petitions, sibling sponsorships, and other qualifying family relationships. However, we do not handle spousal visas or fiancé visa cases. We take a family-centered approach to ensure you and your loved ones can achieve residency and build a secure life together in the United States, focusing on complex humanitarian cases and family reunification matters where we can provide the most specialized support.

Does your Houston immigration law firm offer representation for Green Card (Lawful Permanent Residence) applications?

Yes, absolutely. Our Houston immigration law firm has a successful track record of helping hundreds of applicants obtain legal permanent residency. We handle the entire Green Card application process, whether you are applying for Adjustment of Status (AOS) from within the U.S. or using Consular Processing from abroad.

I have a prior criminal history; can an immigration lawyer in Houston still help me apply for a visa or waiver?

Yes, our firm specializes in complex cases, including those involving criminal history. While having a criminal record complicates the process, we are skilled at handling criminal history waivers and other specialized legal solutions to reduce the impact of past mistakes and fight for your path to becoming a lawful permanent resident. We take on cases other attorneys often refuse.

How does a Houston immigration lawyer assist clients facing removal proceedings?

If you are facing removal proceedings, a dedicated Houston immigration lawyer from our team will provide an aggressive criminal defense when necessary, develop a customized defense strategy, and appear with you at all court hearings. We fight to protect your right to stay in the U.S. and have won even the most challenging removal cases.

Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?

When you consider that a single mistake on an application can lead to a permanent bar from the U.S. or years of family separation, hiring an immigration lawyer is an invaluable investment in your future. While there are upfront legal fees, the “cost of a mistake” is far higher—potentially resulting in lost filing fees, denied work permits, or even deportation.

An immigration attorney is worth the investment because we provide:

• A “Safety Net” for Your Family: We ensure your case is filed the first time correctly, preventing the 12–24 month delays caused by “Requests for Evidence” (RFEs).
• Access to Work and Travel: By streamlining your Work Permit (EAD) and Travel Parole applications, we help you gain legal income and see your loved ones again, after a long time faster than if you navigated the backlog alone.
• Protection Against Policy Changes: Immigration laws change frequently. We monitor these shifts to ensure your application remains compliant with the latest federal regulations.
• Creative Solutions for “Hard” Cases: If you’ve been told “no” before, a specialized lawyer can often find alternative paths—like U Visas or specialized waivers—that a non-lawyer would miss.

Does Alonso & Alonso Law Firm specialize in humanitarian cases like VAWA, U Visas, or T Visas in Houston?

Yes, our law firm specializes in offering comprehensive legal support for vulnerable individuals seeking safety and status. Our services include filing urgent applications for VAWA (for victims of abuse), U Visas (for victims of crime—subject to annual caps and current processing limitations), and T Visas (for victims of forced labor and human trafficking), handled with the care and compassion of our family-first approach. We’ll provide honest guidance about current processing realities and your best path forward.

Are the attorneys and staff at your Houston immigration law office fully bilingual in Spanish and English?

Absolutely. As a Latino family-founded law firm, we are proud to have native Spanish-speaking Houston immigration lawyers and staff who are fully fluent. This ensures that language is never a barrier, and we provide culturally competent legal guidance to the Houston Latino community.

Can your Houston immigration lawyers help me obtain a Work Permit (EAD) while my visa petition is pending?

Yes. Our Houston immigration lawyers help eligible immigrants secure a Work Permit, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). We review your eligibility, prepare, and file the necessary Form I-765 to ensure you receive temporary authorization to work in the U.S. while your main petition is being processed.

What documents should I prepare before my first meeting with an immigration lawyer in Houston, Texas?

To make your consultation productive, bring any relevant documents you have, such as previous applications, denial notices, passport copies, birth certificates, police reports (for U Visa or T Visa cases), medical records (if relevant), and any correspondence from USCIS or immigration courts. The more documentation you provide, the better we can assess your eligibility and create a clear strategy for your case.

How does an immigration lawyer in Houston facilitate Consular Processing for a family member living abroad?

We streamline the permanent residency process for family members outside the U.S. Our immigration lawyer in Houston coordinates with immigration authorities, prepares and files all required concurrent applications, and thoroughly prepares the family member for their consular interview to ensure the best possible chance of a successful outcome.

Where is the Alonso & Alonso Houston immigration lawyer office located, and is it near the Greenspoint Immigration Court?

Yes, our Houston office is located in the Intercontinental Park II business complex at 16701 Greenspoint Park Dr, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77060. We are strategically situated just steps away from the Greenspoint Immigration Court, making it incredibly convenient for clients with scheduled hearings.

Local Landmarks: We are located in the heart of the Greenspoint Business District, near the intersection of I-45 (North Freeway) and Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway). The building is near the Greenspoint Mall area and the North Houston District headquarters.

Driving Tips: Use the Beltway 8 Frontage Road or the Greenspoint Dr exit from I-45. Our building complex offers a large parking lot with dedicated visitor parking to ensure you aren’t late for your appointment or court date.

Public Transit: The office is served by METRO bus routes 6, 56, and 86, which stop at the Greenspoint Transit Center nearby.