Immigration FAQ
Get Answers from an Experienced Immigration Attorney
Immigration is a complicated and lengthy process that should not be attempted without
the guidance and counsel of an immigration lawyer. Hira Law PLLC has handled
all types of immigration cases and is more than capable of helping you
gain legal entry into the United States. Consult a Houston immigration
lawyer from our firm as soon as possible to learn exactly what we can
do for you. Attorney Hira handles each case himself and will gladly answer
any of your questions. Read through some of the most commonly asked questions
below before filling out our
case evaluation and speaking with an attorney who can help.
What are the different types of immigration visas?
There are dozens of different visas available for different purposes,
but these can all be categorized into nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.
Nonimmigrant visas include student visas, travel visas, and a number of
business visas. Immigrant visas are also known as green cards and can be obtained after
an immigrant has entered on a nonimmigrant visa and has met certain requirements,
or through
family-based immigration.
How can I get a green card?
The two most common ways of getting a green card are through family sponsorship
or by requesting an adjustment of status. If you have a family member
who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, he or she may be able to
sponsor you for entry into the United States and for permanent residency.
Otherwise, you can enter the country on a nonimmigrant visa and request
an adjustment of status. The process of obtaining a green card can be
very competitive since the government only gives out a certain number
each year, so do not hesitate to speak with an immigration lawyer as soon
as possible.
Can my family join me in the United States?
Once you have obtained citizenship or naturalization in the United States,
you may be able to sponsor your family members to receive green cards.
They may be able to enter the country on a nonimmigrant visa until a visa
number becomes available. If you are a green card holder yourself, you
can help your family members apply for green cards, but they must wait
for a visa number to become available before entering the country.
Do I need a visa to visit the United States?
Most Canadian citizens, as well as citizens from counties that are part
of the Visa Waiver Program, can enter the United States without a visa.
All you need is a valid, machine-readable passport. Visitors from all
other countries must obtain a travel visa, business visa, or other nonimmigrant
visa in order to visit the U.S.
What is naturalization? How do I become a citizen?
Naturalization is the process through which lawful permanent residents can become United
States citizens. After a green card holder has resided in the U.S. for
at least five years, you may be eligible to take the English and civics
tests, take an oath and become a naturalized U.S. citizen. You may also
become a naturalized citizen after three years of lawful permanent residency
if your spouse is a U.S. citizen.
How do I request asylum?
The U.S. offers
asylum to anyone who flees to the U.S. due to persecution. This persecution can
be due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social
group or political opinion. An immigrant can request asylum at their port
of entry and must file Form I-859, Application for Asylum and for Withholding
of Removal within a year of their entrance into the country.
Can I extend my visa?
In order to
extend your stay in the United States, you must file Form I-539, Application to Extend
/ Change Nonimmigrant Status before your current authorized stay date
expires. If you wait too long to file your request, you could be
removed from the country before your request is granted. Hire an immigration attorney
right away to help you complete and file your request on time.
Contact an Immigration Lawyer in Houston, TX
Hira Law PLLC has helped countless clients obtain legal entrance into the
United States. Whether you are visiting, looking for work, or applying
for permanent residency, we can help!
If you have additional questions, including questions about the Immigration
Reform Bill of 2013 — also known as the Border Security, Economic
Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act —
contact our firm. Attorney Hira has more than eight years of legal experience and speaks
multiple languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, German, French, and Spanish.
Request a
complimentary consultation with an immigration attorney who truly cares. We offer personal service
and comprehensive counsel for each of our clients.