Many Texans are questioning whether the proposed 2,000 mile long border fence—which will cost $3.9 million per mile—is really an effective solution to immigration. The federal government has proposed the fence as a part of a comprehensive immigration bill. States such as NM, AZ and CA are not as opposed to the fence as the state of Texas, largely because the land in question in those three states is already publicly owned. The border land in Texas, on the other hand is largely privately owned farmland. Further, many Texans are not sold on whether the fence will actually work and favor an increase in border patrol personnel as an alternative.
Texas is in a unique position regarding immigration as a full 16% of the state's population consists of undocumented immigrants. Many feel the continued increase in immigrants could change the political landscape of the state as well, shifting the state from a mostly Republican state to a more Democratic one. While it is a sure bet that immigration will continue to be a hotly debated subject, those undocumented immigrants who are living in Texas under a cloud of fear deserve help from a knowledgeable Houston immigration lawyer.
Employment-Based Immigration
Those who want to come to the United States to work—either temporarily or permanently—need qualified legal help in order to wade through the massive amount of paperwork involved. Many have likened immigration law to tax law which gives a good idea of the complexities involved. In order to work legally in the United States on a permanent basis, an adjustment of status must be filed based on current, permanent employment. A labor certification from the Department of Labor must be obtained which then allows an American employer to file a petition to obtain an employment immigration visa. Temporary worker visas cover employment which is for a specific period of time and require prospective employers to file an Immigration Services Petition. There are a variety of immigration worker categories so it is important that you understand exactly which type you need to apply for.
Obtaining a Green Card through a Family Member or Marriage
Rather than applying for employment-based immigration, more than half a million others have pursued lawful permanent residency through relative sponsorship or marriage to a U.S. citizen. Those who choose this path should know that the closer the familial relationship, the more successful you are likely to be in your immigration application. There are no quotas in place for those immigrating through family members therefore this may be the most successful route to U.S. citizenship.
Approval for those seeking U.S. citizenship through marriage is neither automatic nor guaranteed as many believe. Such petitions actually come under heavy scrutiny by officials in order to determine whether the marriage is "real" or entered into as a means of gaining citizenship. Many forms must be completed whether the application is for family member or marriage and the fees can be significant. Having a qualified Houston immigration lawyer by your side from start to finish in the process can ensure your application is successful and occurs in a timely manner.
Texas is in a unique position regarding immigration as a full 16% of the state's population consists of undocumented immigrants. Many feel the continued increase in immigrants could change the political landscape of the state as well, shifting the state from a mostly Republican state to a more Democratic one. While it is a sure bet that immigration will continue to be a hotly debated subject, those undocumented immigrants who are living in Texas under a cloud of fear deserve help from a knowledgeable Houston immigration lawyer.
Employment-Based Immigration
Those who want to come to the United States to work—either temporarily or permanently—need qualified legal help in order to wade through the massive amount of paperwork involved. Many have likened immigration law to tax law which gives a good idea of the complexities involved. In order to work legally in the United States on a permanent basis, an adjustment of status must be filed based on current, permanent employment. A labor certification from the Department of Labor must be obtained which then allows an American employer to file a petition to obtain an employment immigration visa. Temporary worker visas cover employment which is for a specific period of time and require prospective employers to file an Immigration Services Petition. There are a variety of immigration worker categories so it is important that you understand exactly which type you need to apply for.
Obtaining a Green Card through a Family Member or Marriage
Rather than applying for employment-based immigration, more than half a million others have pursued lawful permanent residency through relative sponsorship or marriage to a U.S. citizen. Those who choose this path should know that the closer the familial relationship, the more successful you are likely to be in your immigration application. There are no quotas in place for those immigrating through family members therefore this may be the most successful route to U.S. citizenship.
Approval for those seeking U.S. citizenship through marriage is neither automatic nor guaranteed as many believe. Such petitions actually come under heavy scrutiny by officials in order to determine whether the marriage is "real" or entered into as a means of gaining citizenship. Many forms must be completed whether the application is for family member or marriage and the fees can be significant. Having a qualified Houston immigration lawyer by your side from start to finish in the process can ensure your application is successful and occurs in a timely manner.
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