Family reunification is the bedrock of the U.S. immigration system and the core of our practice. At Karen Torres Law, we provide compassionate and effective legal representation to unite families in Houston and across the country. The journey to a Family Green Card often begins with filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. We meticulously handle every step, from proving the validity of your relationship to preparing you for the final interview, minimizing stress and maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
Call us now at (713) 576-0400 to get started with a free, confidential review of your family’s case.
Why Choose Karen Torres Law for Family Petitions?
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Relationship Expertise: We specialize in gathering the compelling evidence needed to overcome USCIS scrutiny, particularly in sensitive marriage-based Green Card cases.
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Bilingual Communication: Our ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish ensures both the petitioner and the beneficiary clearly understand the legal nuances, documents, and interview preparation.
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Seamless Process Management: Whether your family member is adjusting status in the U.S. (I-485) or going through Consular Processing abroad, we manage the entire case flow efficiently.
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Financial Assurance (I-864): We prepare the mandatory Affidavit of Support (I-864) with precision to ensure all financial sponsorship requirements are met, preventing common Request for Evidence (RFE) issues.
Family-Based Immigration Services We Provide
We handle the full range of family-sponsored categories, including:
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Marriage-Based Green Cards: Petitions for spouses of U.S. citizens and permanent residents (Form I-130 and I-485/Consular Processing).
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K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas: Guiding U.S. citizens through the process of bringing their fiancé(e) to the U.S. for marriage.
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Petitions for Immediate Relatives: Sponsoring parents and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
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Family Preference Petitions: Processing petitions for married children, adult children, and siblings of U.S. citizens, managing Priority Dates and the Visa Bulletin.
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Waivers and Complex Issues: Addressing waivers of inadmissibility (e.g., I-601) due to unlawful presence or other issues.
How We Help You Step by Step
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Initial Assessment & Strategy: We determine if your relative qualifies as an Immediate Relative or falls under a Family Preference Category and define the path (Adjustment vs. Consular Processing).
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I-130 Filing & Evidence Compilation: We prepare the foundational petition, ensuring all documentation proving the family relationship is robust.
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Final Application & Affidavit of Support: We assemble the complete Green Card application package (I-485 or Consular forms), focusing heavily on the critical financial sponsorship (I-864).
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Interview Preparation: We conduct thorough mock interviews to prepare both the petitioner and beneficiary for the USCIS or Consular officer’s questions.
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Post-Approval Support: Guiding conditional residents (CR1) through the final step of filing Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence).
Why Family Petitions Matter in Houston
Houston is a mosaic of international communities where extended families are foundational. By securing Family-Based Green Cards, we are supporting the growth of strong, stable Houston households. Our work ensures that families are not separated by bureaucratic hurdles, allowing spouses to build lives together and children to be raised by both parents in the United States. If you are searching for an experienced Houston Green Card attorney, look no further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the difference between an Immediate Relative and a Preference Category? Immediate Relatives (spouses, minor children, and parents of U.S. Citizens) have a visa immediately available and do not have to wait for a Priority Date to become current. Preference Categories (married children, siblings, adult children) are subject to annual quotas and can involve long wait times, determined by the Visa Bulletin.
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What kind of proof do I need for a marriage-based Green Card? You must provide evidence that the marriage is bona fide (real), not just for immigration benefits. This includes shared financial documents (joint bank accounts, taxes), co-mingling of assets (joint leases, mortgage), children born to the marriage, and extensive documentation of your life together (photos, affidavits from friends/family).
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My spouse is currently living abroad. What process do we use? You will use Consular Processing. The I-130 petition is filed in the U.S., and once approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your spouse’s home country for the final interview.
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How do I handle the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)? The Affidavit of Support (I-864) is a legally binding contract where the petitioner (sponsor) promises to financially support the immigrant. It requires showing income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. We guide you through the complex income and asset requirements to prevent denials based on public charge grounds.
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If I received a Conditional Green Card (CR1), what is my next step? You must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, jointly with your spouse within the 90-day window before your Conditional Green Card expires. Failing to file the I-751 on time can result in loss of status and placement in removal proceedings.
Client Testimonials
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“The process for my wife’s Green Card was so smooth. Karen prepared us meticulously for the interview and everything went exactly as she predicted. We are finally together!” – Mark H.
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“I needed an expert to handle the Green Card petition for my mother, and Karen Torres Law was fantastic. Clear communication, fast filing, and the approval was quick.” – Sofia R.
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“We had a complicated case because of my prior divorce, but Karen handled the I-130 and I-485 with expertise, successfully proving the validity of our marriage.” – Samuel T.
