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Practices

Immigration

Family-based immigration, removal defense, and naturalization, with bilingual representation.

Immigration cases shape the future of entire families. We are a bilingual firm and we know what is at stake.

Our immigration practice covers family-based petitions, adjustment of status, removal defense, asylum, and naturalization. We file complete, well-documented cases and prepare clients carefully for every interview.

Bilingual representation in English and Spanish is available for every matter. Call us for an initial consultation.

Case types

What sets us apart

Why clients choose us for immigration

  • Bilingual filings and bilingual consults

    USCIS filings are in English, but every form is reviewed line by line in your language. You sign nothing you do not understand.

  • Same-attorney handling, no large-firm churn

    The lawyer who reviews your case at intake is the lawyer who appears at your interview or hearing. Your file is not handed to whoever is free that morning.

  • Removal-defense and affirmative experience

    Family petitions, naturalization, and DACA / TPS, plus master calendar and merits hearings at the Harlingen Immigration Court. Two very different practices, both handled in-house.

  • Plain-Spanish explanation of every deadline

    Priority dates, RFE windows, biometrics, master calendar settings - every USCIS or EOIR deadline gets put on your calendar and explained in writing.

Sub-areas

What we cover in this area

Our approach

What to expect when you hire us

  1. Eligibility evaluation

    We review immigration history, criminal history, family ties, and prior filings before recommending a path.

  2. Document collection

    Birth, marriage, divorce, and police certificates from multiple jurisdictions, with certified translations.

  3. Petition preparation

    We assemble a complete, well-documented petition with supporting affidavits and exhibits.

  4. Filing and tracking

    We file with USCIS or the immigration court and track receipts, biometrics, and interview notices.

  5. Interview preparation

    We prepare each client thoroughly for the USCIS or court interview, including mock questions.

  6. Decision and next steps

    We notify you of every decision and lay out the next move, whether that is approval, RFE response, or appeal.

What it costs

How we charge in this area

No surprise invoices. We put the fee in writing before you sign anything.

Immigration matters are billed at a flat fee per case type. Family petitions, naturalization, DACA renewals, and TPS re-registrations each have a defined fee in writing before you sign.

Removal defense in immigration court is also flat-fee per phase (master calendar, motion practice, individual / merits hearing). USCIS and EOIR filing fees are separate and paid directly to the government - they are not part of the firm fee.

Initial consultations are flat-fee. We tell you on the call whether your case is one we should take and what it will realistically cost.

Practical checklist

What to bring to the first meeting

Do not wait until you have it all. We work with what you have and we obtain the rest.

  • All passports (current and expired)

    For you and any beneficiaries.

  • Birth certificates (with certified translations if not in English)

    Bring whatever you have related to "Birth certificates (with certified translations if not in English)". If something is missing, we obtain it together during the case.

  • Marriage and divorce certificates

    Bring whatever you have related to "Marriage and divorce certificates". If something is missing, we obtain it together during the case.

  • Any previous USCIS receipts, approvals, or denials

    Bring whatever you have related to "Any previous USCIS receipts, approvals, or denials". If something is missing, we obtain it together during the case.

  • Your most recent I-94

    Available from i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

  • Any Notice to Appear (NTA) or immigration court paperwork

    Bring whatever you have related to "Any Notice to Appear (NTA) or immigration court paperwork". If something is missing, we obtain it together during the case.

  • Criminal history (dispositions for every arrest, even dismissals)

    Critical - certain convictions trigger removability.

  • Proof of physical presence

    Leases, school records, tax returns, utility bills, medical records, etc.

Cautions

Common mistakes people make

  • Filing without disclosing every arrest

    USCIS runs FBI fingerprint checks. A "minor" arrest from 2008 that you forgot to mention turns into a misrepresentation finding and a denial.

  • Leaving the U.S. while AOS or removal proceedings are pending

    Departure without advance parole can be treated as abandonment of an adjustment application or as self-deportation in court.

  • Letting status lapse before renewing

    DACA, TPS, work permits, and green cards all have renewal windows. Filing late can mean a gap in employment authorization and travel.

  • Hiring a notario instead of an attorney

    Notarios cannot file motions, appear at master calendar, or counsel on the immigration consequences of a criminal plea. The "savings" routinely cost the case.

  • Missing a master calendar hearing

    Failure to appear at EOIR almost always results in an in absentia removal order. Reopening it requires a separate motion with a tight deadline.

Critical windows

Deadlines you should know

  • Master calendar hearing

    On the NTA

    Notice to Appear lists the date. Failure to appear typically results in an in absentia removal order under INA 240(b)(5).

  • Response to Request for Evidence (RFE)

    Typically 87 days

    USCIS RFEs usually allow up to 87 days to respond. Late or incomplete responses lead to denial.

  • Naturalization eligibility (continuous residence)

    5 years (or 3)

    INA 316(a) - 5 years of LPR continuous residence, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen, with related physical presence requirements.

  • Asylum one-year filing deadline

    1 year

    INA 208(a)(2)(B) - generally one year from last U.S. entry, with limited changed-circumstance exceptions.

Common questions

Questions about Immigration

Should I file my immigration case on my own?

You can, but small mistakes on USCIS forms can cause years of delay or denials. An attorney spots issues before they become problems.

How long do family-based petitions take?

It depends on the relationship and the country. Spouse of a US citizen petitions are typically the fastest. Some sibling petitions take more than a decade.

Can I get a green card if I entered the US without inspection?

Sometimes. The analysis depends on family relationships, prior immigration history, and the availability of waivers. We review every option.

Will a criminal record affect my immigration case?

Often, yes. Some convictions trigger inadmissibility or deportability. We evaluate the criminal history before filing anything.

What should I do if ICE comes to my house?

You have the right to remain silent and the right not to open the door without a judicial warrant. Save our number and call as soon as it is safe.

Recent representative outcomes

Anonymized example outcomes

  • I-130 + I-485 adjustment for spouse of US citizen

    Lawful permanent residence approved at interview

    2024

  • Cancellation of removal in immigration court, McAllen

    Cancellation granted, removal proceedings terminated

    2023

  • Naturalization with prior dismissed charge

    N-400 approved after oath ceremony

    2024

Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future outcomes. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits.

Who handles these cases

Your attorney for immigration

J.M. Chema Garza

Attorney

J.M. Chema Garza

Founder, Attorney at Law

J.M. Chema Garza personally handles every immigration file at the firm - from the first phone call through the final signature. No rotating staff, no paralegals as your point of contact. The conversation is direct, in your language, and strategy is decided with you in the room.

  • Bar admissions

    State Bar of Texas · U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas · U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

  • Languages

    English · Español

Full biography

Resources

Related reading

Client voices

Trusted across the Rio Grande Valley

The attorney handled our matter personally from the first call. His knowledge of the valley and commitment to every client make the difference.

Firm client

Rio Grande City, TX

Past results do not guarantee or predict similar outcomes. Every matter is decided on its own facts and applicable Texas law.

Direct consultation

Ready to talk about your case?

Call the firm or schedule a consultation. We speak Spanish and English. Initial consultations are confidential.

Send a Message Call (956) 317-1167