Texas Immigration Attorneys Dallas Houston | New Immigration Deal Family Visa Lawyers Houston Dallas Bedford Texas

Alert: Notice: USCIS has recently announced plans to raise its filing fees, effective July 30, 2007. The fee increase, which will affect all applications for citizenship, green cards, and temporary visas, is the largest in the agency's history, with some fees more than doubling. There is still time to beat the fee increase. Call the Bailey & Galyen Immigration Department today at (817)359-7000, and get your papers filed as soon as possible.

New Immigration Deal may legalize millions of immigrants !

New Immigration Deal may legalize millions of immigrants !

Contact Immigration Attorneys for additional information and assistance. The telephones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dallas / Fort Worth Area: 1-800-529-8008 Houston Area: 1-866-715-1529

In a striking reach across party lines, the White House and key lawmakers agreed Thursday on a sweeping immigration plan to grant legal status to millions of people in the country unlawfully.The proposal constitutes a far-reaching change in the immigration system that would admit future arrivals seeking to put down roots in the U.S. based on their skills, education levels and job experience, limiting the importance of family ties. A new class of guest workers would be allowed in temporarily, but only after the new security measures were in place — expected to take 18 months.

The proposed agreement would allow illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a "Z visa" and — after paying fees and a $5,000 fine — ultimately get on track for permanent residency, which could take between eight and 13 years. Heads of households would have to return to their home countries first.

They could come forward right away to claim a probationary card that would let them live and work legally in the U.S., but could not begin the path to permanent residency or citizenship until border security improvements and the high-tech worker identification program were completed.

Family connections alone would no longer be enough to qualify for a green card — except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens. Strict new limits would apply to U.S. citizens seeking to bring foreign-born parents into the country.

Call Texas IMMIGRATION Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen for advice and Help

Contact the firm for additional information and assistance. The telephones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dallas / Fort Worth Area: 1-800-529-8008
Houston Area: 1-866-715-1529

Immigration - An Overview

Immigration law covers the procedures for entering the US, determines who is and is not eligible for entry, sets the rules for obtaining citizenship and deporting foreign nationals who violate US immigration or other laws. Immigration attorneys assist foreign nationals seeking to come to the US to study, travel, conduct business and work. They also help employers complete the application and certification processes to employ foreign workers for permanent and temporary positions. If you have an immigration-related issue, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.

Basic Immigration Laws

Since the first immigration act was passed in the 1950s, immigration law in the US has undergone many important changes and revisions. Changes in immigration law affect employers, visitors, students, business travelers and others seeking to live, work or travel to the US.

Government Agencies and Their Duties

More than one US government agency is involved with implementing and enforcing US immigration law and policy. Given the complexity of US immigration law, it is important to understand which federal agencies are involved with which types of immigration matters.

Visas

Those wishing to relocate permanently to the US and those desiring to visit the US for a temporary amount of time must apply and be approved for a visa prior to traveling to the country. There are many types of visas, and it is essential that the foreign national applies for the correct class of visa.

Removal

Removal occurs when the federal government formally removes an alien from the country for violation of US immigration or other laws. Once deported, an alien may lose the right to return to the United States, even as a visitor.

Immigration Resource Links

Visa Services: US Department of State
This State Department Web site provides information for acquiring permanent resident status in the US, including information on the different types of visas and how to acquire a family-based or employment-based visa.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Main US agency responsible for implementing and enforcing US immigration laws. The Web site provides information and links to forms for applying for visas, acquiring citizenship, sponsoring employees and family members, green cards and more.

Legal Information about Immigration
This set of resources maintained by the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University provides an overview of immigration law.

Admission into the US
Web site provided by the US Customs and Border Patrol, offering information to international visitors on the US admissions process. Provides links to the electronic system for travel authorization, application for advance permission to enter as a nonimmigrant and other important information for those entering the US permanently or as temporary workers, visitors or students.

Forms and Fees
This resource, maintained by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provides on-line access to immigration forms, including filing fee information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration

Q: Which family members may sponsor someone for a US visa?

A: A US citizen may sponsor a spouse, parent, sibling, minor child or adult child (regardless of marital status) for an immigrant visa. Additionally, aliens with legal permanent resident status (or a "green card") may sponsor a spouse or unmarried child.

Q: How can a foreign national gain legal permanent resident (LPR) status?

A: The two main ways a foreign national can gain LPR status is to be sponsored by 1) family member already living in the US as a citizen or legal permanent resident; or 2) an employer for a permanent, full-time employment position in the US. Foreign nationals also may be eligible to register for the diversity lottery and refugees may be able to resettle in the US or apply for asylum.