Immigration

Family visas, green cards, work authorization, humanitarian relief, and naturalization — with Spanish-speaking staff and a cross-practice advantage that connects your immigration case to business formation and estate planning when it matters for your long-term future in Indiana.

Your Future Here Starts With the Right Legal Guidance

Immigration touches every part of a person's life — work, family, the ability to plan for the future. Our immigration practice is led by attorney Patty Xidias, a first-generation American, AILA member since 2014, and someone who understands from personal experience what it means to build a life in a new country. We handle family-based petitions, green cards, naturalization, employment authorization, and humanitarian relief including VAWA, U Visas, T Visas, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

Each of the services below addresses a specific stage of the immigration process. Where you start depends on your current status, your goals, and your family's situation — and our Spanish-speaking legal staff can help you through every step. That's where the conversation starts.

Green Cards

Secure lawful permanent resident status through family sponsorship, employment, or other qualifying pathways — with guidance through every step of the green card process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about immigration law and the process of building legal status in the United States.

How long does it take to get a green card through a family petition?

It depends on the relationship and the beneficiary’s country of birth. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens — spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents — have no annual cap, and cases typically take 12 to 24 months on average from filing to approval. Other family categories are subject to per-country quotas that can mean wait times of several years or longer. We review your specific situation during the initial consultation and give you a realistic timeline based on current processing and visa bulletin data.

What types of visas are available for family sponsorship?

U.S. citizens can petition for spouses, children (married and unmarried), parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents can petition for spouses and unmarried children. Each category carries different processing times and requirements. Some family members may also qualify for derivative status, meaning they can be included on a primary petition. We evaluate the full family picture to determine the fastest and most secure path.

What happens if my immigration case is denied?

A denial is not necessarily the end. You typically have the right to file a motion to reopen or reconsider with the same office, or to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals or the Administrative Appeals Office, depending on the case type. Deadlines are strict — often 30 days or fewer — so acting quickly matters. In some situations, refiling a stronger application is the better option. We review the denial notice, identify the reason, and advise on the most effective next step.

Can I work while my immigration case is pending?

Not automatically, and it does depend on the process you are eligible to file under. That said, certain pending applications — including adjustment of status (Form I-485), asylum, and some humanitarian petitions — allow you to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Processing times for EADs vary, and some applicants qualify for expedited processing. We file your work authorization application alongside your underlying petition whenever the law allows, so there’s no unnecessary gap in your ability to support your family.

What are the requirements for U.S. citizenship through naturalization?

Generally, you must have held lawful permanent resident status for at least five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen), maintained continuous residence and physical presence in the United States, demonstrated good moral character, and passed an English and civics exam. There are exceptions for certain military members, elderly long-term residents, and applicants with qualifying disabilities. We help you confirm eligibility, prepare the application, and get ready for the interview.

Can a criminal charge affect my immigration status?

Yes, and sometimes in ways that aren’t obvious. Certain criminal convictions — including some misdemeanors — can trigger removal proceedings, bar you from naturalization, or make you inadmissible if you travel outside the United States. Even an arrest without a conviction can complicate pending immigration applications. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges and holds any immigration status, talk to an immigration attorney before entering a plea. The criminal defense attorney may not be aware of the immigration consequences.

What immigration options are available for DACA recipients?

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) provides temporary work authorization and protection from removal, but it does not confer lawful immigration status on its own. Some DACA recipients may have pathways to permanent residence through family-based petitions, employer sponsorship, or other relief — depending on how they entered the country and their individual circumstances. Because the program’s future has been subject to ongoing legal challenges, we recommend that current DACA holders explore all available options while maintaining their renewals.

How should I prepare for my immigration interview?

Bring originals of every document you submitted with your application, plus any updated evidence — recent tax returns, pay stubs, new family photos, joint financial records. Review your application so the details are fresh; inconsistencies between what you wrote and what you say in the interview raise red flags. For marriage-based green card interviews, both spouses attend together and should be prepared to answer questions about daily life, finances, and how the relationship began. We prepare every client with a detailed review before the interview date.