Last Updated on: 17th July 2023, 07:18 pm

Navigating the Complex Process of Family Based Immigration? An NYC Immigration Lawyer Can Help

Immigrating to the United States on a family-based visa can be an incredibly complex and drawn-out process. Between petitions, applications, affidavits of support, and interviews, it’s a bureaucratic maze. One small mistake can ruin your chances.

This is where an experienced NYC immigration lawyer can make all the difference. I’m Todd Spodek, founder of Spodek Law Group, and my team has helped thousands of NYC immigrants successfully obtain green cards, visas, citizenship and other legal status.

When your future is on the line, you need an expert guide you can trust to get it right. Let’s explore some common family based immigration pathways and how a knowledgeable NYC immigration attorney can increase your odds of success.

Family Based Immigration Overview

There are several options for obtaining legal status based on family relationships, including:

Immediate relative petitions – For spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of adult U.S. citizens. Immediate access to green cards, no waitlist.

Family preference petitions – For married or adult children of citizens, siblings of citizens, and spouses/minor children of green card holders. Subject to annual caps and long waitlists.

K-1 fiancé(e) visas – For foreign fiancés of U.S. citizens to enter the U.S. and get married within 90 days.

VAWA petitions – For abused spouses and children of citizens or green card holders unable to safely divorce abuser.

Stepchild adoptions – For spouses to adopt their partner’s children and file immediate relative petitions.

Each process has unique requirements and pitfalls. A misfiled form or missed deadline can sabotage your case, sometimes permanently. This is where a NYC immigration lawyer’s expertise becomes critical.

How a NYC Immigration Lawyer Helps With Family Petitions

An experienced NYC immigration attorney will:

Determine the optimal visa strategy for your situation – We’ll review all options and craft a step-by-step plan tailored for you. Sometimes multiple petitions are required.

Handle all the paperwork and filings – Petitions, applications, supporting documents, affidavits, fee payments – we’ll prepare it all and ensure every “i” is dotted to avoid denials.

Collect evidence proving a bona fide relationship – Photos, testimonies, joint leases and bills, comingling of finances – anything that documents a real marriage or parent-child relationship, not just one to get a green card.

Represent you at immigration interviews – We’ll prep you on possible questions, then be by your side providing counsel at USCIS interviews should inconsistencies arise.

Advocate for case approvals and expedited processing – Where eligible, we’ll aggressively pursue faster processing based on emergencies like illness or loss of job.

Appeal wrongful denials – If USCIS incorrectly rejects your petition, we won’t let it end there. We’ll identify grounds for appeal and zealously fight the decision.

Renew expiring green cards – We’ll handle the paperwork hassles of renewing expiring 2 year conditional residence cards and 10 year green cards. No risk of lapsing status.

Defend against immigration fraud allegations – If USCIS suspects you of entering a “sham marriage” or fake adoption just for a green card, we’ll proactively gather all evidence and witnesses to refute accusations of immigration fraud.

With so much at stake – your life in America – can you really afford not to have a dedicated NYC immigration attorney in your corner? At Spodek Law Group, we offer personalized guidance and support so you can newly arrive and legally build your future here.

The Skilled NYC Immigration Lawyers at Spodek Law Group Can Help Your Family

At Spodek Law Group, our immigration practice focuses on reunifying families. From marriage green cards to adoption visas, longtime partners to separated parents and children – we assist clients through every step of the process.

Over the past 20+ years, our expert NYC immigration lawyers have helped thousands of happy clients. Here are just a few examples:

“My wife and I were distraught after her green card renewal was denied incorrectly. Todd filed an appeal and within a month got the decision reversed. His knowledge of the system is incredible.” – John M., Queens husband of green card holder

“As a gay couple, my partner and I faced discrimination filing for a marriage visa in 2015. Todd expertly prepared our evidence and coached us for interviews until it was finally approved. We’re now proud U.S. citizens.” – Lucas T., NYC spouse of immigrant

“Adopting my niece from Morocco took ages between the foreign proceedings, orphan petition and visa application. Todd’s team handled the mountain of paperwork and got her here safely in time for kindergarten.” – Leila B., NYC adoptive aunt

Let Spodek Law Group help your family realize the American dream. Call today at (212) 300-5196 to schedule a consultation with our compassionate and dedicated NYC immigration attorneys. Se habla español.