Houston Family Immigration Lawyer
Keeping Families Together in the United States
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), family immigration allows eligible individuals to act as sponsors for family members obtaining immigration visas. This process can be confusing, time-consuming, and overwhelming.
It is important to ensure your application is not delayed or denied due to errors or omissions. To that end, it is vital that you seek the help of a trusted immigration attorney.
You can turn to the Galaviz Law Firm, PLLC with confidence for assistance with this process. Our Houston family immigration attorney has an in-depth knowledge of immigration law. He also has a personal passion for bringing and keeping families together. Read our Case Results and Reviews!
Connect with our immigration law firm for the help you need. Contact us by calling (713) 597-5642 or through our online request form today.
How Does Immigration Work for Families?
Current U.S. immigration law allows citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their family members. These family members can obtain a green card for lawful permanent residence in the U.S.
The process for family-based immigration involves providing all necessary paperwork and documentation, meeting deadlines, filing fees, and more. Different requirements exist depending on the familial relationship between the sponsoring immigrant and their family member.
Under the law, two groups of visa categories exist for family-based immigration:
- Visas for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
- Family preference visas for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
Immediate Relatives for U.S. Citizens
Immediate relative visas are unlimited, meaning that there is no limit to how many visas may be approved through the system in any year. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens include
- Spouses
- Unmarried children under the age of 21
- Orphans adopted abroad or orphans to be adopted in the U.S.
- Parents of U.S. citizens over the age of 21
Family Preference Visas
Family preference visas are limited, however. When the quota has been filled, no further visas may be obtained for that year. Family preference visas can be awarded to:
U.S Citizens can file for:
- Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children
- Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children
- Siblings of U.S. citizens, their spouses and children (U.S. citizen must be at least 21)
U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents can only file for:
- Spouses
- Minor children and unmarried children age 21 years and older
Those who cannot sponsor a family member for immigration include grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins.
Work with a Skilled Lawyer to Keep Your Family Together
At Galaviz Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the stress involved in handling the immigration process. This stress can be amplified when it concerns loved ones. That is why we work tirelessly to help bridge the gap in assisting our clients throughout the entire proceeding.
As the son of parents who emigrated, our Houston family immigration attorney knows how deeply important your visa petition will be to your future. He is committed to helping you achieve its success.
Find out more about how we can help you achieve your immigration goals. Contact our Houston law office online or at (713) 597-5642 today to get started.


Client Testimonials
You're not alone - See what others are saying-
Thanks Galaviz you beat the case!
“This is a young honest lawyer that won’t hesitate to go above and beyond. The reason I’m saying this is because, I went to other lawyer agency’s and they told me my case would be difficult, expensive ...”
- Leo G. -
We guarantee you; you hire Galaviz, he will have your best interest at heart.
“My husband is a UNITED STATE NATURALIZED CITIZEN and Galaviz is to thank for his honesty, hard work, and patience.”
- Marivel H. -
Mr. Galaviz gave me the hope I lacked at times and thanks to all his hard work and dedication my husband is now home with us.
“He answered all my questions and was honest with me.”
- Christin K. -
Thanks to Mr.Galaviz, our family is complete again!
“Thanks to Mr.Galaviz, our family is complete again!”
- Cindy M. -
Thank again for helping my mother get her residency.
“What can I say such an amazing lawyer!”
- Ericka H.
The Results that Matter
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Charge Reduced Released on Bond
Judge grants a reasonable bond after proving client was not subject to mandatory detention for previous criminal history.
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Charge Reduced Removal Defense / Adjustment of Status
Case terminated and Lawful Permanent Resident status granted for the wife of U.S. Combat Veteran.
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Case Dismissed Arrested for Possession of Marijuana
Arrested for possession of 1,300 pounds of marijuana and in danger of deportation.
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Lawful Permanent Resident Keeps Green Card Possession of 862 Pounds of Marijuana.
Client was arrested and convicted of Possession of more than 800 pounds of Marijuana in the Rio Grand Valley, and sentenced to several years in State Jail.
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Lawful Permanent Resident Keeps Green Card Medicaid Fraud - Loss was more than $10,000
Immigration Officials placed Client in removal proceedings because she had previously been convicted of Medicaid Fraud – more than $10,000, which is an aggravated felony.
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Lawful Permanent Resident Status Won Alien in Possession of Firearm - Aggravated Felony
Client was arrested and charged in Federal Court for the offense of Alien in Possession of a Firearm – an Aggravated Felony for immigration purposes.
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Lawful Permanent Resident Keeps Green Card Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer
Immigration Officials placed Client in removal proceedings because of a previous conviction for – Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer.
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Charges Dismissed Client Released from Custody Practice Area Removal Defense / Immigration Detention
Accused with 3 DWI charges and in danger of being deported after being a permanent resident for 34 years.

Having parents who have gone through the immigration process, has not only allowed us to be more compassionate and understanding but has also given us a more competitive advantage. Our success rate speaks for itself. We're here to help you.