Asylum Attorney Katy

Legal Help When You Are Afraid To Return Home

If you fear going back to your home country and live in or near Katy, you may be wondering if asylum or another form of protection can help you stay safe in the United States. The laws are complex, and many people are unsure where to start or whether they qualify. At Galaviz Law Firm, PLLC, we guide individuals and families through these difficult decisions and help them understand the options that may protect them.

Our team focuses on immigration matters that affect real people, not just paperwork. We know that behind every asylum application there is a story of danger, loss, and hope for a different future. Attorney Abraham Galaviz grew up in an immigrant family, which shapes how we listen to our clients and how carefully we prepare their cases.

When you contact our firm, you speak with a team that treats your situation with respect and confidentiality. We walk you through each step, explain what to expect, and work to make sure you feel prepared before you attend interviews or immigration court hearings.

Why Immigrants in the Katy Area Turn To Our Firm for Asylum Help

People who come to us for asylum or other protection are living through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Many are worried about family members, trying to keep a job, and adjusting to a new community, all while carrying the fear of being sent back to danger. Our firm exists to stand with those families and to help them pursue safety through the immigration system.

Attorney Abraham Galaviz is the child of immigrants, and that personal history is part of the foundation of Galaviz Law Firm, PLLC. We understand how it feels to grow up between two countries and two systems, and we take time to listen to each person’s story with patience and respect. This background influences the care we bring to every asylum matter, from the first meeting to the final decision.

Preparation is at the center of our work. Asylum cases often rise or fall on details, consistency, and the way a story is told to an officer or a judge. We devote significant effort to reviewing timelines, documents, and country conditions with our clients, and to making sure they understand the questions they are likely to face. Our goal is to avoid surprises and to give each person a realistic picture of the road ahead.

Many immigrants also face criminal charges or past arrests that can create serious problems for asylum and other forms of relief. Our firm is able to address both immigration and related criminal defense issues, which allows us to look at the whole situation instead of treating each problem separately. For clients in and around Katy, that can be important when a criminal case and an immigration case are happening at the same time.

Understanding Asylum Protection & Who May Qualify

Asylum is a type of protection that may be available to people who are in the United States and fear harm in their home country. In general, a person must show that they were harmed in the past, or have a well founded fear of future harm, and that the harm is connected to certain protected reasons. These reasons include race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The law in this area is complex, and courts regularly discuss what these categories include.

Some people think their story is not important enough, or that what happened to them is “just crime.” In reality, the difference between a regular criminal act and persecution can depend on who committed the harm, why they did it, and whether the government was unwilling or unable to protect the victim. Two cases that look similar on the surface can lead to different results when all the details are examined. That is why a careful review of the facts and country conditions is so important.

Other forms of protection can sometimes help when asylum is not available. These may include withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture. Each of these has its own legal standards and consequences, including different rules about travel and future immigration options. During a consultation, we work to understand what happened to you, what you fear, and which types of protection might be worth exploring.

No website can tell you for certain whether you qualify for asylum. However, it can be helpful to speak with an immigration attorney who regularly deals with fear based cases and who is willing to take the time to hear your full story. We aim to provide that space for our clients and to give them feedback about the strengths and risks in their situation.

The Asylum Process, From Initial Contact To Decision

Even when someone believes they may qualify for protection, the process itself can be intimidating. Depending on how you entered the United States and your current status, your case may move through a USCIS asylum office or through an immigration court that hears removal cases. Each path has its own steps, forms, and important deadlines.

Asylum Applications With USCIS

For many people who are not yet in removal proceedings, the process begins with preparing and filing an asylum application with USCIS. After that, the government usually schedules biometrics so that fingerprints and photographs can be taken. Eventually, the asylum office may set an interview where an officer asks detailed questions about your history and fears. If the case is not approved and you do not have a lawful status, it may then be referred to immigration court for another review.

Asylum As A Defense In Immigration Court

If you already have a case in immigration court, asylum can often be requested as a defense to removal. In those situations, you typically file the application with the court and then present your case in front of an immigration judge. That process can include several hearings, testimony from you and possible witnesses, and review of documents and country reports. The rules about evidence and scheduling can be strict, and missing a deadline or a hearing can have serious consequences.

How Our Firm Guides You Through The Process

At Galaviz Law Firm, PLLC, we help clients understand which path their case is on and what the next step is likely to be. We pay close attention to the one year filing rule for asylum, because in many cases a person must apply within one year of entering the United States unless they fit into a limited exception. We also spend time preparing clients for interviews and hearings, reviewing their personal history, discussing sensitive topics in a respectful way, and helping them practice telling their story in a clear and truthful manner.

How Our Team Supports Asylum Seekers Living in Katy

Living in the Katy area while facing an asylum or removal case creates its own practical challenges. People are often trying to care for children, keep up with work, and participate in their community, all while receiving letters and notices from government offices that may be confusing. Having an immigration attorney nearby can make it easier to sit down in person, ask questions, and review documents together when that is helpful.

Many individuals who live in Katy have asylum interviews or other appointments scheduled at USCIS offices that serve the greater Houston region. Others must attend hearings at an immigration court in Houston that handles removal cases for this part of Texas. Travel, parking, and time away from work or school can become real concerns. Our firm is familiar with these logistics, and we take them into account when helping clients plan for important dates.

We also understand that families in Katy are building lives here, enrolling children in local schools and becoming part of the community. When we talk about asylum and related relief, we keep in mind what is at stake for the entire household. We discuss how different immigration options could affect spouses and children, and we work to keep everyone as informed as possible about what is happening in the case.

If you are looking for an asylum lawyer Katy residents can visit without traveling far, our team is available to meet with you and discuss your situation. We also use phone and video meetings when that is easier for a client’s schedule or transportation needs, while still maintaining personal attention and clear communication.

Addressing Complications, Criminal History, & Other Immigration Concerns

Some people who may need protection are afraid to speak with a lawyer because they have had past problems with the law or with immigration. They may worry that a prior arrest, conviction, or old removal order will automatically destroy any chance of staying in the United States. These concerns are understandable, but it is important to get legal advice before assuming that nothing can be done.

Certain crimes and prior immigration violations can have a serious impact on asylum and other forms of relief. In some cases, they may limit eligibility. In other situations, they change how the government or the judge views risk and discretion. The details matter, including the type of offense, the sentence, and how long ago it occurred. It is also important to understand exactly what happened in any previous immigration case.

At Galaviz Law Firm, PLLC, we work to analyze both the immigration and criminal sides of a client’s history. Because our firm handles immigration matters and related criminal defense issues, we can look at how the two systems may affect each other. Our goal is to identify potential problems early, explain them in clear terms, and discuss what options may still be available.

We also talk with clients about the risks and responsibilities that come with seeking asylum when there are complications. That can include discussing the possibility of being placed in removal proceedings, the need to appear at every hearing, and the importance of being honest about past events. By having these conversations upfront, we help clients make informed decisions about how to move forward.

What To Expect When You Work With Galaviz Law Firm, PLLC

For many people, contacting a lawyer is itself a stressful step. They may have heard stories about rushed appointments or about attorneys who do not return calls. Our firm works to provide a different experience, one that focuses on listening carefully and preparing thoroughly.

Your First Consultation

During an initial consultation, we invite you to share your story in a private setting. We ask questions to understand what happened in your home country, what you fear if you go back, and what your life looks like here. We also review any documents you may have, such as police reports, medical records, or past immigration paperwork. Our goal is to get a clear picture of your situation so we can talk about possible paths.

Building & Supporting Your Case

If you decide to move forward with us, we create a plan for gathering information and documents that may support your case. That can include arranging follow up meetings to go over your timeline, identifying potential witnesses, and researching country conditions. We work with you to prepare your application and to correct mistakes or gaps before anything is filed.

Ongoing Communication & Preparation

As your case moves forward, we strive to keep you informed about each step. Before an asylum interview or immigration court hearing, we prepare you for the types of questions you may hear and help you practice explaining your experiences in your own words. Throughout the process, we encourage you to ask questions whenever something is unclear. Our team’s immigrant background and commitment to preserving the American dream guide how we communicate and how we stand beside you in this journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my situation qualifies for asylum?

Whether a case may qualify for asylum depends on the specific facts of your story. In general, you must show that you suffered serious harm in the past or have a well founded fear of future harm in your home country, and that the harm is connected to one of the protected reasons written into the law. These reasons include race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. It is also important to look at whether your government was unwilling or unable to protect you. During a consultation, we review your history in detail and talk about how the law might apply to your circumstances.

What happens if I missed the one-year deadline?

The general rule is that a person must apply for asylum within one year of entering the United States. However, there are limited exceptions that may apply when circumstances change or when there are extraordinary reasons for the delay. For example, changes in conditions in your home country or serious personal events can sometimes affect the deadline analysis. Even if the one year rule appears to be a problem, it is often worth speaking with an attorney to see whether an exception or another type of protection might be possible. We help clients review their timelines and consider which options might still be available under the law.

Can you help if I already have an immigration court case?

Yes, our firm works with people who are already in immigration court and who may need to request asylum as a defense to removal. In those situations, we typically review the court file, past hearing dates, and any prior applications that were filed. We then talk with you about whether asylum, withholding of removal, or other relief might be appropriate in your case. If we move forward, we work to prepare you for future hearings, organize evidence, and explain what to expect when you appear before the immigration judge. Our goal is to help you feel as prepared as possible for each stage of the court process.

Will a past arrest or conviction ruin my asylum case?

A past arrest or conviction can create challenges, but it does not automatically end every case. The impact depends on several factors, including the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and what sentence was imposed. Some crimes can limit eligibility for asylum or other relief, while others may simply affect how an officer or judge views the case. At Galaviz Law Firm, PLLC, we look at both the immigration and criminal sides of your record, and we explain in plain language how they might interact. This allows you to make decisions with a clearer understanding of the risks and possibilities.

Can my spouse and children be included in my asylum case?

In many situations, a person who applies for asylum can include a qualifying spouse and unmarried children under a certain age who are in the United States. The rules depend on factors such as age, marital status, and where family members are physically located. If relatives are living outside the country, there may be separate processes available if the principal case is approved. During our meetings, we ask detailed questions about your family so we can explain how your choices may affect them. Protecting immigrant families is at the heart of our work, and we aim to help you consider the whole picture, not just your individual case.

How will your team help me get ready for my asylum interview or hearing?

Preparation for interviews and hearings is one of the most important parts of our work. We review your application and supporting documents with you, look for any gaps or inconsistencies, and discuss how to address them truthfully. We also talk through the types of questions you may hear from an officer or judge, and we practice answering them in a way that is clear and complete. Our goal is not to change your story, but to help you tell it in an organized and confident manner. Many clients find that this preparation can reduce anxiety and help them feel more in control when the day arrives.

Do I need to live in Katy to work with your firm on my asylum case?

You do not have to live only in Katy to work with our firm, but many of our clients live in this area or in nearby communities that are served by the same immigration offices and courts. Being close by can make it easier to meet in person when needed, especially before important interviews or hearings. At the same time, we also use phone and video meetings to serve people whose schedules or transportation make in person visits difficult. If your case is handled through the asylum office or immigration court that serves this region of Texas, our local knowledge can be helpful as we plan your next steps together.

Talk With Our Team About Your Asylum Options

If you or someone in your family is afraid to return to your home country and living in the Katy area, you do not have to face the asylum process alone. The laws can be confusing, and every decision can feel heavy, but speaking with a dedicated immigration team can help you understand where you stand and what paths may be open to you.

At Galaviz Law Firm, PLLC, we draw on our immigrant roots, our focus on preparation, and our commitment to protecting families to guide clients through complex protection cases. We take time to listen to your story, explain the process, and work with you on a plan that reflects your specific circumstances. Reaching out for advice is a first step toward greater clarity and control over your situation with an asylum attorney Katy residents can turn to for guidance.

To discuss your asylum options with our team, call (713) 597-5642 today.