Houston is one of the busiest immigration court cities in the country. The court handles removal cases, asylum hearings, cancellation of removal, and other proceedings involving people who are in the United States without lawful status or who have been placed in removal proceedings by the Department of Homeland Security. If you or a family member has received a Notice to Appear, understanding how the Houston Immigration Court operates is the first step. Where the Houston Immigration Court Is Located The Houston Immigration Court operates out of two locations. The main court is at 600 Jefferson Street, Houston, TX 77002....
Yes, TPS holders can get a green card — but Temporary Protected Status does not convert into permanent residence on its own. The path from TPS to a green card requires a separate qualifying basis: a family sponsor, an employer, an asylum grant, or another recognized category. How you originally entered the United States determines which route is open to you, and that single fact changes everything about the strategy. Key Takeaways Approximately 1.3 million people from 17 countries hold TPS, but fewer than 12% transition to lawful permanent residence within 5 years (DHS/SCOTUSblog, 2025). The Supreme Court's 2021 ruling...
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is one of the most important — and least understood — immigration protections available to vulnerable children in the United States. If you have a child who has experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents, SIJS may provide a path to permanent residence without needing a family sponsor or employer. At Vega & Associates, an experienced SIJS attorney guides families through every stage of this two-part process. Table of Contents What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)? Who Qualifies for an SIJS Green Card? The Texas State Court Order Required for SIJS...
Table of Contents What Is a U Visa Green Card U Visa Green Card Eligibility Requirements Three Years of Continuous Presence Explained Filing Form I-485 for U Visa Holders How Law Enforcement Cooperation Affects Your Case U Visa to Green Card Timeline and Processing Common Mistakes to Avoid What Is a U Visa Green Card A U visa green card is permanent residence for crime victims who helped law enforcement. You start with a U visa. This visa protects victims of serious crimes. After three years, you can apply for a green card. The U visa was created to help...
You got asylum approval. Now you wonder about your next step. The asylee adjustment of status process lets you become a permanent resident. This guide shows you how to file Form I-485 after asylum and what documents you need. So, when can you start the adjustment of status process? You must wait one year after your asylum grant date. After that, you can apply for a green card. The asylee adjustment of status timeline takes several months to complete. Adan G. Vega is a Texas Board-Certified Immigration and Nationality Law specialist. He has over 45 years of experience helping asylees...
Getting a green card after fleeing your home country can feel overwhelming. But refugees and asylees have a clear path. You can apply for your green card one year after your status is granted. This guide shows you exactly how. The green card process for refugees and asylees is different from other routes. You don't need a family sponsor or employer. Your refugee or asylee status itself qualifies you. This post walks you through every step. You'll learn the eligibility rules, required forms, and common mistakes to avoid. So you can plan with confidence and start your green card application...
Choosing between EB1 vs EB2 vs EB3 can feel overwhelming. Each green card category has different rules. Your education and work experience matter most. So does your priority date and processing time. The right employment-based green card path depends on your qualifications. EB-1 serves extraordinary workers and executives. EB-2 requires advanced degrees or exceptional ability. EB-3 accepts skilled workers with basic requirements. Each category leads to permanent residence through work. Adan G. Vega is a Texas Board-Certified Immigration Attorney. He has helped thousands get green cards since 1979. His firm guides clients through every EB category. This article explains EB1...
Employer green card mistakes can derail your case for months. Many companies lose top talent because of filing errors. You need to know what goes wrong before you start. The employment green card process has strict rules. One wrong form can cause a denial. Your employee waits years, then the case fails. Adan G. Vega is a Board-Certified Immigration Attorney in Houston. He has helped hundreds of employers sponsor green cards successfully. His firm knows how to avoid the mistakes that cause delays. This guide shows you the top employer green card mistakes in 2026. You will learn what to...
So, you want a green card through investment. The EB-5 investor green card lets you invest in a U.S. business and get permanent residence. Many people ask how this works. This guide explains the EB-5 investor green card in 2026. You will learn what forms to file. You will see what documents you need. You will know the costs and timelines. Adan G. Vega is a Board-Certified Immigration Specialist with over 45 years of experience. His firm has helped thousands of investors obtain green cards. Now, you can use this same expertise to plan your case. Table of Contents What...
The NIW green card lets you skip employer sponsorship. You apply on your own merit. Your work must benefit America. Many professionals qualify but don't know it yet. If you are searching for the best immigration lawyer Houston, TX has to offer, the attorneys at Vega & Associates are ready to help. Check the current fee schedule at uscis.gov before you file. A Houston immigration attorney can guide you through each step of this process. Attorney Adan G. Vega is Board-Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has helped thousands of professionals secure...