Can a Lawyer Speed Up My Immigration Case?
The process of immigration in the United States is often long, challenging, and stressful. For individuals working through the immigration system in Texas, the wait times can be particularly burdensome, as the state is one of the busiest for immigration applications due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border and its large immigrant population.
Many individuals seek legal assistance to expedite their immigration cases, but one of the most frequently asked questions is whether hiring an attorney can speed up the process. Born and raised in India and having gone through the immigration system myself, I, Kavi Mathew, offer experienced services in immigration law in Dallas, Texas.
My law firm, M Mathew Law Firm, PLLC, is here to help you with your immigration case. Here are some factors that impact the speed of an immigration case, my role in the process as your lawyer, and strategies I may use to expedite your case.
The Immigration Process in Texas
Immigration law in Dallas, Texas, can involve a range of issues including family-based petitions, employment-based immigration, asylum applications, deportation defense, and naturalization applications.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) are the primary agencies responsible for handling immigration cases. Each agency has its own procedures, processing times, and priorities.
Processing times vary depending on the type of case. For example:
Family-based green cards: These applications generally take several months or years, depending on the country of origin and the specific family relationship.
Employment-based green cards: These cases can be faster or slower depending on the job, industry, and whether the applicant is subject to annual caps.
Asylum cases: Asylum applications are often delayed due to backlogs and security clearances.
Naturalization applications: U.S. citizenship applications usually take several months, but applicants may face additional delays if they have a criminal history or require additional background checks.
While the timelines for these cases are long, there are several reasons why applicants may experience delays. These reasons range from administrative backlogs and high volumes of cases, to delays in scheduling interviews or obtaining necessary documents. In some cases, individuals may experience delays that are beyond anyone’s control.
Expediting the Process
While I can play an important role in making sure that the case is handled efficiently, I can’t directly control how long an immigration application will take. Immigration law in Dallas, Texas, involves multiple agencies, many of which have their own schedules, priorities, and policies that may influence processing times.
Even though I can’t directly influence the speed of a government agency’s processing times, I can take specific steps that may help move the process along more efficiently or help avoid unnecessary delays. There are several ways that I may be able to help facilitate or expedite certain aspects of the process:
Expedited requests: USCIS and other agencies may agree to expedite a case under certain circumstances, but these are rare and typically involve urgent matters. I can request expedited processing if the applicant can prove that there is a compelling reason for urgency. For example, if an individual needs to be in the U.S. quickly for work or family reasons, I can help make the case for why expedited processing is justified.
Intervention with government agencies: I can directly contact the relevant government agencies to follow up on the status of an application, or to resolve issues such as missing documents or delays. In some cases, I may be able to get a faster response from these agencies compared to an individual applicant. However, this isn’t always a guaranteed way to speed up the case.
Faster resolution of requests for evidence (RFEs): If an applicant receives a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS, it can delay the entire process. I can help make sure that the response to the RFE is complete, correct, and submitted on time, which can help avoid unnecessary delays and potentially get the case back on track quickly.
Appeals and motions: If an application is denied or there is a problem with a case, I can help file an appeal or motion to reconsider. These actions can sometimes speed up the process by resolving issues more quickly than waiting for a new application to be processed.
Common Misconceptions About Hiring an Immigration Lawyer
Many individuals assume that hiring an immigration attorney will automatically speed up their case, but this isn’t always the case. Here are some common misconceptions about how lawyers can impact the speed of an immigration case:
Guaranteed speeding up of the case: While I can take steps to prevent delays and expedite certain aspects of the process, I can’t guarantee that the case will move faster. The timing of an immigration case is largely dependent on the workload and efficiency of the government agencies involved, and there is only so much I can do.
A lawyer can fix everything: Some applicants believe that hiring a lawyer means they won’t need to worry about anything related to their case. While I can handle many aspects of the case, applicants still need to cooperate by providing accurate information, attending interviews, and responding to any requests from USCIS or other agencies.
Faster processing in expedited cases: As previously mentioned, expedited processing is possible, but it’s rarely granted unless there is a truly compelling reason. I can help make a case for expedited processing, but there is no guarantee that the request will be granted.
Challenges That Could Slow Down Your Case
There are many factors that can slow down an immigration case, some of which may be out of my control. These include:
High volume of applications: Texas is one of the busiest states for immigration, and many agencies are overwhelmed with large volumes of cases. This can lead to significant backlogs and delays, and even my best efforts may not be able to expedite the case in such a situation.
Background checks and security clearances: Applicants may undergo security checks that can take months to complete. Delays in these processes are common and can significantly lengthen processing times.
Legal issues or complications: If your case involves any criminal history or unique legal issues, such as prior immigration violations, your case may take longer to resolve. In these situations, I may need additional time to collect evidence, work through legal issues, or appeal decisions.
Inaccurate or incomplete documentation: If the initial application is incomplete or contains errors, the case can be delayed significantly as the applicant may be required to resubmit documents or correct mistakes.
Changes in law or policy: Immigration law in Dallas, Texas, is subject to frequent changes, and if new rules or policies are implemented, it may slow down the processing of cases, as I need to adjust to the new requirements.
Contact an Experienced Immigration Lawyer Today
I, Kavi Mathew, can help you understand the intricacies of immigration law in Dallas, Texas, as well as in Richardson, Lewisville, Irving, Farmers Branch, Grand Prairie, Garland, and Mesquite.
My firm, M Mathew Law Firm, PLLC, will play a crucial role in making sure that your case is handled efficiently and correctly. To learn more about how I can assist in your immigration case, contact me today.