Moving to a new country can feel like starting an exciting adventure, but it can be tricky. You might need a special paper called a visa or a green card. Immigration lawyers in Texas are like helpers who know all the tricky rules.
How to Choose the Best Immigration Lawyers?
1. Experience & Recognition
We first looked for lawyers who have earned big honors. On Best Lawyers, only the top attorneys make the list each year after peers vote on who excels in immigration law.
We also checked Super Lawyers, which invites other lawyers to nominate and vote for the best in their field. These awards tell us these lawyers are trusted and respected by other experts who know the tricky rules.
2. Client Reviews & Success
Next, we read real stories from families just like yours. Websites like Justia show client ratings and comments about how lawyers helped them win visas or green cards.
We also peeked at Super Lawyers’ directory, where happy clients sometimes share quick notes of thanks. If a lawyer had many smiles and “thank you” messages, we knew they cared for their clients.
3. Special Focus Areas
Immigration law has many paths of work in America, reuniting with family and even seeking protection if life is hard at home. We chose lawyers who focus on different areas, like:
- Work Visas (H-1B, L-1)
- Family Green Cards (marriage or parent sponsorship)
- Citizenship & Naturalization
- Asylum & Humanitarian Cases
To ensure every family finds a lawyer who knows the right papers and forms for their journey, we checked resources from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) to see which attorneys specialize in each area.
4. Office Locations
Finally, we picked lawyers you can visit in person or talk to over video. We included top firms in big Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, so no matter where you live, there’s a friendly face nearby ready to help.
For example, Mark E. Jacobs in Dallas is just north of LBJ Freeway and Dallas North Tollway, while many others have offices in Houston’s busiest neighborhoods.
Top 10 Best Immigration Lawyers in Texas
1. Alexandre A. Afanassiev (Houston)
Firm: Gonzalez Olivieri LLC
Recognized since: 2020
What they do: Alexandre helps moms, dads, and workers apply for visas and green cards. He takes his time to explain every form in clear, simple words, just like telling a bedtime story.
Why we picked him: He’s been honored by Best Lawyers and has helped many families win their cases with a high success rate.
2. Kristen T. Burke (Houston)
Firm: Greenberg Traurig
Recognized since: 2016
What they do: Kristen guides people who work for U.S. companies and need special work visas to come here, or leave and return later. She’s an expert on company-sponsored visas.
Why we picked her: She’s known for her skill in outbound immigration and earns top ratings from grateful clients.
3. Uzo J. Mokolo (Houston)
Firm: Mokolo Law Firm, PLLC
Super Lawyer: Yes
What they do: Uzo helps families get green cards through marriage or relatives, and she defends people facing deportation.
Why we picked her: Her caring approach and crystal-clear communication make tough times feel safer.
4. Dax Deason (Houston)
Firm: Deason Law, PC
Super Lawyer: Yes
What they do: Dax specializes in business visas like investor green cards and breaks down complex rules into easy-to-follow steps for entrepreneurs.
Why we picked him: He turns paperwork puzzles into simple checklists.
5. Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch (Austin)
Firm: Lincoln-Goldfinch Law
What they do: Kate fights for families and children, focusing on asylum and humanitarian cases when people need protection.
Why we picked her: Her passion for justice shines in every story she helps write.
6. Mark E. Jacobs (Dallas)
Firm: Mark E. Jacobs, P.C.
What they do: Mark offers free first consultations and honest, no-jargon advice that families trust.
Why we picked him: Dallas families know they can count on his clear guidance and caring attitude.
7. Sandra I. Dorsthorst (Houston)
Firm: Foster LLP
Recognized since: 2018
What they do: Sandra handles employment-based visas and green cards for people coming to work in the U.S.
Why we picked her: Clients praise her friendly style and attention to every small detail.
8. Philip A. Eichorn (Houston)
Firm: Mehlman Jacobs
Recognized since: 2015
What they do: Philip guides families through green-card and citizenship applications, step by step.
Why we picked him: With many years of practice, he knows every twist in the road.
9. Jae Min Lee (Plano)
Firm: The Modi Law Firm, PLLC
Experience: 14 years
What they do: Jae Min offers one-on-one help for every stage of your case and even video calls for busy families.
Why we picked him: He treats every person like family, making sure everyone feels heard.
10. Mariana Ehrenberg (Houston)
Firm: SHEV Law Group, PLLC
Super Lawyer: Yes
What they do: Mariana specializes in naturalization and citizenship, helping people say, “I’m officially American!”
Why we picked her: Clients call her “kind,” “efficient,” and “always there to help.”
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Immigration Lawyers
When you’re picking your legal helper, these details can make a big difference:
1. Board Certification
Some lawyers, like Alfredo Lozano in San Antonio, are Board Certified in Immigration & Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This means they passed extra tests and are among the top 5% of immigration lawyers in Texas.
2. Language & Communication
Look for firms with Spanish‐speaking staff or other languages you’re comfortable with. Clear conversation helps you understand every step.
3. Fee Transparency
Ask if the lawyer offers a flat fee for common cases (like family‐based green cards) or an hourly rate. A clear price sheet avoids surprises later.
4. Pro Bono & Sliding Scale
Some lawyers give free or low‐cost help to families with limited income. It’s worth asking if they have a sliding‐scale fee program or take pro bono cases.
5. Professional Memberships
Membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) shows they stay up to date on changing rules and attend ongoing training.
6. Community Involvement
Lawyers active in local community clinics or nonprofits often have extra experience helping families in real-life situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does an immigration lawyer cost?
Most Texas lawyers offer a free first consultation. After that, fees can range from $1,500 for simple visa applications to $10,000+ for complicated cases. Always ask your lawyer for a clear price estimate.
2. When should I hire a lawyer?
It’s best to talk to a lawyer before you apply. Mistakes on your forms can cause big delays or denials.
3. What happens in my first meeting?
You’ll share your story, show your papers, and ask questions. The lawyer will explain your options and next steps.
4. Can I switch lawyers if I’m not happy?
Yes. You can change lawyers at any time. But tell your current lawyer you’re leaving, and make sure your new lawyer gets your file.
5. Do I need a local lawyer?
It helps to pick someone who knows Texas rules and courts. But many lawyers also work with out-of-state clients via video calls.
Conclusion
Choosing the best immigration lawyer in Texas can feel like finding a friendly guide in a big maze. We’ve introduced ten lawyers who stand out for their kindness, awards, and success helping families like yours.
Whether you live in Houston, Dallas, Austin, or Plano, one of these experts is ready to hold your hand through the visa and green-card journey. Remember, a good lawyer makes sure you feel heard and supported at every step. Reach out, ask questions, and take the first step toward your new American dream!
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