Houston Family Immigration Lawyers

Understanding Family Immigration and Green Cards in the United States

Family‑based immigration is one of the most common paths for foreign nationals to obtain lawful permanent residence, often called a green card. A green card allows an immigrant to live and work in the U.S. permanently, and in many cases, it is the first step toward U.S. citizenship. 

To begin the process, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) must generally file a petition for alien relative (Form I‑130) on behalf of the qualifying family member. This petition establishes the family relationship and starts the immigrant visa process. 

There are two major classifications of family immigration:

• Immediate relative categories: for the closest family members of U.S. citizens

• Family preference categories: for extended family members who qualify but are subject to annual numerical limits

These categories determine how quickly a visa can be obtained and whether an applicant can seek adjustment of status in the United States or must go through consular processing abroad. 

Immediate Relative Categories

Immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen include:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens

• Unmarried children under age 21 of U.S. citizens

• Parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older

Because these categories are not subject to numerical caps, visas are generally available as soon as the paperwork is approved. This makes immediate relative petitions one of the fastest routes to a green card. 

For a spouse, this might involve proving the legitimacy of the marriage, gathering joint financial and personal documentation, and preparing for interviews with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or at a U.S. consulate if the spouse is abroad.

Immediate relatives may sometimes file for adjustment of status if they are already in the U.S. legally. This process lets them stay in the country while USCIS reviews their green card application, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.

Family Preference Categories

When the family relationship does not qualify as immediate relative, the case falls into family preference categories. These categories have annual limits on the number of visas available, which typically leads to priority dates and waiting periods that can last years depending on the relationship and the beneficiary’s country of chargeability. 

Below are the main family preference classifications:

• First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and older) of U.S. citizens

• Second Preference (F2A and F2B):

  • F2A: Spouses and unmarried minor children of permanent residents

  • F2B: Unmarried adult sons and daughters of permanent residents

• Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters (any age) of U.S. citizens

• Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, provided the sponsoring citizen is at least 21 years old.

Unlike immediate relatives, visas in these preference categories are limited each year. The date USCIS receives the I‑130 petition establishes the applicant’s priority date, which determines when they are eligible to move forward with a green card application or adjustment of status. 

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

Once a petition is approved and a visa is available, the family member can pursue one of two immigration paths:

Adjustment of Status

Adjustment of status applies when the beneficiary is already physically present in the U.S. and qualifies to change their current lawful status, such as a visitor, student, or temporary worker, to that of a permanent resident. They file Form I‑485 to register for permanent residency.

To be eligible for adjustment of status as a family preference immigrant, the person must:

• Be physically present in the U.S.

• Have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the U.S.

• Be eligible to receive an immigrant visa at the time of filing

• Have a qualifying family relationship that continues to exist

• Be admissible to the U.S.

Adjustment of status allows many applicants to remain in the U.S. while the application is pending, often with work authorization and travel permission during the process.

Consular Processing

If the beneficiary is outside the United States or not eligible to adjust status in the U.S., they must undergo consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Consular officers conduct interviews, and if approved, issue an immigrant visa that allows the beneficiary to travel to the U.S. and obtain a green card upon arrival.

An experienced family immigration lawyer can help determine the most strategic path for your situation based on eligibility, timing, and immigration history.

Why Do I Need a Houston Family Immigration Lawyer?

Even when the law seems straightforward, immigration applications involve strict requirements, complex definitions, and detailed supporting evidence. A knowledgeable family immigration attorney brings these key benefits: 

1. Deep Knowledge of Immigration Law

Family immigration is governed by statutes, regulations, and policy interpretations. From eligibility rules to documenting a genuine spousal relationship, the process requires precision and legal insight.

2. Accurate and Timely Filings

Mistakes on forms like the I‑130 or I‑485 can delay your case or even lead to denials. A trusted attorney ensures that all paperwork is complete, accurate, and filed on time.

3. Personalized Strategy

Every case is unique. Your lawyer can identify potential problems, like inadmissibility issues or priority date backlogs, and recommend strategies to advance your case.

4. Interview and Hearing Preparation

USCIS interviews can be stressful. A lawyer helps families prepare, understand what to expect, and advocate effectively.

5. Representation and Advocacy

If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) or denies an application, a skilled lawyer can respond, challenge, or appeal decisions where appropriate.

At Lamb & Turner PLLC, clients benefit from attorneys experienced in all facets of family immigration: helping families pursue new permanent residency, adjust status, remove conditions on a green card, and more. 

Common Family Immigration Scenarios

Below are real‑world situations where a family immigration lawyer can make a big impact:

Spouse and Fiancé(e) Immigration

If you are married to someone from another country, you can petition for them to become a lawful permanent resident. If you are engaged, a fiancée may enter the United States on a fiancé(e) visa to marry and then seek permanent residency.

The process requires proving the legitimacy of the relationship, completing required forms, and often explaining the history of your union to immigration officials.

Children and Minor Children

Whether your children are unmarried minor children or older unmarried sons and daughters, U.S. immigration law recognizes them as immediate relatives or under family preference categories, respectively. Minor children often receive priority and faster processing, while adult children under preference categories may face wait times. 

For adopted children or orphans, special rules apply. An immigration lawyer ensures compliance with adoption requirements and that the correct forms, such as I‑600 or I‑800, are filed depending on the child’s situation. 

Parents and Grandparents

Parents of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives and may qualify for a green card without waiting for visa numbers. Grandparents cannot be directly sponsored unless another qualifying relationship exists.

Siblings, Brothers, and Sisters

Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens fall under the family preference categories and are subject to longer wait times, especially when the sponsoring citizen is required to be at least 21 years old.

Family Preference Backlogs

Wait times for preference categories can vary dramatically based on the type of relationship and the applicant’s country of chargeability. Understanding the priority date and the monthly Visa Bulletin is crucial to knowing when an immigrant can move forward.

What to Expect During Your Family Immigration Consultation

Before you meet with a lawyer, it’s helpful to gather documents and information related to your immigration goals. A typical consultation with Lamb & Turner PLLC may include:

• Review of your family relationship and eligibility

• Discussion of whether adjustment of status or consular processing is best

• Estimated timelines based on preference category and visa availability

• Explanation of fees and filing requirements

• Answers to questions about your specific case

A strong consultation sets the tone for a well‑structured and informed immigration plan.

Why Choose Lamb & Turner 

Lamb & Turner PLLC is a Houston immigration law office offering legal counsel for a full range of immigration matters, including family‑based immigration, green card applications, visas, deportation defense, and more. 

Their experienced attorneys understand the U.S. immigration system’s challenges and work closely with families through every step. Whether you are pursuing an initial green card, adjusting status, or fighting for your family’s future, their firm provides personalized service, legal expertise, and compassionate guidance. 

Call Our Houston Family Immigration Lawyers Today!

Family immigration is about more than legal forms: it’s about reuniting loved ones, building a future, and fostering stability. The path to a green card or permanent residency can be long and complex, but with the right family immigration lawyer by your side, you can move forward with confidence.

If you are ready to start your family’s immigration journey, from sponsoring a spouse, parent, child, fiancé(e), sister, or brother, Lamb & Turner PLLC is ready to guide you every step of the way. Our  team helps families navigate family‑based immigration, adjustment of status, and all related legal processes with dedication and care. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reuniting your family in the United States.