Immigration Law Β· Dallas, Texas

Your Future in America
Starts Here

Immigration law is complex, constantly changing, and the stakes could not be higher β€” your ability to live, work, and remain with your family in the United States. John Arthur & Associates represents immigrants and their families across Dallas and all of Texas with the diligence your situation demands.

What We Handle

Immigration Cases
We Handle in Texas

From family-based green cards to removal defense β€” we handle every stage of the immigration process for individuals and families throughout Texas.

🟒
Green Cards (Lawful Permanent Residence)
Family-based green cards for spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. We handle both adjustment of status in the U.S. and consular processing abroad, and guide clients through every step of the process.
πŸ›‚
Visas
Family-based visas, fiancΓ©(e) visas (K-1), and nonimmigrant visas. We evaluate the best pathway for your situation, prepare complete and accurate applications, and prepare you for consular interviews.
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
Naturalization & Citizenship
The path from permanent resident to U.S. citizen. We evaluate your eligibility, prepare your N-400 application, identify and address any potential issues before filing, and prepare you for the naturalization interview and civics test.
πŸ”„
DACA Renewals
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals renewals for eligible recipients. We prepare and file timely renewal applications and keep clients informed of any policy developments affecting their status.
🌍
Asylum
Individuals facing persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may qualify for asylum. We build strong asylum cases β€” personal declarations, country condition evidence, and thorough preparation for the asylum interview or hearing.
πŸ›‘οΈ
Removal Defense & Deportation
Facing removal proceedings is one of the most serious situations in immigration law. We represent clients before Immigration Judges in Dallas and throughout Texas β€” fighting for cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, asylum, withholding, and other forms of relief.
πŸ’š
U Visa & VAWA
Crime victims and survivors of domestic violence may qualify for immigration protection regardless of their current status. U visas are available to victims of qualifying crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. VAWA self-petitions protect survivors of abuse.
πŸ“‹
TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
Temporary Protected Status protects nationals of designated countries from deportation and provides work authorization. We handle initial TPS applications, renewals, and related filings for eligible nationals throughout Texas.
πŸ“
Waivers of Inadmissibility
Certain grounds of inadmissibility β€” unlawful presence, prior removal, misrepresentation β€” can be waived with a showing of extreme hardship to a qualifying relative. We evaluate waiver eligibility, build the strongest possible hardship case, and file I-601 and I-601A waiver applications.
Critical Information

Immigration Deadlines
and Rules That Matter

Missing a deadline or making the wrong move in immigration can have permanent consequences. These are the rules every immigrant in Texas needs to know.

Deadlines You Cannot Miss
  • Asylum 1-year deadline: must file within one year of last entry to the U.S. β€” limited exceptions apply
  • DACA renewal: file at least 120–150 days before your current DACA expires β€” do not wait
  • RFE response deadline: USCIS Requests for Evidence have strict response deadlines β€” missing them results in denial
  • Conditional green card: I-751 petition to remove conditions must be filed within 90 days before the 2-year anniversary
  • Immigration court deadlines: hearings and filing deadlines before an Immigration Judge are absolute β€” missing them can result in an in absentia removal order
Bars That Can Affect Your Case
  • 3-year bar: accumulated 180 days to 1 year of unlawful presence then departed the U.S.
  • 10-year bar: accumulated 1+ year of unlawful presence then departed the U.S.
  • False claim to U.S. citizenship: a permanent bar with very limited exceptions
  • Prior removal order: bars reentry and may require I-212 permission to reapply
  • Criminal convictions: even misdemeanors can trigger deportability or inadmissibility grounds β€” analyze before any plea
⚠️
Do not travel outside the U.S. without speaking to an immigration attorney first. Depending on your current status and immigration history, leaving the country could trigger a bar that prevents your return β€” even if you have a valid visa. Call us before any international travel.
How We Work

Our Immigration
Process

Every immigration case begins with a thorough evaluation of your history, your goals, and every potential obstacle. There are no shortcuts in immigration β€” but there is a clear path forward.

01
Confidential Case Evaluation
Everything you share with us is protected by attorney-client privilege. We will never share your immigration status or history with anyone β€” including law enforcement β€” without your written consent. At the consultation, we review your complete immigration history, identify any potential bars or obstacles, and map the best pathway forward.
02
Complete and Accurate Application Preparation
Immigration applications require precision. A single inconsistency β€” between your current application and prior filings β€” can result in a denial or a fraud finding. We review your complete immigration history, prepare every form with care, and ensure every supporting document is correct and complete before filing.
03
Filing and USCIS Tracking
We file your application with the appropriate USCIS service center or court, track the case, and respond promptly to any notices β€” biometrics appointments, interview notices, or Requests for Evidence. You will never miss a USCIS deadline.
04
Interview Preparation
Many immigration applications require a USCIS interview or an immigration court hearing. We prepare you thoroughly β€” reviewing every question you are likely to be asked, addressing any inconsistencies in your record, and ensuring you walk into the interview with confidence.
05
Resolution and Next Steps
When your case is approved, we advise you on any conditions, next steps, and what to avoid to protect your new status. If there is a denial or additional action required, we evaluate the options β€” appeal, motion to reopen, or an alternative pathway β€” and advise you clearly on the path forward.
Why John Arthur & Associates

Why Immigrants Trust
Our Firm

Immigration law requires both technical precision and genuine care for the people behind every case. We bring both.

01
Confidentiality Is Our First Promise
Your immigration status is protected by attorney-client privilege. We will never share your information with ICE, law enforcement, or any government agency without your written consent. You can speak openly and honestly with us.
02
We Identify Problems Before They Become Permanent
Prior removal orders, criminal history, unlawful presence bars β€” we find the obstacles before filing so they do not derail your case after you have invested time and money. Thorough screening upfront prevents devastating surprises.
03
Criminal Consequences Analyzed for Every Client
A criminal conviction β€” even a misdemeanor, even deferred adjudication β€” can trigger deportability or inadmissibility. We analyze the immigration consequences of any criminal matter before advising on immigration options.
04
Licensed Across All of Texas
We represent immigration clients throughout Texas β€” Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and everywhere in between. Distance is not a barrier. We serve our clients wherever they are.
05
We Handle Both Immigration and Criminal Defense
Many immigrants face situations where criminal charges and immigration status intersect. Having both capabilities in one firm β€” and the ability to coordinate strategy across both β€” is a significant advantage.
Common Questions

Immigration
FAQs

Is my consultation confidential? Will you report me to immigration authorities?+
Everything you share with our office is protected by attorney-client privilege. We are ethically prohibited from disclosing your information to anyone β€” including ICE, law enforcement, or any government agency β€” without your written consent. You can speak honestly and completely about your immigration history without fear. Our job is to help you, not to report you.
I entered the U.S. without inspection. Can I still get a green card?+
It depends on your specific situation. Individuals who entered without inspection (EWI) generally cannot adjust status inside the U.S. and must go through consular processing abroad. However, departing the U.S. may trigger the 3-year or 10-year unlawful presence bar. In some cases, a provisional unlawful presence waiver (I-601A) can be obtained before departure. The analysis is complex and highly fact-specific β€” a thorough case evaluation is essential before making any decisions about travel or filing.
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?+
Adjustment of status (Form I-485) is the process of applying for a green card while remaining inside the United States. Consular processing is the process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Which process applies depends on how you entered the U.S., your current status, your immigration history, and whether a visa is immediately available in your category. We evaluate both options at the consultation and advise on the most appropriate pathway.
Can a criminal conviction affect my immigration case?+
Yes β€” significantly. Criminal convictions, including misdemeanors and in some cases deferred adjudication, can trigger grounds of inadmissibility or deportability under federal immigration law. This includes crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs), controlled substance offenses, domestic violence convictions, firearms offenses, and aggravated felonies. The consequences vary based on the specific offense, the sentence, and your immigration status. If you have any criminal history, it must be disclosed and analyzed at the consultation before any immigration filing.
How long does the green card process take?+
It depends on the category. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents) have no visa backlog and can often complete the process in 12–24 months. Preference category relatives (adult children, siblings, spouses and children of permanent residents) face visa backlogs that can range from a few years to decades, depending on the category and country of birth. We provide realistic timeline estimates based on current USCIS processing times and the current Visa Bulletin at your consultation.
What should I do if ICE comes to my home or workplace?+
You have constitutional rights regardless of your immigration status. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to open the door unless ICE has a judicial warrant signed by a judge (not an administrative ICE warrant). You have the right to speak with an attorney. If ICE approaches you, say clearly: "I am exercising my right to remain silent and my right to speak with an attorney." Do not run. Do not provide false information. Call our office immediately at (214) 638-0930.

Your Status.
Your Future. Protected.

Immigration decisions made today shape the rest of your life in this country. Speak with one of our attorneys confidentially β€” in a judgment-free environment where you can share your full situation.

Get in Touch

Tell Us About
Your Situation

Everything you share is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.

πŸ“ž
βœ‰οΈ
πŸ“
Office
7929 Brookriver Drive, Suite 110
Dallas, Texas 75247
βš–οΈ
Service Area
All of Texas
Your information is protected. Everything you share with our office is covered by attorney-client privilege. We do not share your immigration status or history with any government agency without your written consent.