A Skilled, Knowledgeable And Ethical Immigration Attorney
I will work hard to resolve your case in the best possible way. I understand what it’s like to live in a foreign country without citizenship status. I’ve traveled to 25 countries and lived as a resident in five. When your legal right to live where you currently reside is challenged by immigration authorities, it can feel like you’re living in quicksand. Your job, your future, your relationships with family and friends, even your safety is jeopardized. At my Dallas law firm, Kelso Law, PLLC I work with you, one-on-one to overcome legal obstacles.
Do Not Work With Anyone Other Than A Proven Immigration Attorney
As an attorney who has helped immigrants become citizens, I understand what is out there and that you’re vulnerable. You’ve heard rumors of unethical and predatory legal representation — of attorneys and notaries who take the money and then do nothing to help. Fortunately, these people are the minority. If somebody who is a notary public or notario publico says they can offer you legal representation with your immigration case, do not trust that person and do not pay them your hard-earned money. Rather, please consult with and hire a competent, licensed attorney.
When you come to me for help I will do all I can to resolve your case in the best way possible. We can work together to explore every avenue, including, if necessary, filing appeals with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and the U.S. Court of Appeals. I am licensed to practice law in both state and federal courts and am prepared to explore all available options to bring a satisfactory resolution to your immigration case. I understand what’s at stake in these cases and take it very seriously that you trust me for help with your future and in many cases the future of your family.
Immigration Is A Complex Process
Whether you’re applying for a work permit, seeking a green card for a family member, or are facing deportation, immigration is a complex and sometimes frightening process. You need a skilled attorney who stays up-to-date on immigration law to guide you through the filing of documents, strict deadlines, EOIR hearings, and ever-changing rules. In some cases, you may need a tireless advocate who is willing to fight for you and exhaust every possible solution to bring you or keep you here in the United States.
You need an attorney with the highest ethical standards and a true commitment and determination to obtain the very best outcome possible for each client.
When you come to Kelso Law, PLLC, for help, I will give careful consideration to your unique situation and bring my expertise to bear upon the facts of your case. There are a number of avenues to take to avoid deportation, including
- Adjustment of status
- Asylum
- Withholding of removal
- Cancellation of removal
- Prosecutorial discretion
- Protection under the Convention Against Torture
- Protection under the Violence Against Women Act
Find The Best Legal Remedy
Together, we can explore your options and find the best legal remedy in your unique circumstances to avoid deportation, obtain legal status and remain in the United States.
DACA – Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (“Dreamers”)
Can Dreamers still avoid deportation?
Throughout 2017 and 2018, the status of DACA has constantly changed. Due to federal court orders and ongoing litigation, it is expected to continue to change. For the most up to date information regarding the status of DACA, click here.
As of this writing, USCIS is accepting renewal applications (renew an existing grant of deferred action) but is not accepting initial applications for those DREAMERS who had not already obtained DACA.
I Help Dreamers Navigate The Process
If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an immigration attorney before you apply for or renew your DACA. I can help you successfully navigate this complicated process. I have the experience and legal expertise to present your case in the best possible way. Contact Kelso Law to discuss your options.
Asylum: Is It Hard To Obtain In The US?
In 2018, over 40,000 asylum cases were decided, 65% of those cases were denied. The percentage of cases denied per year has gone up over 20% in the last six years. Under the current administration, it is difficult to obtain asylum, and all the more so without an immigration attorney. As an asylum seeker, you must prove you have been persecuted or have real fear of persecution based on your
- Religion
- Political views
- Race
- Nationality
- Membership in a particular social group
Explore Your Options
Membership in a particular social group is the broadest category available to you. Kelso Law, PLLC, will explore all unique options available to you and put your best case forward.
Family-Based Immigration: Bringing Family To The US
Every year, the United States’ issues over 1 million new green cards, and millions of other temporary visas. The government grants green cards based on a complex system of admission categories and numerical quotas; the law is there to work for you, not against you.
If you are a green card holder or United States citizen, you can apply to obtain green cards for your closest relatives. These relatives may include your
- Fiancé
- Spouse
- Children (even if over the age of 21 and married)
- Parents
- Siblings
Sometimes there is a long wait while they process your petition, but here at Kelso Law, PLLC, I say time flies; you should consider applying for your relatives even if they may not get their green cards for years to come.
Do It Right The First Time
In some cases the relative is already in the United States (may have entered legally, may have entered illegally) and sometimes the relative is still living in a foreign country. Knowing which immigration forms to fill out and what evidence is required is crucial. You do not want to start your own case and then mess it up, it is much more costly to try to fix it later than it is to do it right the first time.
Citizenship: When Can I Become A Citizen?
Now more than ever, green card holders need to understand one crucial thing: until you become a United States Citizen, you are at risk of being placed in a deportation proceeding. There is good news — in the last 10 years the United States gained over 7 million naturalized citizens. If you have held a green card for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for your citizenship now.
Most green card holders need to hold their green card for five years before becoming a citizen. However, if you have had a green card for three years and have also been married to a United States citizen for the entire three years, you are eligible to apply early.
Children born abroad to at least one United States citizen parent may also be eligible to obtain citizenship through that parent, prior to turning 18 years old. Finally, a minor whose parent becomes a United States citizen before the minor turns 18 may be eligible to obtain citizenship through that parent.
Work Permits: Can I Work While My Immigration Case Is Pending?
Whether you are waiting on a green card, asylum, or are in a deportation proceeding, you may be able to get a work permit while waiting for the completion of your case. Having a work permit gives you a huge advantage in the United States: you may obtain a temporary Social Security card, a bank account, file taxes and build your credit profile.
Contact Kelso Law, PLLC, Now For The Help You Need With Your Immigration Case
With so much at stake you need the best help available to successfully navigate the immigration process. The rules are complicated and ever-changing.
In some cases, such as when loved ones are being detained by ICE and facing deportation proceedings, the system can be most unfriendly. However, with the right attorney — somebody who understands current immigration laws and processes and is passionately committed to doing everything possible to help each client — you have a real cause for hope.
When you come to me for help with your immigration matter, I will not take your hard-earned money and give you false hope. I will listen to the facts of your case, tell you what we can do and the options you have, and give you an honest estimate of what the likely outcome of your case will be. Then, if you choose to proceed, I will work hard and exhaust all available options to resolve your case in the very best way possible.
Get In Touch To Get The Help You Need
I am a proven attorney who has had a successful career with both transactional legal work and trials. I help people when they have suffered an injury, lost a loved one in a wrongful death event and in immigration issues.
As somebody who has lived as a resident in five foreign countries, I know something of how you feel. Nothing would make me happier than to help you achieve the stability and sense of belonging that comes with having the legal right to be here in the United States. I look forward to meeting with you to see what we can do to accomplish this goal. Connect with me via my online form or call me at 214-216-6816. My phone is answered every hour, of every day: 24/7.