Immigration Attorney Serving Brandon, FL

My TPS work permit is expiring soon — what should I do?

Many Brandon residents from Venezuela, Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, and other TPS-designated countries are facing uncertainty due to recent TPS termination attempts and extensions. If your TPS expires in 2026, you need to act now. Call (813) 298-7222 immediately to discuss your options, which may include asylum applications, family-based petitions, or other pathways to permanent status. TPS was always intended as temporary protection, we can help you transition to a more permanent solution before your status expires.

Why is my green card application taking so long?

USCIS is currently experiencing record backlogs with over 11 million pending cases as of 2025. Green card processing times vary significantly: immediate relative petitions for U.S. citizens typically take 12-18 months, while family preference categories (for green card holders sponsoring spouses or children) can take several years due to visa number limitations. Employment-based green cards face additional delays from PERM labor certification (18-24 months) plus I-140 and I-485 processing. If your case has been pending longer than USCIS’s published processing times, we can file inquiries or expedite requests on your behalf. Call (813) 298-7222 for a case review.

My H-1B visa is expiring and my employer hasn’t started my green card process — what are my options?

This is a common issue for Brandon workers in Tampa Bay’s tech and healthcare industries. If you’re approaching your 6-year H-1B limit without an approved I-140, you risk losing work authorization. Options include: filing for PERM labor certification immediately (if eligible), requesting a one-year H-1B extension if PERM was filed 365+ days ago, exploring H-1B extensions beyond 6 years if an I-140 is approved, or considering alternative visa categories like O-1 or L-1. Don’t wait until the last minute, employment visa gaps can force you to leave the United States. Call (813) 298-7222 to discuss your situation.

Can I bring my parents to the U.S. if I’m a citizen?

Yes. U.S. citizens over age 21 can sponsor parents for green cards as “immediate relatives” with no waiting list. The I-130 petition currently takes 12-18 months to process, and your parents can apply for green cards either through adjustment of status (if already in the U.S. legally) or consular processing (if abroad). This is one of the most straightforward family immigration categories. Many Brandon residents successfully bring elderly parents from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, and other countries to live permanently in the United States. We handle the complete process from petition to green card interview.

My spouse is undocumented — can I sponsor them for a green card?

It depends on how your spouse entered the United States. If your spouse entered legally (with a visa or parole) and overstayed, you can sponsor them for a green card through adjustment of status if you’re a U.S. citizen. If your spouse entered without inspection (crossed the border illegally), they typically cannot adjust status inside the U.S. and would need to consular process abroad, but leaving triggers 3-year or 10-year bars if they accrued unlawful presence. I-601A provisional waivers may be available in some cases. This is complex and fact-specific. Call (813) 298-7222 for a confidential consultation — we’ve helped hundreds of Brandon families navigate this exact situation.

What happens if ICE arrests someone in my family?

Call (813) 298-7222 immediately — do not wait. If ICE arrests a family member in Brandon or anywhere in Hillsborough County, time is critical. We provide same-day emergency consultations for ICE detentions. You have the right to remain silent and should not answer questions about immigration status, birthplace, or how you entered the country without an attorney present. If ICE officers do not have a judicial warrant signed by a judge, you are not required to open your door or allow entry to your home. We can request bond hearings (typically scheduled within 7-14 days), fight deportation through cancellation of removal, file asylum applications as a defense, and represent your family member in immigration court. Brandon families facing deportation need experienced legal help immediately.

How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Brandon?

Fees vary by case complexity. Naturalization applications typically range $1,500-$2,500. Family-based green card petitions (I-130) start around $2,000-$3,500. Deportation defense and removal proceedings range $5,000-$15,000+ depending on case complexity and whether appeals are needed. Employment-based cases vary widely based on visa type. CFUIS provides transparent fee quotes during your initial consultation with no obligation. Payment plans are available for many case types. Call (813) 298-7222 to discuss your specific situation and get an accurate cost estimate.