We’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the immigration system can feel for families. Our mission is to offer support, legal clarity, and peace of mind to individuals and families navigating U.S. immigration law. As a family immigration law firm in Mesa, we’ve helped families from all backgrounds reunite and move forward together.
Immigration laws can seem technical, rigid, and even unfair at times. But when you have a knowledgeable and compassionate immigration lawyer in Mesa advocating for you, the path forward becomes clearer.
Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, petitioning for a child, or facing a roadblock like a visa denial or request for evidence, we’re here to help. Our role is to walk you through every step of the process and fight for the outcome your family deserves.
Understanding Family-Based Immigration
Family-based immigration is one of the most common ways individuals obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, about 65% of people who became lawful permanent residents in recent years did so through a family member. Under U.S. immigration law, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are allowed to sponsor certain relatives to live permanently in the country.
There are two main categories for family-based immigration: immediate relatives and family preference categories. Immediate relatives include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
There’s no annual limit to the number of visas issued in this category, which makes it one of the most efficient paths for eligible families. The family preference system includes more distant relationships, such as siblings of U.S. citizens or married children over 21. These categories are subject to annual visa caps, and wait times can be long depending on the country of origin and the type of relationship.
As a Mesa, AZ family immigration attorney, we help you determine which category fits your situation and guide you through every detail of the process. We know how to avoid common pitfalls that lead to delays or denials, and we ensure all documentation is complete and correct the first time.
Family Immigration Services We Provide
Our firm handles a full range of family immigration services. Because every family’s needs are unique, we personalize our legal strategies to match your situation and goals.
Petitions for Immediate Relatives
We assist U.S. citizens who want to bring their spouse, minor child, or parent to the United States. These cases are often the most straightforward in processing, but even minor errors in the forms or supporting documents can result in lengthy delays. We ensure your petitions are accurate, persuasive, and ready for review.
Green Cards Through Marriage
We assist with marriage-based green cards, whether your spouse is in the U.S. or abroad. We help you gather evidence of a bona fide marriage, prepare for interviews, and respond to additional requests from USCIS.
Adjustment of Status
For relatives already in the U.S. on a temporary visa, we guide you through the adjustment of status process so your loved one can apply for a green card without leaving the country. This process includes multiple forms and steps, and we help streamline every stage to minimize delays.
Consular Processing
When a relative lives outside the U.S., the immigration process involves coordination with the National Visa Center and a U.S. consulate or embassy. We help you prepare for this process and work closely with your loved one to ensure they are ready for the visa interview abroad.
Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1)
If you’re engaged to a foreign national and plan to marry in the U.S., we can help you file a K-1 visa petition and with the green card process after marriage.
Removal of Conditions
If your spouse has a conditional green card based on a marriage under two years old, we can help you file the I-751 petition to remove conditions and maintain lawful permanent resident status.
Waivers of Inadmissibility
Some individuals may be found inadmissible to the U.S. due to previous immigration violations, criminal records, or other issues. We prepare detailed and compelling waiver applications, including I-601 and I-601A waivers, explaining why your loved one deserves a second chance.
Citizenship and Naturalization
Once your relative has a green card, we help them take the final step toward becoming a U.S. citizen. We provide guidance on eligibility, document preparation, interview readiness, and test preparation.
Legal Hurdles in Family Immigration
Immigration law is governed at the federal level, but state-level policies and politics—especially in Arizona—can add challenges. For example, recent actions like Arizona’s approval of Proposition 314 have led to increased concerns about racial profiling and immigration enforcement. The state allows police to arrest people for illegal crossings, even if the federal government does not pursue charges.
Meanwhile, the backlog in immigration courts and USCIS continues to grow. In Arizona alone, immigration courts face months—sometimes years—of delays. According to TRAC Immigration, as of 2024, the average immigration case in Arizona has been pending for over 750 days. These wait times can take a significant emotional and financial toll on families.
Because immigration policies frequently change, we monitor legal developments closely and inform our clients immediately of anything that could impact their case. As an immigration lawyer in Mesa, our priority is to help you avoid problems and respond quickly when the unexpected happens.
What Sets Our Family Immigration Law Firm in Mesa Apart
Choosing the right immigration attorney can make all the difference in your case. At Nye Family Law, we combine the experience of handling immigration and family law cases with a deep commitment to client care.
We start every case by listening. We want to understand what brought you to this moment and where you want to go. Whether you’re filing a first petition or reuniting with a loved one after years apart, we tailor our legal strategy to your specific situation.
Our team has experience working with families from Mexico, Central America, South America, Asia, and other regions. We are sensitive to cultural and language barriers and work hard to ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and empowered throughout the process.
Here’s what you can expect when you hire us:
- Responsiveness: We return calls and emails promptly and make sure you are never left wondering what comes next.
- Clarity: We explain every step of the process in plain English, not legal jargon. You’ll always know what we’re doing and why.
- Compassion: We know how personal this process is. You can trust us to handle your case with care, honesty, and respect.
- Experience: We know what works and doesn’t in family immigration. We anticipate potential challenges and help you navigate them with confidence.
Our Approach to Client Success
When USCIS sends a Request for Evidence (RFE), we respond with clear, persuasive, and legally sound arguments. If a case is delayed or denied, we take proactive steps to resolve the issue or appeal the decision when necessary. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—we are with you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Immigration in Mesa, Arizona
Can I sponsor a sibling or adult child for a green card?
Yes, only U.S. citizens (not green card holders) can sponsor siblings or married children. These fall under the family preference categories, which have annual limits and often involve long wait times, sometimes over a decade, depending on the applicant’s home country. We can help you understand the visa bulletin and wait times that may apply to your family member’s case.
What happens if my family member is undocumented but wants to apply for a green card?
It depends on how they entered the country and whether they qualify for waivers or exceptions. For example, someone who entered without inspection may be unable to adjust status from within the U.S. but might qualify for a provisional waiver (Form I-601A) before attending an immigrant visa interview abroad. We can evaluate their eligibility and explore any available legal solutions.
Is it faster to get a green card through a spouse or a parent?
The processing time depends on your age and the petitioner’s immigration status. Immediate relatives—spouses of U.S. citizens or parents of U.S. citizen children over 21—do not face annual visa caps and typically see quicker processing. However, the process may take longer if the sponsor is a green card holder or the beneficiary is over 21.
Can I work while my green card application is pending?
Yes, if you are applying for adjustment of status in the U.S., you can also apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD). Processing can take a few months, but once issued, you can legally work while awaiting your green card.
What if USCIS denies my petition?
We can help you appeal the decision, file a motion to reopen, or explore alternative legal paths. You are not out of options; we’ll guide you through what comes next.
Your Immigration Journey Starts Here
If you’re searching for a family immigration law firm in Mesa that treats your family like our own, we invite you to call Nye Family Law. Whether you’re helping a spouse apply for a green card, assisting a child with naturalization, or navigating a difficult waiver, we’re ready to help.
There’s no substitute for experienced legal guidance. Let us help you build a stronger future for your family in Mesa, Arizona. Schedule your consultation today to speak with a dedicated Mesa, AZ family immigration attorney who will take the time to understand your goals and fight for the results your family deserves.
