Bastrop Immigration Lawyer

We Provide Solutions-Focused Immigration Representation in Bastrop

At J. Sparks Law, PLLC, our Bastrop immigration attorney is a skilled, knowledgeable, and solutions-focused advocate for people and families. We are committed to empowering our clients. Immigration law is complicated. It is normal to be confused or even overwhelmed by the process. If you have any specific questions or concerns about immigration law, please do not hesitate to contact our Bastrop immigration lawyer today for a confidential, no obligation consultation. 

We Handle the Full Range of Immigration Cases in Bastrop, TX

Bastrop is a charming historic town that is located just east of Austin. It is known for both a small-town feel and scenic views along the Colorado River. It offers a mix of nature, culture, and a revitalized downtown filled with shops. We are proud to serve people and families in Bastrop. J. Sparks Law, PLLC is a Texas-based immigration law firm that is devoted to helping clients solve problems. With decades of combined immigration experience, our firm is made up of passionate professionals who work tirelessly to help clients achieve their American dream. Along with other types of immigration law matters, our Bastrop attorney has experience with:

• Family Petitions: Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for certain relatives to immigrate to the United States. The process is typically used to reunite close family members such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The petitioning family member must demonstrate the qualifying relationship and meet certain financial sponsorship requirements. We have extensive experience with family immigration. Our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyers handle all types of family visas. If you have any questions or concerns about a family petition, please do not hesitate to contact our Texas immigration team today. 
• Asylum Claims: Asylum provides protection to individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Asylum seekers may apply affirmatively or defensively—it will depend on whether they are in removal proceedings or not when the asylum case starts. If you or your loved one needs help with an asylum claim, we are here as a resource. Contact our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyer today for a fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation. 
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to nationals of certain countries experiencing conditions that prevent safe return, such as armed conflict or environmental disasters. People with TPS are allowed to live and work in the U.S. for a designated period while their country remains designated for protection. With that being said, TPS does not lead directly to permanent resident status but may provide time for other immigration relief. Do you have questions or concerns about TPS? We are here to help. Our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyer handles all types of TPS cases. 
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): VAWA allows certain abused immigrants to self-petition for lawful status in the United States without the knowledge or consent of their abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. It applies to spouses, children, and parents who have suffered battery or extreme cruelty. The self-petitioning process protects victims from further control or manipulation by their abuser. Approved VAWA petitions can lead to lawful permanent residency (a green card). If you have any questions or your rights or your options under VAWA, please do not hesitate to contact our Bastrop immigration attorney today. 
• U Visa/T Visa: The U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime. The T Visa offers protection to victims of human trafficking who assist authorities and face serious harm if returned to their country. Both visas provide a pathway to lawful permanent residency after several years. Our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyer has experience with both U visas and T visas. 
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): DACA is an immigration policy that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to eligible undocumented individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children. Applicants must meet specific educational and residency requirements and have no serious criminal record. DACA does not grant lawful status or a path to citizenship—but it does provide relief from immediate removal. If you have any questions or concerns about DACA or your rights under the program, please do not hesitate to contact our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyer today. 
• Immigration Waivers: Immigration waivers allow people who are otherwise inadmissible to the U.S. to request forgiveness for certain immigration violations or criminal offenses. There are both criminal waivers and non-criminal waivers. Notably, the applicant must typically demonstrate extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative if they are removed. Contact our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyer today for immediate help with an immigration waiver case. 
• Removal/Deportation: Removal (deportation) proceedings are initiated when the government seeks to expel a noncitizen from the United States. A person facing removal may be eligible for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or waivers. Indeed, there are a number of defenses that may be raised. However, these are very complicated, time-sensitive cases. A proactive approach is a must. Contact our Bastrop, TX deportation defense lawyer today for immediate help. 
• Green Card Renewals: Lawful permanent residents must renew their green cards every ten years to maintain proof of status, even though their residency itself does not expire. The renewal process involves submitting Form I-90 and supporting documentation to USCIS. Delays in renewal can cause problems for both employment and international travel. For that reason, timely filing of a green card renewal is extremely important. Do not delay. Our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyers are more than ready to help. 
• Citizenship Through Naturalization: After obtaining lawful permanent residence (a green card), you can eventually become eligible to get citizenship through naturalization. Naturalization is the process through which lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens. To qualify, applicants must meet residency, language, civics knowledge, and moral character requirements. The process includes submitting an application, attending a biometrics appointment, completing an interview, and passing the citizenship test. Our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyers have helped many people achieve their American dream. 
• Immigration Appeals: If an immigration application or petition is denied, the applicant may have the right to file an appeal. Appeals are typically heard by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or, in some cases, federal courts. The appeals process involves reviewing the legal and factual basis of the denial and arguing why the decision should be reversed. These are specialized cases. You need a Texas immigration attorney with appellate law experience. 

How Our Bastrop, TX Immigration Attorney Can Help

Immigration law is complicated. You may have a lot of questions about your rights and your options. We are more than ready to help. Our founder Julie Sparks is Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Immigration and Nationality Law. We are proactive and we are solutions-focused. More specifically, our Bastrop immigration attorney is ready to: 

• Conduct a confidential and comprehensive review of your case;
• Answer any questions that you have about your immigration options; 
• Help you gather and prepare all of the relevant documentation; 
• Handle the immigration paperwork, with a focus on the small details; and
• Develop a strategy to help you most effectively achieve your goals.  

The right Bastrop immigration attorney can make a big difference in your case. We represent people and families in Bastrop County with skill, compassion, and personal attention. Our client reviews and history of case results tell the story of what we can do. Your initial consultation with our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyer is confidential and carries no obligations. 

Immigration Law: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I look for in a Bastrop immigration attorney?

Immigration law is complicated. You can benefit from looking for a lawyer who is skilled, experienced, compassionate, and committed to delivering results for you and your family. Our Bastrop, TX immigration lawyers are passionate about helping our clients achieve their American dream. We are always prepared to invest time and resources into each case that we take on. 

How can I get a green card through family sponsorship?

It depends on your specific situation. With that being said, you may be able to qualify for a green card through a family sponsor based on a number of different close relationships. You can apply for a green card through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21—have priority and do not face yearly visa caps. However, other family categories fall under the family preference system and may have longer wait times.

Is asylum status the same thing as refugee status?

Not quite. Asylum is for people already in the U.S. or at a port of entry who are seeking protection. In contrast, refugee status is for those outside the U.S. seeking protection. There are some similarities. Indeed, both require a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group. However, the process for each is different. Refugees go through a screening abroad and asylum seekers apply once in the United States. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our Bastrop asylum attorney. 

Can I work in the U.S. while my green card application is pending?

Yes—or at least you can if you have the appropriate immigration paperwork in place. you may be eligible to work in the U.S. while your green card application is pending if you apply for and receive a work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD). You must file Form I-765 along with or after your green card application. Once approved, the EAD allows you to legally work for any employer in the United States. The work permit is usually good for one year and can be renewed. 

I have a student visa—can I still stay in the U.S. after it expires?

Student visas are called F-1 visas. Once your student visa (F-1) expires, you must either leave the U.S. or change your immigration status. You cannot simply stay without correcting the issue. Indeed, staying without proper status can result in future visa denials or removal. If you have questions about your options, our Texas immigration attorney can help. 

I am ready to apply for citizenship through naturalization—how long does it usually take?

It varies. With that being said, the naturalization process most often takes six to twelve months to fully complete after you have submitted your Form N-400 application. Still, timelines vary by location and caseload. Of course, before applying, you must be a permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen). The process includes a background check, interview, and English/civics test. Our Bastrop citizenship lawyer can help. 

My visa application was just denied—are there any real options for appeal?

Yes. While the specific circumstances always matter, in many cases, you can appeal a denied visa. Your specific options will vary based on the type of visa and the reason for denial. Some denials allow for an appeal or motion to reopen/reconsider. However, some other denials may require a new application. You must act quickly: There are tight deadlines for an appeal. Consult with a Bastrop, TX immigration attorney right away. 

Contact Our Bastrop Immigration Attorney for a Fully Confidential Consultation

At J. Sparks Law, PLLC, our Bastrop immigration lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you have any questions about immigration law, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential, no obligation consultation. We provide immigration law services in Bastrop, Bastrop County, and throughout the Greater Austin metro area.