Bring Your Family to the United States — The Right Way
A family immigration attorney who has lived this process, not just studied it.
Every petition I file on your behalf carries the same weight it would carry for my own family. I know what it means to leave people behind, to wait, to hope the paperwork goes through — and I bring that understanding into every case.
Who I Can Help You Bring to the United States
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for certain relatives to join them in the country. The process varies depending on your status and your family member's relationship to you — but the goal is the same: getting your family here legally, and keeping them here.
I work with clients across Florida and nationwide on petitions for:
- Spouses and fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens
- Children, including adult children and stepchildren
- Parents of U.S. citizens
- Siblings of U.S. citizens
- Spouses and children of lawful permanent residents
If you're not sure whether your family member qualifies, that's exactly the kind of question I can answer in a consultation.
How the Family Petition Process Works
No two family immigration cases follow exactly the same path, but most share the same core stages. Here's what to expect.
1. Filing the Immigrant Petition
The U.S. citizen or permanent resident files a petition — typically Form I-130 — to establish the qualifying family relationship. This is the foundation of the entire case.
2. Waiting for a Visa Number
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, minor children, and parents) are not subject to annual visa caps, so their cases move faster. Other family categories fall under preference tiers and may involve a wait before a visa number becomes available.
3. Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status
If your family member is outside the U.S., they'll go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If they're already in the country, they may be eligible to adjust status without leaving. I'll advise you on which path applies to your situation.
4. Interview and Approval
Most cases require an interview — either abroad or at a USCIS field office. I prepare my clients thoroughly so they know what to expect and can walk in with confidence.
Why Families in Florida Trust Me With This Process
I came to the United States from Haiti as a teenager. I understand the emotional weight of this process in a way that goes beyond legal training. When you sit across from me, you're not explaining your situation to someone who's only read about it in a textbook.
My practice serves a large Haitian community across Florida, New York, and the D.C. area — and I work with Spanish-speaking clients as well. If language has been a barrier at other firms, it won't be here.
- Consultations available in English, French, and Haitian Creole
- Clients served in Florida and in all 50 states
- Direct access to your attorney — not a paralegal, not a case manager
- Honest guidance on timelines, risks, and realistic outcomes
- A track record with family-based immigration cases for clients from multiple countries
Frequently Asked Questions About Family-Based Immigration
How long does it take to bring a spouse to the United States?
If you're a U.S. citizen petitioning for your spouse, they qualify as an immediate relative — meaning there's no annual cap on visas. Processing times still vary depending on USCIS workload and consular scheduling, but immediate relative cases generally move faster than other family categories. I can give you a realistic timeline estimate based on your specific situation during a consultation.Can a green card holder petition for a family member?
Yes. Lawful permanent residents can petition for their spouse and unmarried children. However, these cases fall under a preference category with annual visa limits, which can mean longer wait times than cases filed by U.S. citizens. The wait depends in part on your family member's country of birth.What is a family green card and how do I apply?
A family green card — formally called lawful permanent residence — is the result of a successful family-based immigration case. The process starts with a petition filed by the qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident, followed by visa processing and, ultimately, a green card interview. I handle the full process, from the initial petition through the final approval.Can I petition for a sibling or parent?
U.S. citizens can petition for siblings and parents. Petitions for parents of U.S. citizens (who must be at least 21 years old) are treated as immediate relatives and move relatively quickly. Sibling petitions fall into a lower preference category and typically involve a longer wait. I'll walk you through what to expect before you decide how to proceed. What happens if a petition is denied? A denial is not necessarily the end of the road. Depending on the reason for the denial, there may be options to appeal, file a motion to reopen or reconsider, or refile with additional evidence. I'll tell you honestly what your options are and what each one realistically involves.
Ready to Start the Process?
Family-based immigration is one of the most meaningful cases I handle — and one of the most complex. If you're ready to take the first step toward bringing your family here, or if you just need to understand where things stand, reach out and let's talk.
