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Family-Based Immigration
Reuniting families is at the heart of our mission. We assist with marriage-based green cards, fiancé visas, petitions for parents, and siblings, and more.

Green Cards & Adjustment of Status
Whether you’re adjusting status from within the U.S. or applying from abroad, we guide you through every step toward permanent residency.

Deportation Defense & Removal Proceedings
With dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment, we will work tirelessly to protect your future, your family, and the life you've built here.

U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization
Ready to take the final step? We help you prepare for and pass the naturalization process with confidence.

Humanitarian Relief
We handle asylum, TPS, DACA, U-Visas, VAWA, and more — giving hope and legal protection to those in vulnerable situations.

Waivers of Inadmissibility
Sometimes the path to legal status requires a waiver. We help you build the strongest case possible.

Consular Processing
We assist clients applying for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.
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Family-Based Immigration
Family-Based Immigration in the U.S. (Updated for 2025)
Family-based immigration remains one of the most direct and compassionate pathways to obtaining lawful permanent residence in the United States. This process allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor eligible family members to receive a Green Card and reunite in the U.S.
Family-Based Immigration in the U.S. (Updated for 2025)
- Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: Includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens over the age of 21. These petitions are not subject to annual visa caps, making the process faster and more accessible (uscis.gov).
- Family Preference Categories: Covers more distant relatives such as adult children (single or married) and siblings of U.S. citizens, as well as spouses and children of lawful permanent residents. These categories are subject to annual visa limits and may involve long wait times (uscis.gov).
Application Process
- Form I-130: The process begins when the petitioner files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish a qualifying family relationship (uscis.gov).
- Visa Availability: For preference categories, applicants must check the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin to determine when a visa becomes available. As of May 2025, USCIS confirms the use of the “Dates for Filing” chart for all family preference categories (uscis.gov).
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: If the beneficiary is inside the U.S. and a visa is available, they may file Form I-485 to adjust status. If they are abroad, they must complete the process through a U.S. consulate or embassy (uscis.gov).
Key Updates in 2025
- COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Removed: As of March 11, 2025, COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigration medical exams, simplifying the process for many applicants.
- Improved Processing Guidance: USCIS has updated its guidance to clarify how officers should process petitions when it is unclear whether the beneficiary intends to adjust status in the U.S. or process through a consulate abroad (uscis.gov).
Important Considerations
- Wait Times: Preference categories may involve significant wait times due to visa caps. Staying updated on visa bulletin movements is crucial.
- Accurate Documentation: Submitting complete and accurate documents from the start helps avoid delays and requests for additional evidence.
- Legal Guidance: Due to the complexity and frequent updates in immigration law, working with an experienced immigration attorney can greatly increase the success of your petition.
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Green Cards & Adjustment of Status
2025 Guide for Immigrant Families
Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the process that allows individuals already in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) without having to return to their home country. This process is particularly important for immigrant families seeking to stabilize their immigration status and stay together in the U.S.
General Requirements for Adjustment of Status
To qualify for Adjustment of Status under a family-based immigration category in 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Properly file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
Have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States.
Be physically present in the U.S. at the time of filing the I-485.
Be eligible to receive an immigrant visa.
Not be subject to any applicable bars to adjustment.
Be admissible to the U.S. for permanent residence or qualify for a waiver.
Merit favorable discretion by USCIS, meaning the positive factors in the case outweigh the negatives.
Visa Bulletin for June 2025 – Family-Based Categories
Each month, the U.S. Department of State publishes a Visa Bulletin with filing dates for adjustment of status. For June 2025, the filing dates for family-based preference categories are:
F1 (Unmarried sons/daughters of U.S. citizens): September 1, 2017
F2A (Spouses and children of permanent residents): February 1, 2025
F2B (Unmarried sons/daughters over 21 of permanent residents): January 1, 2017
F3 (Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens): July 22, 2012
F4 (Siblings of U.S. citizens): June 1, 2008
Estimated Processing Times in 2025
Processing times can vary depending on the service center and the case type. As of 2025, the estimated USCIS processing times are:
Form I-485 (Family-based AOS): Approx. 9.5 months
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Varies by category, e.g., ~14.3 months for spouses of U.S. citizens filing from abroad
Additional Considerations
Form I-693: As of December 2, 2024, USCIS requires that the medical exam form (I-693) be submitted with the I-485, or the application may be rejected.
Form I-485 Edition: Only the January 20, 2025 edition of the form will be accepted starting April 3, 2025. Always use the latest version to avoid delays or rejections.
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Deportation Defense & Removal Proceedings
Protecting Immigrant Families with Trusted Legal Guidance
In 2025, the landscape of U.S. immigration enforcement continues to evolve, making Deportation Defense and Removal Proceedings critical concerns for thousands of immigrant families. At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we are committed to offering expert legal representation to help clients fight deportation and secure their right to remain in the country they call home.
What Are Removal Proceedings?
Removal proceedings are legal processes initiated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to determine whether an individual should be removed from the United States. These proceedings are handled in immigration court and can result in serious consequences—including forced separation from family, loss of employment, and the inability to return to the U.S.
With expanded expedited removal policies and increased scrutiny of visa overstays and asylum claims in 2025, it is more important than ever to understand your rights and legal options.
Common Deportation Defense Strategies
At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we tailor our legal defense based on the unique circumstances of each client. Some of the most effective legal avenues include:
Asylum or Withholding of Removal – For individuals who fear persecution in their home country.
Cancellation of Removal – Available to certain non-permanent residents who demonstrate continuous presence, good moral character, and extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident family member.
Adjustment of Status – For individuals eligible to become lawful permanent residents through family-based immigration or other approved petitions.
Waivers of Inadmissibility – Used to overcome certain grounds of removal or ineligibility for a visa or green card.
Voluntary Departure – A strategic option in some cases that avoids a formal removal order.
The Importance of Timely and Skilled Representation
In today’s fast-moving immigration system, delays can be costly. The 2025 implementation of broader expedited removal authority means individuals who cannot prove continuous presence in the U.S. may face immediate deportation—without ever seeing a judge.
Having an experienced immigration attorney by your side ensures that your case is fully prepared, your rights are protected, and your family has the strongest defense available.
Our Commitment to Families
At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we understand that behind every deportation case is a family hoping to stay united and build a better future. Our mission is to:
Provide compassionate legal support in times of uncertainty.
Help immigrant families navigate immigration court with clarity and confidence.
Deliver tailored legal solutions that prioritize family unity and long-term stability.
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U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization in 2025
Your Path to a Secure and Empowered Future
Achieving U.S. citizenship through naturalization is one of the most important milestones in the immigration journey. At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we specialize in guiding individuals and families through the complex naturalization process, helping them secure their legal rights, expand their opportunities, and fully participate in American civic life.
In 2025, USCIS has introduced updates to streamline parts of the application process, but the legal standards remain strict. That’s why having an experienced immigration attorney by your side is essential.
What Is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the legal process through which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a United States citizen. It grants a wide range of rights and benefits, including:
The right to vote in federal and state elections
Access to U.S. passports
The ability to petition for family members to immigrate
Protection from deportation
Full access to government benefits and opportunities
2025 USCIS Requirements for Naturalization
To qualify for naturalization in 2025, applicants must generally:
Be 18 years or older
Hold a green card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
Have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
Demonstrate good moral character
Pass an English language test and U.S. civics exam
Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Recent policy changes in 2025 emphasize digital application tracking and faster interview scheduling, but many applicants still encounter delays or legal challenges—especially those with criminal histories, previous immigration issues, or extended absences abroad.
Why You Need Legal Guidance
Applying for U.S. citizenship is a life-changing decision. Errors, omissions, or missing documents can result in delays—or even denial. At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we provide:
Comprehensive naturalization eligibility reviews
Assistance preparing Form N-400 and all supporting documents
Interview preparation and legal representation
Help resolving complex cases (e.g., prior removals, criminal records, or continuous residence challenges)
Supporting Immigrant Families
For many families, naturalization is the final step in their journey to security and opportunity. Whether you’re seeking to protect your children’s future, bring over loved ones, or fully integrate into your community, we’re here to help make it happen.
We proudly serve clients from diverse backgrounds across Florida and beyond—providing personalized, affordable, and bilingual immigration services tailored to each family’s needs.
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Humanitarian Relief
Your Path to a Secure and Empowered Future
At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we believe in defending the dignity and rights of every person, especially those facing crisis, displacement, or harm. Through a range of humanitarian immigration relief options offered by USCIS in 2025, we help immigrant families access life-saving protections and pathways to stability in the United States.
Whether you’re fleeing violence, facing persecution, or dealing with exceptional hardships, our firm provides experienced and compassionate legal support tailored to your unique circumstances.
What Is Humanitarian Relief?
Humanitarian relief includes a group of U.S. immigration programs that protect individuals and families who are unable to return to their home countries due to dangerous or extraordinary conditions. These programs, many of which have been expanded or streamlined in 2025, include:
Asylum
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
U Visas (for victims of certain crimes)
T Visas (for victims of human trafficking)
VAWA Petitions (for abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or residents)
Humanitarian Parole
Deferred Action
2025 USCIS Updates You Should Know
In 2025, USCIS has focused on improving processing times, digital access, and protections for vulnerable individuals. Updates include:
Faster adjudication for emergency humanitarian parole requests
Re-designation and extension of TPS for countries in ongoing conflict or disaster
Increased support for domestic violence survivors through VAWA
More robust protections for victims of trafficking and exploitation
Greater access to work permits and deferred action protections
These changes offer new hope—but the legal process remains complex and often overwhelming without proper guidance.
Why Legal Help Matters
At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we walk with you every step of the way. Our experience with humanitarian immigration cases allows us to build strong applications and fight for the protections you deserve. We provide:
Detailed evaluations of eligibility
Assistance with complex USCIS forms and documentation
Representation in immigration interviews and proceedings
Emergency filings for urgent cases
Compassionate, culturally aware legal support
Helping Families Rebuild with Dignity
Humanitarian relief is more than a legal option—it’s a second chance at life. Many of our clients have fled domestic violence, gang threats, political persecution, or natural disasters. With our help, they’ve found safety, stability, and the opportunity to reunite with loved ones or raise their children in peace.
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Waivers of Inadmissibility
A Second Chance for Families Seeking Legal Immigration Relief
At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we understand that many immigrants face complex legal barriers to obtaining lawful status in the United States. One of the most common challenges is being deemed inadmissible by USCIS, which can prevent individuals from obtaining a green card, visa, or other immigration benefits. However, with the help of a skilled immigration attorney, many of these obstacles can be overcome through Waivers of Inadmissibility.
Our firm is committed to helping immigrant families navigate these critical waivers under the latest USCIS guidelines for 2025, ensuring they receive personalized, reliable, and effective representation.
What Is a Waiver of Inadmissibility?
A Waiver of Inadmissibility is a legal request submitted to USCIS or an immigration judge that asks the U.S. government to forgive specific grounds that would otherwise bar a person from entering or remaining in the country. Common grounds for inadmissibility include:
Unlawful presence in the U.S.
Prior immigration violations
Misrepresentation or fraud
Certain criminal convictions
Health-related issues
Public charge concerns
In 2025, USCIS continues to offer a range of waivers under different statutes, including:
I-601 Waiver (for immigrants outside the U.S. or in immigration court)
I-601A Provisional Waiver (for unlawful presence, filed while in the U.S.)
I-212 Waiver (for prior removal or deportation)
212(h) Waiver (for criminal grounds)
212(i) Waiver (for misrepresentation or fraud)
Key 2025 USCIS Policy Updates
As of 2025, USCIS has taken several steps to streamline the waiver process:
Digital application platforms for I-601 and I-601A waivers
Improved processing timelines to reduce family separation
Expanded guidance on extreme hardship standards
Clearer criteria for evaluating rehabilitation and humanitarian factors
Integration of medical and criminal records for faster review
These updates make it more important than ever to work with a knowledgeable immigration attorney who can ensure your application meets the latest legal and procedural requirements.
Why Waivers Matter for Immigrant Families
Many foreign nationals are found inadmissible due to mistakes made years ago or difficult circumstances they had little control over. A properly filed waiver can restore hope and allow them to:
Reunite with their U.S. citizen or resident family members
Adjust status to permanent residency (green card)
Avoid deportation or removal proceedings
Reenter the U.S. legally after past immigration violations
At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we build strong, well-documented waiver applications that focus on family unity, extreme hardship, and the client’s good moral character and contributions to the community.
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Consular Processing
A Trusted Path to Permanent Residency for Immigrant Families
At L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm, we help immigrant families navigate the often complex journey of Consular Processing — a key pathway for individuals outside the United States to legally obtain a green card. As of 2025, updates from USCIS and the Department of State have introduced new procedures and improved processing times, making professional legal guidance more essential than ever.
Our firm provides expert support to ensure your visa petition is properly prepared, submitted, and tracked — giving you and your family the best chance at a successful outcome.
What Is Consular Processing?
Consular Processing is the method through which individuals who are eligible for an immigrant visa (green card) apply through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. It is most commonly used when:
The applicant is living outside the U.S.
The individual is not eligible to adjust status within the U.S.
A family- or employment-based petition has already been approved by USCIS
Once approved, the individual attends a visa interview abroad and, upon successful completion, is granted entry as a lawful permanent resident.
2025 Updates to Consular Processing
In 2025, both USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC) have introduced several updates designed to enhance processing:
Digitized DS-260 immigrant visa application system
Streamlined document review and faster interview scheduling
Improved tracking tools for applicants via the CEAC Portal
Emphasis on fraud prevention and document accuracy
Enhanced communication between NVC and U.S. consulates
Due to these changes, attention to detail and proper documentation is more critical than ever.
Benefits of Consular Processing for Families
Consular processing offers several key advantages for immigrant families:
A direct route to lawful permanent residency
Clear structure and predictable steps for applicants abroad
Reduced risk of unlawful presence issues when done correctly
Opportunity for families to reunite legally and safely
Support for family-based petitions, including spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens
Our firm ensures your petition is accurate, compliant, and well-prepared to avoid costly delays or denials.
Key Steps in the Consular Processing Journey
Form I-130 or I-140 Approval – A family or employer files a petition with USCIS.
NVC Case Creation – The National Visa Center assigns a case number and begins collecting documents.
DS-260 Application – The immigrant completes the online visa application.
Civil and Financial Documents Submission – Including Form I-864 Affidavit of Support.
Consular Interview Abroad – A U.S. consulate or embassy conducts the interview.
Visa Issuance and Entry to the U.S. – If approved, the applicant is granted an immigrant visa and enters the U.S. as a green card holder.
Each step requires precision, and any errors can result in long delays. That’s where L. Ortiz Lawyer Firm makes a difference.