Deciding to immigrate to the United States is a life-changing event, one that involves numerous legal steps, documents, and deadlines. Whether you’re seeking a visa, green card, asylum status, or citizenship status, it can feel daunting. For individuals and families living in Texas, it’s reasonable to assume that hiring an immigration attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make to be confident that your case is handled carefully, properly, and promptly. But hiring the wrong attorney—and making unnecessary mistakes during the hiring process—can delay your immigration process or even derail it completely.
More often than you’d think, people trust unqualified or inexperienced lawyers and, even worse, are victims of “experts” who are frauds. These mistakes cost time and money and can lead to applications being denied and risk deportation, too. By clearly understanding the most common mistakes when hiring an immigration attorney, you can protect yourself, your family, and the future you have planned in the U.S. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common mistakes people make when choosing an immigration attorney in Texas.
Failing to Check the Attorney’s Qualifications
One of the biggest mistakes a person could make is not verifying if their attorney is licensed and able to practice in the U.S. Immigration law is federal law and can be practiced by a licensed immigration lawyer Texas, and can represent clients throughout the United States. Unfortunately, some people hire “notarios” or consultants who can charge fees, but they are not licensed attorneys and cannot represent you in court nor file your documents.
Tip: Always verify their State Bar Association member number and that they are a member of the State Bar of Texas or any other state bar association in the U.S. Verify their credentials on the official state bar website.
Choosing Solely Based on Price
Price is a factor, but it does not make sense to choose your attorney solely based on price. Some immigration lawyers Texas charge extremely cheap fees to attract clients and subsequently provide substandard work, or abandon their case altogether. Some attorneys charge high fees but can’t guarantee the best representation.
Tip: Select your attorney based on their previous track record, communication, and success rate rather than the cheaper option or expensive option.
Succumbing to Promises of Guaranteed Success
Immigration is a complicated area of law, and no one can guarantee you approval of your visa, green card, or citizenship application. But many people hire someone who claims they can, and that is how they end up getting duped.
Tip: Stay away from immigration attorney Texas who guarantee results. A good attorney will be honest about your prospects, offer potential outcomes, and develop an initial plan for your case.
Ignoring Experience in Immigration
Not every attorney who practices in Texas practices in immigration. Some attorneys limit their practice to criminal, family, or business law and only practice immigration law in addition. Immigration law is an area of law that is unique, changing by the minute through new policies, executive actions, and regulations by the federal government.
Tip: Work with an Immigration Attorney in Texas who primarily practices immigration law. To avoid confusion, ask them if they primarily practice immigration law and what experience they have with cases similar to yours, whether it be asylum applications, deportation defense, work visa applications, or family-based petitions.
Not Having Read the Fee Agreement
Several clients fail to read the written fee agreement, which may lead to unforeseen charges for services the client thought were included. Take filing fees, translations, and document preparation (outside of the “base fee”), for example.
Considering that, for the client, always make sure to have a written agreement for fees, what services are included for that fee, and what costs for additional work the client may incur over and above that fee.
Choosing Convenience over Quality
Some individuals hire the first immigration law firm in Texas they see and do not consider whether they are competent or experienced. Although convenience matters, it should not be more important than competence.
Considering that, do not be afraid to look outside of your immediate area. Many immigration attorneys in Texas work with clients all across the state and often conduct phone or video consultations.
Forgetting to Review Client Reviews and Testimonials
Nothing is more powerful than word of mouth and browser ratings! Failing to do this might lead you to hire someone who has a poor history of client service.
To that end, please read other reviews on Google, Avvo, or other legal directories, as they may help you identify a Texas immigration lawyer with a consistent history of reasonable/reliable delivery on professionalism, time, responsiveness, or results.
Final Words
Hiring the right immigration attorney in Texas can make all the difference in your journey to building a future in the United States. By avoiding mistakes such as overlooking credentials, focusing only on price, or trusting unrealistic guarantees, you can protect yourself and increase your chances of success. The key is to prioritize experience, honesty, and effective communication when selecting your legal representative.
If you’re looking for a trusted, experienced, and reliable immigration attorney, consider California Immigration. Our team specializes in handling complex immigration cases with care and precision, helping clients achieve their goals with confidence. With dedicated support and deep expertise, we can guide you every step of the way toward a brighter future in the U.S.d reliable immigration attorney, consider California Immigration. Our team specializes in handling complex immigration cases with care and precision, helping clients achieve their goals with confidence. With dedicated support and deep expertise, we can guide you every step of the way toward a brighter future in the U.S.