Practice area
Immigration
Family-based green cards, naturalization, and visa petitions for Florida residents, handled in English or Spanish from our Lutz office.
U.S. immigration law is dense, constantly changing, and unforgiving of mistakes. One missed deadline, one wrong form, or one incomplete filing can set a case back years, or permanently separate a family. Between the two partners, DHW Law brings decades of combined Florida legal experience to immigration matters.
Family-based immigration
Most of the immigration work in a general practice is family-based. The spouse, parent, or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is seeking to join the family lawfully. We handle:
- Marriage-based petitions. From I-130 through adjustment of status or consular processing.
- Petitions for children and parents of U.S. citizens.
- Preference categories. Siblings, married children, and adult children.
- Removal of conditions on two-year green cards (Form I-751).
- K-1 fiancé visas and K-3 spousal visas.
Every step in the process involves paperwork that has to be right the first time. We review every supporting document, draft cover letters that anticipate examiner questions, and build the record so an interview is a formality rather than a risk.
Naturalization
Eligibility for U.S. citizenship generally requires 5 years of lawful permanent residence (3 for spouses of U.S. citizens), good moral character, physical presence, and passing the English and civics tests. We prepare clients for the interview, review the application for every potential issue, and accompany applicants to the USCIS interview.
Why experience matters in immigration
Immigration law changes constantly. Forms are revised. Filing fees increase. Waiver standards shift with every administration. What does not change is the need for a lawyer who has walked clients through every version of the process. David and Gwen both take immigration matters.
What we handle
Services in this practice area
- Family-sponsored green cards
- Marriage-based petitions
- Employment-based green cards
- Naturalization & citizenship
- Adjustment of status
- Consular processing
- Waivers of inadmissibility
- DACA renewals
How it works
The process, step by step
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Eligibility review
Immigration outcomes depend on facts that are not always obvious, including prior entries, past filings, family relationships, and criminal history. We review all of it before recommending a path.
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Filing preparation
We prepare every form, every supporting document, and every exhibit. Missing a supporting document can restart a two-year process.
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USCIS representation
We accompany clients to USCIS interviews. You are never alone in the room.
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Follow-up
An approval is usually the start of the next set of questions rather than the end of the file. We stay available for renewals, travel questions, and whatever comes up the first time you apply for the status that follows.
Common questions
What clients ask us first
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?
Adjustment of status is the process of applying for a green card from within the United States. Consular processing is applying from outside the country at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Which one is right depends on how you entered, your current status, and sometimes your travel needs.
How long does a family-sponsored green card take?
It depends on the category. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, parents, unmarried children under 21) have no visa quota wait. Processing time is typically 12–18 months. Preference categories (siblings, married children, adult children) can wait years or decades depending on country of origin.
Do I need to show up to a USCIS interview with a lawyer?
You are not required to bring a lawyer, but representation meaningfully improves outcomes in interviews, especially for marriage-based petitions where officers look carefully for inconsistencies. We prepare clients thoroughly and accompany them to every interview.
I have a criminal record. Can I still apply for a green card or citizenship?
Sometimes, with the right waiver or rehabilitation showing. Many criminal issues are waivable. Some are not. Do not file anything before having the record reviewed.
Related practice areas
Work we often handle together
Let's talk.
Schedule a consultation by phone, video, or in person, or call the office directly.