Category Archives: Immigration lawyer

Attorney Gary Ilagan Named the 2024 Immigration Lawyer of the Year in Houston, Texas, by Best Lawyers in America

August 30, 2023

Houston, Texas – [8/18/2024] – Attorney Gary Ilagan has been honored as the 2024 Immigration Lawyer of the Year in Houston, Texas, by Best Lawyers in America, recognizing his exceptional dedication, expertise, and success in the field of immigration law. This prestigious award based totally on peer-review is the second time Attorney Ilagan has been recognized as the Lawyer of the Year. This award highlights his exceptional work with companies and the profound impact on the lives of individuals and families navigating complex immigration challenges.

With an illustrious career spanning over twenty-seven years, Attorney Ilagan has solidified his reputation as the “go to” attorney for clients in the healthcare industry. His remarkable ability to combine legal acumen with genuine compassion has not only achieved favorable outcomes for his clients but has also set a standard of excellence within the legal profession.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition as the 2024 Immigration Lawyer of the Year,” said Attorney Ilagan. “Immigration law is not just a practice area for me – it’s a passion and a commitment to upholding the values of justice and equality. This award is a testament to the hard work of my dedicated team and the trust that our clients have placed in us.”

Attorney Ilagan’s dedication to immigration law goes beyond his client representation. He is a frequent speaker at legal conferences and Filipino community events, sharing his expertise and insights to help others better understand the intricacies of immigration law. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping public discourse and fostering a more informed and empathetic perspective on immigration matters.

Attorney Ilagan’s recognition as the 2024 Immigration Lawyer of the Year serves as a reminder of the vital role that legal professionals play in shaping the lives of immigrants and their families. His dedication to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and equality makes him a true champion in the field of immigration law.

For more information about Attorney Gary Ilagan and his practice, please visit www.fonglegal.com.

About Attorney Gary Ilagan: Attorney Gary Ilagan is a seasoned immigration lawyer with over 27 years of experience representing individuals and families in navigating the intricate landscape of immigration law. His commitment to the field, coupled with his deep understanding of the legal system, has earned him a reputation of a trusted advocate.

An American flag painted on the ground in Houston.

The Journey to Citizenship: How a Naturalization Attorney Can Help

August 21, 2023

By:Fong Ilagan, LLP

Are you an immigrant looking for citizenship in the United States? If so, seeking out a naturalization attorney to assist you in your journey is essential. We will explain the benefits of hiring a naturalization attorney and how they can help.

Fong Ilagan in Houston strives to be a dependable source of legal assistance. We will provide answers to any questions you may have to ensure you that we are here to help. If you need a naturalization attorney, give us a call at (713) 772-2300 or contact us online.

The Benefits of Hiring a Naturalization Attorney

Whether you’re immigrating for business or family purposes, hiring a naturalization attorney can benefit you in a multitude of ways. At Fong Ilagan, we believe we are defined by how we go about assisting our clients. Some of the benefits of working with a naturalization attorney are:

Peace of Mind- Going through the process of immigration can be a stressful experience for anyone. Hiring a naturalization attorney can take away a lot of the burden of the process and give you more confidence.

Better Chance of Success- A small mistake in an immigration application can cause an immediate rejection. An attorney will ensure your application is correct and can increase your chances of approval.

Your Rights are Protected- Your Houston naturalization attorney is there to help YOU. They will make sure you are being treated fairly and protect you against any discrimination.

Representation and Advocacy- At Fong Ilagan, we will represent you at all interviews. We will also communicate with all immigration authorities on your behalf.

Assistance with the Procedures- The immigration process calls for a lot of paperwork and documentation, which can become stressful. A naturalization attorney in Houston will ensure your paperwork is submitted in order and on time.

Personalized Guidance- We make sure to develop close-knit relationships with our clients to provide a more personalized experience. Each immigration case is different. Therefore, the methods need to be catered to the individual client.

Legal Experts- It doesn’t help that immigration laws keep changing. A naturalization attorney is up to date on all the policy changes and regulations. We will apply our knowledge of the law to assist you properly.

Naturalization Attorneys of Houston

Here at Fong Ilagan in Houston, we value the reward of aiding individuals and families through the immigration process. We have helped thousands of people seeking citizenship and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. We are ready to help; call (713) 772-2300!

A wooden gavel with an American flag in the background in Houston.

What Is a Fiancé Visa?

June 11, 2023

By:Fong Ilagan, LLP

How to Obtain a Fiancé Visa for Entry into the U.S.

If you are a fiancé(e) of a United States citizen, you may be able to apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa. The visa, commonly referred to as a fiancé visa, permits you to enter the U.S. in order to marry your future spouse within 90 days. There are several requirements that you must meet to obtain a fiancé visa. To ensure your eligibility, you should speak with a Houston immigration lawyer.

At Fong Ilagan, we have decades of experience helping individuals immigrate to the United States. We know how difficult the journey can be for some people, which is why we strive to make it as easy and convenient as possible. Our lawyers are well-versed in handling complex cases and will not rest until our clients receive the best possible outcome in their cases.

Contact us online or call (713) 772-2300 to learn more about applying for and receiving a fiancé visa for entrance to the United States.

What Is a Fiancé Visa?

A fiancé visa is a K-1 nonimmigrant visa available to foreign-citizen fiancé(e)s of United States citizens. The visa allows a foreign citizen fiancé(e) to enter the United States with the help of a sponsor (their intended U.S. citizen spouse).

However, they must marry their future spouse within 90 days of arriving in the country. Once the foreign citizen is legally married to their spouse, they can apply for adjustment of status to permanent resident.

What Are the Requirements for a Fiancé Visa?

In order to qualify for a fiancé visa, both you and your U.S. citizen spouse “must have been legally free to marry at the time the petition was filed.” You must also remain free to marry, and the marriage must be legally possible under state law.

Additionally, you must have met your future spouse in person within the past two years. There are exceptions to this rule, including that you were unable to meet due to extreme hardship or cultural reasons.

What Will Prevent Someone from Being Eligible for a Fiancé Visa?

According to the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs, there are several conditions that may prevent you from being eligible for a fiancé visa.

Conditions that may prevent you from eligibility include but are not limited to:

Drug trafficking
Violating a prior visa
Health-related grounds (i.e., having a communicable disease)
Committing a crime involving moral turpitude
Not having proper documentation
Submitting fraudulent identification or documents

If you believe that you will be denied a fiancé visa because of ineligibility, you may be able to submit a waiver. It is in your best interest to consult with an immigration lawyer about your rights prior to applying for a visa or waiver.

Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

If you are hoping to immigrate to the United States via a fiancé visa, you need to speak to an immigration lawyer. Without the help of a lawyer, your application can be denied. A simple error in paperwork can cost you significant amounts of time and money.

A Houston immigration lawyer can help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. They can assist in making sure that your documents are filed promptly and that your rights are not violated. It is important to consult with a lawyer early to ensure that you do not waste your resources.

Filing a Fiancé Visa? Contact Our Houston Office.

Are you hoping to file an application for a fiancé visa? Contact us online or call (713) 772-2300 to speak directly with a knowledgeable member of our legal team. We can help you understand the process and ensure that your documents and proof of eligibility are filed correctly. Do not wait. Call our office today to get started.