Applying for any U.S. immigration case can be daunting. Many prospective applicants, as well as families, experience anxiety due to the complexity of rules, misunderstandings about eligibility, and uncertainty about outcomes. This fear sometimes leads to missed opportunities or unnecessary delays. Speaking with an immigration attorney early in the process can mitigate many of these risks and clarify the path forward.​

Common Fears About Applying for U.S. Immigration

Many people fear that one mistake or an unknown past event could jeopardize their entire future in the U.S. Examples include situations where a minor criminal record or a long trip taken abroad sparks anxiety about future immigration status, especially for permanent residents who are reevaluated each time they re-enter the country. The process can seem intimidating, with seemingly endless paperwork and changing regulations.​ However, for many, they may be missing out on opportunities by unnecessarily delaying filing their immigration cases.

Example Immigration Story:

Case Example: Violinist from Utah

• A young violinist from Korea married a U.S. citizen, but did not follow up with maintaining his permanent residency or pursuing citizenship. After a DUI conviction, he lost eligibility for DACA and faced removal proceedings. Eventually, the case was terminated, and he successfully applied for a Green Card. However, many missed opportunities and years of uncertainty could have been avoided had he applied for his Green Card earlier through his marriage.

I have been pleasantly surprised that so far, many of my immigration cases have been processed within a reasonable time frame. I was almost certain at the beginning of the year that processing times would slow down significantly, but they haven’t.

Here is a sample of some of my marriage green card case processing times for cases that have been filed with USCIS, where the Green Card interview took place at a local USCIS office: 

• Case filed in November 2024; Green Card interview in June 2025
• Case field in January 2025; Green Card interview in July 2025
• Case filed in March 2025; Green Card interview in August 2025
• Case filed in June 2025; Green Card interview in November 2025
• Case filed in April 2025; Green Card interview in October 2025
• Case filed in April 2025; Green Card interview in September 2025

These timeframes show that USCIS is generally processing these applications within a reasonable amount of time. Processing times can change, but given these timeframes, it is worth getting your case filed sooner rather than later if you qualify.

Why Consult an Immigration Attorney?

• Expert Guidance: Attorneys understand the ever-changing immigration legal landscape and help clients understand the requirements when applying for immigration benefits, minimizing mistakes and avoiding delays.​
• Review and Representation: Attorneys can review your individual circumstances, advise on the best visa or status options, prepare paperwork accurately, and advocate for you.
• Peace of Mind: Professional support reduces stress and anxiety, replacing fear with actionable, tailored advice. Attorneys also have access to valuable networks and community resources for further support.​
• Avoiding Scams and Misinformation: Licensed lawyers prevent exposure to unreliable advice and represent their clients’ interests. 

Immigration law is complex, but the process should not be so frightening that people miss out on their dreams or family reunification. Speaking with a licensed, experienced immigration attorney, like myself, is important so you understand what your options are and your case receives the care and expertise it deserves. A consultation is the first step toward understanding what your options are under the current U.S. immigration laws, so you can make an informed, confident decision about your future.

Sources

• AILA
• KSLA