Law Offices of Vega and Associates, PLLC

Law Offices of Vega and Associates, PLLC The Law Offices of Adan G.

Vega & Associates, PLLC is a boutique law firm, located in Houston, TX, devoted and dedicated exclusively to the practice of immigration law.

05/19/2026

Warning: Immigration Lawyer Red Flags That Could Destroy Your Case

If you or someone you know is going through the immigration process, this is important. Notario scams are one of the most common forms of fraud targeting immigrants in Houston and across Texas. A notario is not a lawyer. But many immigrants do not know that, and scammers use that confusion to steal money and damage cases.

Here are 3 things to watch for:
• Anyone who guarantees a visa or green card approval
• Cash-only payments with no written contract or receipt
• Titles like 'notario' or 'immigration consultant' instead of a real bar license

At Vega & Associates, we have spent over 45 years helping immigrants navigate the legal process the right way. We have also helped many clients recover from notario fraud. But prevention is always better than recovery.

Read the full guide and share it with your community: https://www.adanvega.com/red-flags-when-hiring-an-immigration-lawyer-and/

05/18/2026

Finding a bilingual immigration lawyer in Houston who truly understands your situation is not easy. At Vega & Associates, our Spanish-speaking attorney team has served Houston's immigrant community for over 45 years. We explain every step of your case in Spanish — so you always know what is happening.

Here is what our bilingual immigration lawyer Houston team can help you with:
• Green cards and family petitions
• Employment visas including H-1B, TN, and EB categories
• Deportation defense and asylum cases

We are board-certified in immigration law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Se habla español at every step of your case.

Read our full guide on bilingual immigration legal services in Houston: https://www.adanvega.com/bilingual-immigration-lawyer-houston-spanish-speaking-attorney-services/

04/29/2026

Wondering what an immigration lawyer costs in Houston? You are not alone. It is the first question most families ask.

Vega & Associates just published a complete 2026 guide to immigration lawyer cost in Houston. Here is what you will find inside:

• Real fee ranges for family, employment, and deportation cases
• How flat fees, hourly rates, and retainers work
• What USCIS filing fees add to your total budget

Knowing the immigration lawyer cost upfront puts you in control. You can plan your budget, compare attorneys, and make a smart decision for your family.

Read the full guide here: https://www.adanvega.com/how-much-does-an-immigration-lawyer-cost-in/

Call Vega & Associates at (713) 527-9606 to get a personalized fee quote for your case.

02/24/2026

If you're a young person under 21 who can't safely reunify with one or both parents because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, there's a path called Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. SIJS is specifically designed to protect minors in your situation.

Here's how it works. First, you need a state court order. This could come through a dependency case, guardianship, or juvenile court proceeding. The court has to make three specific findings: that you're dependent on the court or in someone's custody, that reunification with one or both parents isn't viable, and that it's in your best interest to stay in the United States. Once you have that state court order, you file Form I-360 with USCIS. If USCIS approves it, you can then apply for your green card through Form I-485.

The most important thing to know: you must file Form I-360 before you turn 21. Once you turn 21, you no longer qualify. And you have to be unmarried throughout the entire process. So if you're 18, 19, or 20 and you're in this situation, time matters.

Many young people don't realize this option exists. Maybe you're living with a relative, maybe you're in foster care, maybe your parents left or the situation at home became dangerous. SIJS was created exactly for situations like yours. It doesn't require a family sponsor. It doesn't require you to prove financial support. What it requires is that state court order showing reunification isn't safe or possible.

The process usually takes one to three years total. But it gives you legal status, a work permit, and eventually a path to citizenship. Our team has walked many young people through this process, and we've seen how life-changing it is to finally have stability and legal status.

Every case is different, and immigration law changes constantly. This is general information to help you understand your options, not legal advice for your specific situation. If you're a young person dealing with a difficult family situation, talk to an immigration attorney who understands SIJS cases.

Is this something that could help someone in your family or community? Share this post so they know this path exists.

One question we hear almost every week: "I got my U visa three years ago. Can I apply for my green card now, or do I nee...
02/20/2026

One question we hear almost every week: "I got my U visa three years ago. Can I apply for my green card now, or do I need to wait longer?"

Here's what you need to know. The three-year clock starts on a very specific date — the day USCIS actually approved your U visa. Not the day you applied. Not the day you first helped the police. The approval date on your notice is what matters.

A lot of U visa holders think any time spent in the U.S. counts toward those three years. That's not how it works. Only the time after USCIS approved your U visa counts as "continuous presence." If you waited years on the U visa waitlist, that waiting time doesn't count toward your green card eligibility. We know that feels frustrating, especially after everything you've already been through.

Once you hit that three-year mark, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident. But here's something really important — you need to have stayed in the U.S. continuously during those three years. If you traveled outside the country without getting advance permission first, even for a family emergency, it could break your continuous presence and affect your green card application.

If you're getting close to your three-year anniversary, start gathering documents now. You'll need proof you lived here continuously — things like lease agreements, utility bills, employment records, and tax returns. You'll also need letters from law enforcement confirming you cooperated with them throughout your case, even if the criminal case ended years ago or never went to trial. That cooperation is a big part of qualifying for your green card.

The green card application process after a U visa takes time. Right now, it's taking anywhere from 12 to 24 months after you file, depending on which USCIS office handles your case. But it's absolutely worth it. That green card gives you permanent security and eventually opens the path to citizenship.

This is general information about how the U visa to green card process works. Every case is different, and small details can make a big difference in your application. If you're approaching your three-year mark or already past it, talk to an immigration attorney about your specific situation before you file.

What questions does your family have about moving from a U visa to a green card?

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122 Tuam Street
Houston, TX
77006

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