Legal·2026-05-15

Choosing an Immigration Attorney in Katy: A Practical Checklist

Immigration is high-stakes. Here's how Katy families should vet immigration attorneys before signing a retainer.

By Experts of Katy Editorial

Immigration cases — from family green cards to employment visas — can take years and cost thousands. The wrong attorney can stall your case or make it irrecoverable. Here's how to vet a Katy immigration lawyer.

Confirm AILA membership

The American Immigration Lawyers Association membership is the gold standard. AILA attorneys actively train on rapidly-changing USCIS policy. Verify at AILA.org.

Ask: How many cases like mine?

A family-immigration attorney may have done 200 marriage-based green cards but only 12 EB-1 employment cases. Specificity matters — and Katy immigration attorneys typically specialize.

Flat fee vs hourly?

Most family-immigration work is flat-fee. Litigation (court appearances, appeals) is usually hourly. Get the scope in writing.

Beware notarios

In Texas, only licensed attorneys can give immigration advice. 'Notarios' offering immigration help are often unauthorized practitioners — and your case becomes the casualty of that.

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