Obtaining a green card, also known as lawful permanent residency, is one of the most important steps an immigrant can take toward building a secure future in the United States. With a green card, individuals can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, travel freely, and eventually apply for citizenship. But for many immigrants in New Orleans, the process of applying for a green card or adjusting status is far from simple.
Strict eligibility rules, long processing times, and frequent requests for additional documentation can create uncertainty and frustration. Mistakes or missed deadlines can even lead to denials, delays, or immigration complications.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our attorneys help clients in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana navigate every stage of the green card process. We represent individuals and families seeking permanent residency through family sponsorship, employment opportunities, or humanitarian programs. Whether you are applying from within the United States or through a U.S. consulate abroad, our firm ensures that your case is handled with precision, care, and a full understanding of your rights under federal immigration law.
Understanding Green Cards and Permanent Residency
A green card grants lawful permanent residence in the United States. It provides the holder with nearly all the same rights as a U.S. citizen, including the ability to work legally, own property, and travel internationally. Most importantly, it represents stability and the assurance that you can live in the U.S. permanently with your family and pursue the life you’ve worked so hard to build.
There are several ways to obtain a green card, including:
Applicants who are already in the United States may be eligible to apply through adjustment of status, which allows them to obtain permanent residency without leaving the country. Others who are living abroad or entered without inspection may need to complete the process through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Determining which option applies requires careful review of your immigration history and current legal status. Our attorneys work closely with each client to develop a strategy that maximizes eligibility and minimizes delays or complications.
Family-Based Green Cards in New Orleans
Family immigration is one of the most common and meaningful ways to obtain lawful permanent residency. Many New Orleans residents qualify for green cards through close family relationships with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
There are two main categories of family-based green cards:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents.
- Family preference categories, including siblings, married children, and certain relatives of lawful permanent residents.
The process typically involves several steps:
- The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to establish the relationship.
- Once approved, the applicant may file a Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence) if eligible to adjust status in the U.S. or proceed through consular processing if abroad.
- After review, applicants attend a biometrics appointment and USCIS interview, where supporting documentation and relationship evidence are examined.
Our attorneys at Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez assist families through every step, from preparing forms and gathering proof of bona fide relationships to responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and preparing for interviews.
We also represent clients in complex cases involving:
Family unity lies at the heart of our practice. We take pride in helping families in New Orleans stay together and build stable, lasting lives in the United States.
Employment-Based Green Cards
Employment-based immigration offers another important path to permanent residency for skilled workers, professionals, and investors who contribute to the economy in Louisiana and beyond.
Our attorneys assist both employers and employees with all aspects of employment-based green card applications, including compliance, documentation, and appeals. We guide clients through categories such as:
- EB-1: Priority workers, including individuals with extraordinary ability or multinational executives.
- EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
- EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers filling labor shortages.
- EB-4: Special immigrants, including religious workers or certain U.S. government employees.
- EB-5: Investors who create jobs through approved investment programs.
In most cases, employers must first obtain PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor to show that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position. This step requires careful adherence to federal regulations and precise documentation.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we understand that even small errors in these filings can lead to long delays or denials. Our firm ensures that all applications meet federal requirements and are filed correctly the first time, giving clients the best chance at approval and a secure path toward permanent residency.
Adjustment of Status in New Orleans
For many immigrants already living in the United States, adjustment of status is the preferred path to obtaining a green card. This process allows eligible individuals to apply for permanent residency without returning to their home country, avoiding the risk and expense of consular processing.
To qualify for adjustment of status, applicants must generally have:
- A valid and lawful entry into the United States (e.g., via a visa or inspection).
- An approved immigrant petition, such as a family-based or employment-based application.
- No disqualifying criminal convictions or immigration violations.
The process typically involves filing Form I-485, attending a biometrics appointment, and completing an interview with a USCIS officer in the New Orleans area. During the interview, applicants must demonstrate eligibility, provide updated documentation, and confirm that they meet all statutory requirements.
Common issues in adjustment cases include:
- Missing or inconsistent paperwork
- Prior immigration violations
- Requests for additional evidence (RFEs)
- Misunderstandings about eligibility due to prior entries or overstays
Our attorneys prepare every application with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that our clients’ eligibility and good moral character are well-documented. We also attend USCIS interviews with our clients to provide legal representation and support throughout the process.
Overcoming Green Card Delays, Denials, or Complications
Even the most carefully prepared green card applications can face challenges. Delays, denials, or requests for additional evidence are common in immigration cases, especially when prior immigration history, criminal records, or incomplete documentation are involved. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we step in to resolve these issues and protect your right to lawful permanent residency.
Our attorneys analyze every detail of your case to identify the cause of the delay or denial and determine the best path forward. Depending on your situation, we may:
- File a motion to reopen or reconsider a denied petition.
- Submit new or corrected documentation to satisfy USCIS requirements.
- Pursue waivers of inadmissibility for clients with prior immigration or criminal issues.
- Request an expedited review if your case qualifies for urgent consideration.
We also represent clients facing complex obstacles such as:
- Past deportation or removal orders
- Prior visa overstays or unlawful presence
- Criminal convictions affecting admissibility
- Errors made by previous attorneys or preparers
Each of these situations requires precise legal strategy and thorough documentation. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience navigating these challenges and restoring clients’ eligibility for lawful permanent residence. Whether you are reapplying, appealing, or trying to correct a previous mistake, we can help you move forward with confidence.
Why Choose Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez for Green Card Cases in New Orleans
Choosing the right immigration attorney can make the difference between success and years of unnecessary delay. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our attorneys bring a deep understanding of immigration law, years of courtroom and USCIS experience, and a personal dedication to every client we represent.
We know that no two cases are alike and we approach each one with precision, preparation, and compassion. Clients throughout New Orleans and Louisiana trust us because:
- We have extensive experience in family, employment, and humanitarian green card cases.
- Our team provides bilingual legal services in English and Spanish.
- We offer strategic representation for adjustment of status, consular processing, and appeals.
- We maintain direct communication with clients throughout the process, ensuring you always know what comes next.
- Our attorneys have a proven record of overcoming denials, RFEs, and complex immigration complications.
Our goal is simple: to help individuals and families achieve stability and opportunity through lawful permanent residency. Whether you’re applying for your first green card or resolving complications from a prior filing, our firm is ready to stand by your side.
Contact Our New Orleans Green Card Attorneys Today
Securing a green card is a life-changing milestone, one that deserves skilled legal guidance and a dedicated advocate. The attorneys at Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez represent clients in New Orleans, Oakdale, Jena, and nearby Natchez, Mississippi, helping families and workers across Louisiana build secure, lawful futures in the United States.
If you are applying for a green card, responding to a USCIS request, or appealing a denial, contact our firm today. We will review your case, explain your options, and create a plan to help you achieve your immigration goals.
Call Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez at (216) 284-7591 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced New Orleans green card and adjustment of status attorney. Our team is here to protect your rights, support your family, and guide you toward permanent residency in the country you call home.
