Looking for help with a green card or permanent residence issue?
Applying for a green card is rarely just about filing forms. For many families in Riverside County, the process raises difficult questions about prior immigration history, entries and exits, past petitions, and documentation gaps. Mistakes that seem small — or strategies that fail to fully assess risk — can lead to delays, denials, and consequences that are difficult to undo.
The green card process is not the same for every applicant. Families in Riverside seek permanent residence for different reasons, often facing strict eligibility requirements and procedural rules, without a full picture of what lies ahead.
This page is designed for individuals and families who want a serious, honest evaluation of their green card case – who want clarity before taking the next step.
Our practice serves clients across Riverside County, including families in Temecula, Moreno Valley, Corona, and surrounding communities, helping them understand the strengths and weaknesses of their situation – and develop a clear plan for pursuing permanent residence, whether through adjustment of status in the United States or consular processing in their home country.
When evaluating green card matters, our office closely reviews the facts, legal issues, and potential risks before advising whether and how a case may proceed.
Ready to take a serious and honest look at the strengths and weaknesses of your immigration case? Schedule a personalized strategy and planning session today.
Is This The Right Green Card Page For You?
In our experience, most green card problems do not come from a lack of eligibility. They stem from poor preparation and how a case is presented.
Families often qualify in theory but run into roadblocks because risks were not adequately analyzed early enough.
Submitting an application at the at the wrong time — or without a complete case assessment — can create complications that last for years. That is why we identify potential issues upfront and help clients decide on the most appropriate path forward before unnecessary complications arise and before any paperwork is filed.
In short, families often seek legal guidance because their green card case involves one or more of the following issues:
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)
- Prior green card or visa denials
- Visa overstays or periods of unlawful presence
- Entries without inspection or multiple entries and exits
- Prior immigration filings or petitions that may affect eligibility
- Concerns about adjustment of status versus consular processing
- Uncertainty about timing, documentation, or interview preparation
If you are worried that filing now could make your situation worse, this page is for you.
Overview Of The Green Card Legal Process
Green card cases involve more than completing forms and submitting documents. The legal process for permanent residence depends on an individual’s family relationships, immigration history, and procedural issues.
Some matters proceed from the initial filing stage through the green card interview without complication. Others involve government review of earlier filings, requests for evidence, or multiple interviews before a decision is rendered.
For a broader discussion of eligibility categories and procedures, visit our permanent residence lawyer page.
Issues That Commonly
Arise in Green Card Cases
Green card issues do not always arise during the processing of an active application.
Some cases come to light after a significant change in circumstances, such as the death of a petitioning family member, the end of a marriage, or a child reaching adulthood. Others involve older or previously filed petitions that were never completed, abandoned, or later rediscovered.
When evaluating these matters, our office focuses on identifying what options, if any, remain available and how a green card case may proceed under current law.
In other words:
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for a family-based green card, you are not alone.
- If you have an immigration history – such as overstaying your visa, entries without inspection, or previously denied petitions – those details can affect your options.
- If you are worried that filing now could lead to a delay, a denial, or long-term adverse consequences, an early strategy and planning session can help you decide whether, when, and how to proceed.
For Riverside clients considering permanent residence, gaining clarity before filing paperwork is essential to avoid decisions that cannot be easily reversed.
Serving Families Across Riverside County
Although this page focuses on green card matters in Riverside, our office works with individuals and families throughout Riverside County and the broader Inland Empire region.
Clients often contact us from surrounding communities within the county, as well as neighboring areas commonly considered part of the Inland Empire, when seeking guidance on permanent residence issues.
View our full range of immigration services in Riverside.
Green Card Questions We’ve Answered For Riverside County Families
For several decades, we have advised individuals living in communities throughout the County of Riverside on permanent residence issues. Here are a few examples.
The Danger Of Abandonment And Separation For Green Card Applicants
Question: “My husband helped bring me to the United States through a fiancée visa. We got married. I got a green card for two years. They told us to go back for a new interview in two years. But after living together, we found out things about each other we did not like. He filed for a divorce. At first, I moved with my aunt who lives in Fontana. Now I’m living with a friend. What can I do? Do I have to go back home?” (Submitted by Margarita Q., Beaumont, CA)
Read the full question and answer: Spouses And Fiancées: The Danger Of Separation And Abandonment For Green Card Applicants
After Parents Divorce, Can A Step-Child Petition A Parent For Permanent Residence?
Question: “Can my step-son immigrate me? My wife and I recently divorced. We lived in Kansas for several years before moving to California and getting married here. Neither one of us has valid immigration documents. We did not have any children. But she had a son from a previous relationship whom I took care of and raised during our entire seven years together. He was born in the United States. He has told me that he would still like to sponsor me for a green card as his stepparent. Is this possible, even though his mother and I are now divorced and living apart?” (Submitted by Mark X., Lake Elsinore, CA)
See the complete answer: After Parents Divorce, Can A Step-Child Petition A Step-Parent For Permanent Residence?
What Riverside Clients Say About Our Guidance In Green Card Cases
The following testimonials describe Riverside permanent residence cases which describe the experiences clients had with our office.
Permanent Residence Granted
20 Years After USCIS Denial
“I heard about Carlos from some church friends. They told me he was a good lawyer who really cares about his clients. I had tried 20 years before to get my green card. Since then I always worried that I might get stopped by immigration officers. I was tired of living in fear. I was tired of hiding. I decided to call Carlos’ office.
My case had some rough spots. At first, the immigration offices denied my case again. I was scared. Carlos would not back down. He filed an appeal. He won. I was given permanent residence. I wanted to cry I was so happy.
Let me say one more thing. Carlos has a wonderful staff. Everyone who works for him treated me with respect and courtesy. They all wanted me to win my case – I think they wanted me to win as much as I wanted to win.”
Domitila Brambila, Hemet, California
Overcoming A Potential 10-Year Bar
In A Permanent Residence Case
“Our experience with Attorney Batara was excellent! He’s full of knowledge and he won’t take any case just to make money. He’s very selective and works hard to win. If he thinks that he cannot put up a good fight, he tells clients straight up.
After meeting with over 10 attorneys all over Southern California, he was the only one willing to take and fight our difficult case. It was not an easy situation. All the other attorneys we saw repeatedly mentioned that I was going to be penalized with a 10 year bar and that there was no way around it. They all suggested not to do anything. They said just “wait until the law changes.”
My husband and I didn’t want that. We wanted to start our family and live like a normal couple. We were not sure the law would ever change. We finally came across the Law Offices of Mr. Batara and he was the light at the end of our tunnel. He saw a way to win my case. He agreed to help us.
The law has not changed – but we won anyway. I strongly recommend Mr. Batara to anyone who needs immigration help. During the case, he kept telling me, “Don’t panic, Hispanic.” He meant it. If he takes your case, you can be sure he will do his best to help you.”
Maria Fernandez, Riverside, California
A Riverside Green Card Case
From Our Practice
Laura, a citizen of Chile, entered the U.S. on a tourist visa. During her visit, she stayed at her older sister’s home in Perris, California. At a birthday party for her nephew, she was introduced to Cesar, a close friend of her brother-in-law.
They spent time together and became attracted to each other. About a month before Laura’s departure date, he asked her to marry him. Two weeks later, they tied the knot in a civil ceremony. Cesar then filed a petition to immigrate Laura. Everything seemed to go smoothly . . . until the green card interview.
The USCIS officer denied Cesar’s petition. He could not provide proof of his divorce in the Dominican Republic from his first wife. Laura was sent to immigration court to face deportation charges.
Read how they overcame Cesar’s invalid divorce – Spouse Wins Green Card Despite Previous Invalid Divorce
Ready to take a serious and honest look at the strengths and weaknesses of your immigration case? Schedule a personalized strategy and planning session today.
