Immigration Lawyers in Santa Ana, CA – Se Habla Español
Immigration Lawyers in Santa Ana, CA – Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
An immigration case can change your whole family’s future, and one mistake on a form can cost months or years. At The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., we serve families in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County in English or Spanish, from family petitions to defense in immigration court.
Our Orange County office is at 1100 Town and Country Rd., Suite 500, in Orange, minutes from Santa Ana. Your first consultation is free.
Immigration cases we handle
- Family petitions (for spouses, children, parents, and siblings)
- Permanent residence (green card) and adjustment of status
- Citizenship and naturalization
- Consular processing
- Waivers, such as the I-601A provisional waiver
- U visas for victims of certain crimes
- VAWA for victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member
- DACA (renewals and options under current rules)
- Immigration court defense
- FOIA requests to obtain your immigration record
The Santa Ana Immigration Court
Santa Ana has its own immigration court, the Santa Ana Immigration Court, at 1241 E. Dyer Road, Suite 200. If you received a Notice to Appear or have a hearing at that court, do not miss it: failing to appear can result in a removal order in your absence. We help you prepare your case and understand which forms of relief may apply.
USCIS appointments in Santa Ana
Many green card and citizenship interviews for Orange County residents take place at the USCIS Santa Ana Field Office. Your appointment notice always shows the exact address. We help you prepare your documents and walk into your interview knowing what to expect.
Criminal records and immigration
An arrest or conviction, even for a misdemeanor, can affect a green card, citizenship, or DACA application. Before filing anything, we review your record. If a past conviction happened without you understanding its immigration consequences, in some cases it can be challenged under California Penal Code section 1473.7. Because our firm handles both immigration and criminal defense, we look at both sides of your case.
Beware of notarios and "consultants"
In California, only a lawyer or a federally authorized representative can give you legal advice about immigration (Business and Professions Code section 22440 and following). A notary public is not a lawyer. Before paying for help, make sure the person is authorized.
Community resources
The Consulate General of Mexico in Santa Ana (2100 E. 4th Street) offers services such as passports and the matrícula consular, which are often needed as identity documents in an immigration case. We can tell you which documents to gather for your case.
If a family member was detained by immigration
If a loved one was detained, write down their full name, date of birth, country of origin, and, if available, their A-number. With that information you can locate where they are held. Do not sign documents you do not understand, and do not let your family member accept voluntary departure or removal before talking to a lawyer: some decisions cannot be undone.
U visas and VAWA: options for victims
If you were the victim of certain crimes in the United States, such as domestic violence, assault, or extortion, and you helped or are willing to help the authorities, you may qualify for a U visa. If you were abused by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, you may qualify under VAWA. These applications are confidential, and the abuser does not need to know about them. We explain whether your case may qualify.
Family petitions: documents to gather
- Birth and marriage certificates (with translations if not in English)
- Proof of your petitioning relative's citizenship or residence
- IDs and passports
- Any prior immigration documents (permits, notices, court orders)
- Records of any arrest or criminal case, even old ones
Do not worry if something is missing; in your consultation we tell you what you need and how to get it.
Green cards and citizenship
If you are already a permanent resident, you may qualify for citizenship after a certain time as a resident, depending on your case. Before applying, it is worth reviewing long trips abroad, taxes, child support, and any arrests, because USCIS reviews them. If your residence is conditional through marriage, remember to file to remove the conditions within the window shown on your card.
Why request your record (FOIA) first?
Many people do not remember exactly when and how they entered the country, or whether they were ever stopped at the border. A FOIA request shows what the government has in your file before you file something new, so there are no surprises.
How we work
- 1. Free initial consultation, in English or Spanish.
- 2. We review your immigration history and, if needed, request your file through FOIA.
- 3. We explain your options, risks, and approximate timelines clearly.
- 4. If you hire us, we give you the scope of services and fees in writing.
- 5. We prepare your application and keep you informed at every stage.
We cannot guarantee the approval of any application; the government makes those decisions. What we offer is a careful review and service in your language.
Schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer in Santa Ana
Call us at 1-844-800-5517 or fill out the free online case evaluation. We serve residents of Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Westminster, Fullerton, and all of Orange County.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an immigration court in Santa Ana?
Yes. The Santa Ana Immigration Court is at 1241 E. Dyer Road, Suite 200, Santa Ana. If you have a hearing, it is very important to attend; missing it can result in a removal order.
Can I get my papers through a family member?
It depends on your relationship to the family member, how you entered the country, and your record. In the consultation, we review whether a family petition, a waiver, or consular processing may apply.
Does a DUI or an arrest affect my green card or citizenship application?
It can. Before filing any application, we review your criminal record to identify risks.
Can a notario help with my immigration case?
Not with legal advice. In California, only a lawyer or a federally authorized representative can advise you on immigration.
What is a FOIA request and why does it matter?
It is a request to the government for your immigration record. It shows exactly what is in your file before you submit a new application.
How much does the consultation cost?
The first consultation is free. If you hire us, we give you the scope of services and fees in writing.
Free initial consultation · Se habla español · Call 1-844-800-5517 · Free case evaluation
The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., 1100 Town and Country Rd., Suite 500, Orange, CA 92868 · 1-844-800-5517
Immigration lawyers in California · Immigration lawyers in Orange, CA (Spanish) · Leer en español: abogados de inmigración en Santa Ana
Attorney Advertising. Attorney responsible for this content: Shawn F. Matian (CA #244148), The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, A.P.C., 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90010. This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.
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¿Cuál Es El Estatus De Mi Caso Inmigratorio?
¿Cuál Es El Objetivo De La Visa U?
¿Cuál Es La Diferencia Entre La 245i Y La 245a?
¿Cuál Es La Penalidad Si Se Ingresa A Estados Unidos Sin El Perdón I-212?
¿Cuáles Son 3 Razones Que Tu Petición Puede Ser Fue Denegada?
¿Cuáles Son Algunos Delitos Que Califican Para Obtener La Visa U?
¿Cuáles son los formularios que se tienen que presentar?
¿Cuánto Tiempo Demora El Proceso De Ajuste De Estatus?
¿Cuánto tiempo toma para obtener una tarjeta de residencia por matrimonio?
¿Cuáles son mis opciones después de mi denegación de solicitud de asilo?
¿Cuál es el formulario para una apelación?
Entré A Los Estados Unidos Hace 4 Años. Nunca Salí. Si Me Caso Con Un Ciudadano Puedo Arreglar?
Entré Ilegal, Tengo Una Petición Aprobada. Mi Mamá Es Residente. ¿Ella Puede Ayudarme Con El Perdón?
¿Es Necesario Pedir Otros Perdones Conjuntamente Con I-212?
Hace Cinco Años Una De Mis Hijas Fue Víctima De Abuso. ¿Yo Quiero Saber Si Califico Para La Visa U?
He Recibido La Denegación De Mi Asilo ¿Puedo Apelar?
Me Acabo De Casar Con Un Residente Y Quiero Saber, ¿Si Él Me Puede Someter Una Petición Familiar?
Me Asaltaron Ya Hace Un Tiempo. ¿Todavía Podría Aplicar Para La VisaU? ¿Hay Una Fecha De Expiración?
Me Casé Con Un Ciudadano Americano Pero Entré Ilegal Al País. ¿Quiero Saber Si Tengo Algún Alivio?
¿Me pueden ayudar con mi caso de deportación?
Mi Esposa Me Pidio Con La I-130. Su Hermana Que Es Notaria Nos Ayudo. Pero Ya Van 5 Años De Eso.
Mi prometido tiene un hijo, ¿puedo solicitarlo también?
¿Por Qué Tarda Tanto Mi Visa U?
¿Puedo Aplicar Para Residencia Permanente Si Yo Soy Británico?
¿Puedo Obtener Una Orden De Restricción Si No Tengo Una Green Card?
¿Puedo Reabrir Mi Caso? Tengo Una Deportación Previa. Mi Esposo Tiene Documentos Y Hijos Ciudadanos.
¿Qué Quiere Decir El Término Nuevo Inmigrante?
¿Qué Quiere Decir Ser Un Residente Permanente En Los Estados Unidos?
¿Qué pasa después de casarnos dentro de los 90 días?
¿Qué Pasa Si Se Obtiene La Aprobación Del Perdón I-212?
¿Qué sucede después de que se aprueba la visa K-1?
¿Qué sucede si no se casa dentro de los 90 días?
¿Qué Ventajas Tiene El Ajuste De Estatus?
¿Quién Es Elegible Para La Exención I-601A?
¿Quién Necesita Solicitar El Perdón I-212?
¿Quisiera Saber Como Puedo Hacer Para Obtener Mi Record De Inmigración?
¿Quisiera Saber Qué Resultados Puedo Obtener A Través De La USCIS FOIA?
¿Quisiera Saber Que Resultados Puedo Obtener Atravez Del CBP – FOIA?
Soy Residente Y Quisiera Saber ¿Si Me Puedo Hacer Ciudadano? Me Detuvieron Por Manejar Sin Licencia.
¿Tengo que presentarme en mi audiencia?
Un Juez Me Dio Una Salida Voluntaria. Estoy Casado Con Una Ciudadana. ¿Hay Alivio En Mi Caso?