Immigration Lawyers in Riverside
Immigration cases can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to reunite your family or secure a critical benefit. Our Riverside immigration attorneys are here to guide and support you through the process.
Serving immigrant families in Riverside and across the Inland Empire
Immigration problems can create a level of fear and uncertainty that affects every part of your life. Maybe you are unsure how to fix an issue with USCIS, you are anxious about keeping your status, or you are trying to help a family member who is stuck in a difficult situation.
For many people in Riverside, these concerns feel overwhelming because immigration is not just a legal matter. It is about family, security, and the future you are working hard to build.
At Fontes Law Group, we recognize how stressful this process can be, especially for those trying to reunite loved ones or secure an important immigration benefit. Our immigration attorneys understand the pressure you are under, and we are committed to standing with you through each stage of your case. We guide you with patience, compassion, and clarity, making sure you know what to expect while we prepare your application or defense with the skill your situation deserves.
From our Riverside and Santa Ana offices, we help individuals and families across Southern California navigate visas, green cards, deportation defense, waivers, and more. We are a fully bilingual team, and we believe strong communication is essential, so we keep you updated, explain every step, and answer your questions with honesty and care. Whatever challenge you are facing in the immigration system, Fontes Law Group is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Experience. Compassion. Results.
At Fontes Law Group, our immigration team provides clear, compassionate guidance to individuals and families across Southern California. With more than 20 years of combined experience, we take the time to understand your situation and create a legal strategy that aligns with your goals.
- Proven success with visas, green cards, citizenship, and deportation defense
- Fully bilingual team in English and Spanish
- Offices in Santa Ana and Riverside
- Free initial consultation
- Trusted by immigrant families throughout Southern California
Attorneys who will stand beside you
Martin C. Fontes
Founded the firm in 2006 and has represented thousands of immigrants and their families before USCIS and the immigration courts.
Maria Campos Tello
Practices primarily in immigration law. A first-generation graduate raised in Anaheim, and the first attorney in her family.
Immigration services
From a first petition to a final hearing, we handle the full range of family, humanitarian and defensive immigration matters.
Green Cards for Family Members
Immigrant visa petitions for spouses, children, siblings and parents, and I-751 petitions to remove conditions on residence.
K-1 Fiancé Visa
Bringing a fiancé or fiancée to the United States to marry, and the adjustment of status that follows.
K-3 Spouse Visa
Visas for the spouses of U.S. citizens waiting on an immigrant petition, so families are not kept apart.
Removal & Deportation Defense
Bond hearings, removal proceedings, cancellation of removal and appeals before the immigration courts.
Adjustment of Status & Consular Processing
The two paths to a green card, inside the United States or at a consulate abroad, and choosing the right one.
Naturalization & Citizenship
Preparing the N-400, the interview and the civics and English tests, and correcting issues that affect eligibility.
Asylum & Humanitarian Relief
Asylum, U visas, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile petitions, DACA and Temporary Protected Status.
Hardship Waivers
I-601 and I-601A hardship waivers, and I-212 permission to reapply after a prior removal.
Appeals & Motions to Reopen
A fresh, strategic look at a denied petition, application or court case, and the arguments to reopen it.
Key legal areas in U.S. immigration
Immigration law is challenging to navigate because it draws from federal laws, government regulations, and constantly shifting policies. Every form you file and every step you take must follow specific legal standards, and even small mistakes can create delays or put your case at risk.
Below is an overview of the key legal areas that shape most immigration cases and how they may influence your path forward.
What immigration law covers
In the United States, immigration law sets the framework for how foreign nationals can enter, live, work, and eventually pursue citizenship. It also outlines what happens when someone overstays a visa, loses lawful status, or enters the country without authorization, including the procedures for detention and removal. These rules impact families, workers, students, employers, and anyone seeking safety or opportunity in the U.S.
If you are hoping to come to the United States for work or long-term residence, trying to reunite your family, facing deportation, seeking protection from harm in your home country, or navigating the hiring of foreign workers, our attorneys guide people through every stage of the process, including:
- Foreign nationals seeking to live or work in the United States
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents trying to reunite their families
- Employers who need to hire skilled workers from abroad
- People fleeing danger or persecution
- Individuals facing immigration detention or removal proceedings
Family-based immigration
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring certain relatives to the United States. These visas fall into two groups: immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and the family preference system.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
Spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens age 21 or older. There is no annual limit for these visas, but sponsors must meet financial requirements and applicants must qualify under immigration law.
Family preference visas
Adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens, and spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents. These visas are capped each year, with at least 226,000 available nationwide under a formula set by Congress. To start the process, the sponsoring relative files a petition and agrees to provide financial support. The family member seeking entry must meet all eligibility criteria before a visa can be approved.
Employment-based visas
Many employers in the United States depend on skilled foreign workers when they cannot find enough qualified U.S. applicants. Temporary non-immigrant work visas include the H-1B for specialty occupations, H-2A for agricultural workers, H-2B for seasonal non-agricultural workers, L-1 for intracompany transfers, O for individuals with extraordinary ability, P for athletes and entertainers, and Q-1 for cultural exchange programs. Some, like the H-1B, can be renewed and may lead to permanent residency through employer sponsorship. Permanent employment-based visas are capped at 140,000 per year and are divided into five preference categories:
- EB-1: Extraordinary ability workers, researchers, professors, multinational executives
- EB-2: Advanced degree professionals and individuals with exceptional ability
- EB-3: Skilled workers and certain professionals
- EB-4: Special immigrants
- EB-5: Investors who create U.S. jobs
Some categories allow applicants to self-petition, while others require employers to follow Department of Labor rules before sponsoring a worker. If you are an employer seeking to sponsor a worker, or an individual with strong qualifications hoping to begin the process, the immigration attorneys at Fontes Law Group in Riverside can help you understand your options and prepare a strong case.
Asylum, humanitarian relief and citizenship
Refugees are individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries because they face persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, or membership in a social group. They apply for refugee status from outside the United States, and each year the president sets a limit on how many refugees may be admitted. People already in the U.S. who fear the same types of harm may apply for asylum at the border or within one year of arrival, and there is no annual cap on asylum applications. Refugees and asylees may both apply for lawful permanent resident status one year after they receive protection.
Humanitarian relief options
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is offered to people already in the United States whose home countries are experiencing war, natural disasters, or other dangerous conditions; it is granted for limited periods, often six to 18 months, and recipients can obtain work authorization. Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) protects individuals from deportation when their countries are unstable. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) allows certain individuals brought to the U.S. as children to stay and work temporarily if they meet specific residency and age requirements; the program remains in litigation, so eligibility and processing change often.
Naturalization and citizenship
Lawful permanent residents may apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residence, or three years for those who obtained a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or under VAWA, with special eligibility for military members. Applicants must be at least 18, have continuously lived in the United States, demonstrate good moral character, and pass exams on English, U.S. history, and civics. We help clients:
- Prepare forms and documents
- Study for interviews and tests
- Correct issues that may affect eligibility
Removal defense, inadmissibility and waivers
The government has the authority to detain undocumented immigrants and those who have violated the terms of their visas and hold them for removal proceedings. If you are removed from the U.S., you may be subject to a bar of admissibility for up to 10 years or longer. It is crucial to seek assistance from an experienced immigration lawyer if you are facing removal proceedings; we may be able to help you seek a waiver of inadmissibility or explore other options, and we represent clients in bond hearings, removal proceedings, appeals, and motions to reopen or reconsider.
Immigration court and your rights
Immigration court is a real courtroom, and individuals in removal proceedings have rights: a hearing, an interpreter, the ability to present evidence, the right to hire a lawyer, and the ability to appeal some decisions. Fontes Law Group supports you through bond hearings, master calendar hearings, individual hearings, and appeals, making sure you understand each step. Court resources can be found at the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
Immigration status and eligibility
Every immigration benefit depends on meeting specific legal requirements, and your current status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, visa holder, asylum seeker, or undocumented individual) determines what you can apply for. Your status affects whether you can sponsor family, work legally, adjust status in the U.S., or must complete your case abroad. Issues like overstays or certain criminal problems can also change your eligibility. We review your history and explain how these rules apply to you.
Grounds of inadmissibility
Federal law lists several reasons a person may be found ineligible for a visa: criminal convictions, immigration violations, fraud or misrepresentation, certain medical issues, limited public charge concerns, and prior deportation orders. Many people qualify for waivers that explain family hardship and ask the government to forgive the issue. A strong waiver can make a major difference in your case. Learn more at the Department of State website.
Adjustment of status and consular processing
People apply for permanent residence in one of two ways. Adjustment of status is for individuals inside the U.S. who qualify to apply without leaving. Consular processing is for individuals who must finish their case at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Your eligibility depends on how you entered the U.S., your immigration history, and your family relationship. Choosing the right path prevents delays and unnecessary separation from your family.
The public charge rule
Public charge rules evaluate whether someone seeking a green card is likely to rely on government support. Today, the focus is mostly on whether a sponsor can financially support the applicant. Sponsors must file an affidavit of support, which is a binding commitment to the government. Many families worry about public charge unnecessarily. We explain which benefits are safe to use and how to submit a strong financial packet. More information is available at USCIS.
Criminal consequences, waivers, work permits and appeals
Criminal charges can greatly affect immigration cases. Even minor offenses may trigger removal or make someone ineligible for a green card. We review your criminal history carefully because even small details can determine whether you qualify for relief.
Waivers and humanitarian exceptions
Some people face legal barriers but still qualify for relief. Common waivers include unlawful presence waivers, misrepresentation waivers, criminal waivers, waivers for spouses of U.S. citizens, extreme hardship waivers, and humanitarian reinstatement. These cases require strong evidence and careful preparation. We work closely with families to build a clear, compelling argument.
Work authorization
Some immigration cases allow applicants to request a work permit. You may qualify for an Employment Authorization Document if you have a pending adjustment of status or asylum case, hold a visa that allows work, have DACA or TPS, or are in certain humanitarian programs. Working without authorization can harm your case, so we help you understand when it is safe to apply.
Appeals and motions
If your application or case is denied, you may still have options, including appeals, motions to reopen, and motions to reconsider. These filings must be supported with strong legal arguments. Many clients come to us after a denial for a second, more strategic review of their case.
Helpful resources
FAQs about immigration law
What is the difference between a visa and a green card?+
A visa lets you enter the United States for a specific purpose and period of time. A green card gives you lawful permanent resident status, meaning you can live and work in the country indefinitely. Many people first enter with a visa and later apply for a green card.
Can I work in the U.S. while my immigration case is pending?+
Many applicants can apply for a work permit, known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Eligibility depends on your specific application type, such as asylum, adjustment of status, or certain humanitarian programs.
What rights do undocumented immigrants have?+
Even without legal status, you still have constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney in criminal cases, and the right to due process in immigration court. A lawyer can help protect these rights.
Can I apply for asylum after one year in the U.S.?+
There is a one-year filing deadline, but there are exceptions for people who can show extraordinary circumstances or major changes in their situation. An attorney can help determine whether you still qualify.
Do I have to attend an immigration interview?+
Most green card and naturalization applicants must attend an interview. A lawyer can help you prepare, gather documents, and understand the types of questions you will be asked.
Let’s discuss your case
Confidential and in your language. Tell us a little about your situation and we will reach out within one business day.