— Immigration Lawyer, Austin Texas

The Austin Immigration Lawyer with a Commitment to Your Cause

Michael G.

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What Our Clients Say

Our clients share their stories and experiences working with us. Explore their testimonials to learn how we prioritize their legal success.

Discover How an Austin Immigration Lawyer Can Help You

For many, retaining the services of an immigration lawyer in Austin is the only way they will be able to enter or remain in the United States legally. The U.S. has historically been considered a haven for those seeking to improve their lives and the lives of their family.

Whether it is to escape an oppressive political environment, reunite with family, or to seek financial opportunities, many wish to relocate to the U.S. Many immigrants who wish to pursue U.S. residency through the proper legal channels find the process challenging without the appropriate guidance. This is why working an experienced Austin immigration lawyer is so important.

With over 20 years in immigration law and 2 years of experience as a criminal public defender, Michael G. Murray, P.A., is committed to offering honest counsel and skilled representation to obtain the positive results you seek.

We understand the importance of your immigration journey, and we are dedicated to the success of your endeavor.

Professional & Experienced Immigration Lawyer

Michael G. Murray provides comprehensive legal assistance to individuals and families in a variety of immigration-related matters. Our extensive experience, knowledge of U.S. immigration law, and familiarity with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) procedures have contributed to a consistent record of success. Our law office is located in Austin, Texas but we serve clients nationwide.

Hire a Spanish-Speaking Immigration Law Firm Austin

Seeking permanent resident status or other adjustments can be very complicated, and when English isn’t your first language, the challenges can seem insurmountable. Our law firm is staffed with Spanish-speaking professionals in order to make the entire process as simple and comfortable as possible for you.

Let us be your guide.

Immigration Attorney – Austin, Texas

At the Law Office of Michael G. Murray, P.A., we know the path to citizenship is not always smooth. Although some successfully make the trek on their own, many others get stuck along the way. It is sometimes difficult to get a second chance, but no matter where you are on your journey, we take pride in helping you navigate this unfamiliar territory. Let us be your guide. Contact Michael G. Murray today.

Hire Experienced Immigration Attorneys

With honesty and a commitment to providing a positive client experience, our law firm successfully offers the following services:

FAMILY IMMIGRATION

At the law firm of Michael G. Murray, P.A., we work within the bounds of U.S. law to reunite families and help our clients achieve their other immigration goals.

CITIZENSHIP AND NATURALIZATION

There are three ways to obtain U.S. citizenship: by being born in the United States, by being born to a U.S. citizen, or through the naturalization process.

FIANCÉ(E) VISAS

Bring your fiancé(e) to the United States and begin your future together. We provide expert guidance through every stage of the fiancé(e) visa process.

BIA APPEALS

Challenge an unfavorable immigration decision with experienced legal representation. We guide our clients through every stage of the BIA appeals process.

ASYLUM

Seek protection in the United States with trusted legal guidance. We help our clients navigate the asylum process with care and confidence.

U VISAS, T VISAS, AND VAWA

Victims of crimes such as domestic violence may qualify for certain immigration benefits, including lawful permanent residence and later citizenship.

SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS

We help eligible children obtain lawful status and a safer future in the United States. We provide compassionate guidance throughout the Special Immigrant Juvenile process.

WAIVERS

A foreign national in the United States who has committed a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) may be inadmissible to the United States. We are experienced in helping clients obtain waivers for these grounds of inadmissibility.

CONSULAR PROCESSING

Consular processing allows individuals outside the United States to apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

CTA

Contact us to speak with an experienced family immigration attorney, begin the immigration process, and improve your chances of success.

Why Choose Us

Austin has no shortage of immigration attorneys. Here’s what sets our firm apart for families navigating citizenship, family petitions, and permanent residency:

Two decades of focused experience:

Over 20 years representing clients exclusively in family-based immigration and citizenship matters, waivers of inadmissibility, and BIA appeals.

A former public defender's perspective:

Trial experience as a criminal defense attorney gives our team a deeper understanding of how a criminal record can affect an immigration case, insight that shapes how we prepare waivers and other filings for clients with a criminal history.

Multilingual, accessible representation:

Our Spanish-speaking staff ensures clear communication at every stage, not just at the initial consultation.

Thorough, individualized case preparation:

Every case is prepared with the same attention to accuracy and compliance, whether it's a straightforward naturalization filing or a complex VAWA self-petition.

Citizenship and Naturalization Immigration Lawyer – Austin. TX

When you seek citizenship in the U.S., working with a qualified attorney in Austin, Texas, can help with everything from the necessary forms to representing you in court and at USCIS interviews.

Our Spanish-speaking staff serves the Austin metro area, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Kyle, San Marcos, and New Braunfels, as well as San Antonio and clients nationwide.

Our attorneys and staff will listen to your immigration needs and gather the information that will assist in filing for your citizenship, visa, permanent residency, or whatever you require.
Not only will they be able to explain the immigration process, but they will also be able to ensure you remain compliant with immigration requirements as you strive to become a U.S. citizen.

Family-Based Immigration Attorney In Austin

Our immigration attorney in Austin can assist U.S. citizens and permanent residents to legally bring members of their immediate family to the country through a family-based visa petition. Although there are are quotas based on preference categories, these quotas do not apply to immediate relatives. The relative who are considered immediate family include:

Spouses of U.S. citizens.
Parents of U.S. citizens over the age of 21
Unmarried children under the age of 21

Texas Law Firm for Green Card or Lawful Permanent Residence based on Marriage.
Our Austin immigration firm will also be a valuable asset in the pursuit of adjustment of status based on marital status. We often handle cases involving a U.S. citizen who marries a foreign national, and the couple applies for an adjustment of status based on their marriage, and we can help if you are working towards this goal.

Visa Processing Attorney Austin. TX

There are many types, and which one is right for you depends on your specific background and circumstances. Many are based on employment or education, but there are also other options.

Even after you enter the U.S. on a visa, your activities may be limited by your specific visa. Our experienced team can help you understand what is and isn’t allowed and find the option that works best for you.

Best Immigration Lawyers in Austin Texas for Immigration Waivers
As a foreign national looking for a U.S. visa, it can be difficult to obtain a green card, permanent residency, or work permit. An Austin Immigration Attorney may be able to help. The team at Michael G. Murray, P.A., will help prepare your green card application and other forms and waivers as needed.

Know Your Rights as an Immigrant and Seek Help Today

Whether you are an immigrant or a U.S. citizen, you have rights. Knowing these rights can help you avoid a lot of stress, frustration, deportation, and other issues immigrants typically face in the United States. When someone from law enforcement or an immigration officer talks to you about your immigration status, here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Right to Remain Silent

Firstly, if an immigration agent or a police officer asks you something regarding your immigration status, you can inform them that you want to remain silent. Some of the questions they can ask you can include your place of birth, whether you are a permanent resident, how you entered the U.S., and whether you’re a legitimate U.S. citizen. You should ask to talk to an Austin immigration attorney before saying anything.

What to Do if You Are Pulled Over?

If a police officer asks you to pull over while you are driving, stop your car in a safe place quickly, switch off the engine, open the window partly, and place your hands where they can be seen. If the police officer asks you to show them your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration, do it calmly. However, immigrants don’t have an obligation to answer questions regarding their immigration status.

Carry Your Immigration Papers With You

An immigrant officer doesn’t have a right to search you or your belongings if he or she doesn’t have probable cause or your consent. However, if you are older than 18, you must have your immigration papers with you all the time. In case an immigration officer asks to see your immigration papers, you have to show them if you have them. If you don’t have them with you, say you want to remain silent. Don’t lie about your immigration status or provide fake documents.

Customs Officers Can Ask About Your Immigration Status

When you are entering the United States or leaving the country, the customs officers can inquire about your immigration status. Lawful permanent residents who have maintained their status must answer questions to establish their permanent residency and identity. If they refuse, that would probably cause delays. Still, they can’t be denied entry into the U.S. But, non-citizens and visa holders have to answer these questions because if they don’t, the customs officers may deny them entry into the United States.

Right to ask for a warrant

Lastly, if an immigration officer shows up on your doorstep and asks to get into your house, you don’t have to open the door for them until they show you a warrant. If the officer says that they have the warrant, ask them to slide it under your door. Make sure it looks valid. Confirm that the information, including your name and address, is correct before opening the door.

Bear in mind that if the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency issued the warrant and not the court, you don’t have to let agents into your home. Also, if the warrant isn’t issued for the search of your home but your arrest, you can meet the officers outside your home. Letting them inside may create immigration issues for other people you are living with. You don’t have to talk to immigration officers or sign any documents they give you. Instead, reach out to our Austin immigration attorney like Michael G. Murray, who will ensure your rights are protected.

The Green Card

JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT MORE COLORFUL

The June 26, 2013 Supreme Court decision, United States v. Windsor, paves the way for same-sex couples to apply for marriage based adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence.

Give me six hours to chop down a tree
&
I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the naturalization (N-400) process take in Austin? 

Naturalization processing times vary by USCIS field office and individual case circumstances, but applicants typically wait several months to over a year from filing to interview. An immigration attorney can review your specific timeline based on current USCIS processing data for the Austin field office

Can I bring my spouse or children to the U.S. through a family petition?

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may petition for certain family members through Form I-130, though eligibility, category, and wait times differ depending on the relationship and the petitioner’s immigration status. An attorney can help determine which category applies to your situation.

What happens if my conditional green card is expiring, do I need to file Form I-751?

Conditional permanent residents who obtained their status through marriage must file Form I-751 to remove conditions, typically within the 90 days before their card expires. Missing this window can affect your status, so timing matters.

Do I qualify for a green card as a survivor of abuse under VAWA?

The Violence Against Women Act allows certain spouses, children, or parents of abusive U.S. citizens or permanent residents to self-petition for a green card without the abuser’s knowledge or involvement. Eligibility depends on the relationship and specific circumstances of the case.

What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and who qualifies?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is available to certain minors who cannot reunify with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and who a state court has found it is not in their best interest to return to their home country. This process involves both state court and federal immigration steps.