Our Immigration Services
Our Areas of Practice.
Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers
For many individuals seeking a Green Card through a family member, the biggest obstacle is not proving the family relationship—it is overcoming statutory grounds of inadmissibility.
Notice of Appeal or Motion
We help undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens request a waiver before leaving the country for consular processing.
Humanitarian Relief
We help victims of certain crimes who have assisted law enforcement obtain legal status and protection from deportation.
Employment Authorization
We navigate the complex H-1B lottery and application process for highly skilled professionals and their employers.
Deportation & Removal Defense
We act quickly to represent detained individuals, fighting for their release on bond so they can return to their families.
Family-Based Immigration & Green Card
We help individuals already in the U.S. apply for lawful permanent residency without having to leave the country.
U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization
We help individuals who derived or acquired U.S. citizenship through their parents obtain their official certificate.
Ready to secure your future?
512.454.7700
About Us
Your immigration journey starts with Ponce Law Firm
Specialized Immigration Expertise
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Path to Citizenship & Beyond
We guide you through every step of the naturalization process. Our multilingual team provides the personalized attention you need to navigate interviews and paperwork with confidence.
Office Hours
The people behind ponce law firm
Experts in your corner.
Frequently Ask Questions
Quick answers to your legal questions
Experience
Your Legal Questions
Can I apply for a Form I-601A waiver if I have a prior criminal arrest?
Can I apply for a Form I-601A waiver if I have a prior criminal arrest?
It depends on the nature of the offense. If you have been convicted of certain crimes (such as a crime involving moral turpitude or a drug offense), USCIS may determine that you are inadmissible under criminal grounds (INA § 212(a)(2)) in addition to unlawful presence. Because Form I-601A only waives unlawful presence, having other grounds of inadmissibility makes you ineligible for I-601A relief. We evaluate court records before filing to determine whether a criminal waiver (Form I-601) or post-conviction relief is required first.
What is the difference between a U Visa and a T Visa?
What is the difference between a U Visa and a T Visa?
A U Visa is for victims of qualifying violent crimes (such as assault or domestic violence) who cooperated with police or prosecutors. A T Visa is specifically for victims of human trafficking (labor or sex exploitation) and does not strictly require a formal law enforcement certification, though law enforcement cooperation is encouraged where reasonable.
What is the difference between Master Calendar and Individual Merits Hearings?
What is the difference between Master Calendar and Individual Merits Hearings?
A Master Calendar Hearing is a short procedural hearing where the judge manages calendar scheduling, accepts legal pleadings, and sets deadlines. An Individual Merits Hearing is your actual trial. It is dedicated entirely to your case, lasting several hours, where you present live testimony, call witnesses, submit documentary evidence, and argue your defense against deportation.
Does filing a Motion to Reopen automatically stop my deportation?
Does filing a Motion to Reopen automatically stop my deportation?
No. Unlike a timely BIA appeal (Form EOIR-26), filing a Motion to Reopen with an Immigration Judge does not automatically stay execution of a removal order, unless the motion is based on lack of notice (in absentia order) or filed jointly with DHS. In all other MTR cases, an explicit Emergency Motion for Stay of Removal must be submitted to the court or ICE to prevent deportation while the motion is under review.
Why choose us
Choosing Ponce Law means choosing confidence
Experienced Professionals
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Proven Track Record
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Client-Centered Approach
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Ethical & Trustworthy
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Transparent Communication
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Responsive Support
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Client-Centered Advocate
Attorney Ponce prioritizes client needs with a core focus on keeping families together. She leads a diligent team that maintains a supportive, client-focused environment throughout the legal process.
Meticulous Legal Approach
Known for tackling complex immigration matters, she builds strong cases by thoroughly researching legal arguments and providing comprehensive supporting exhibits at every stage to maximize the chances of success.
Extensive Experience
Began her immigration law career in 2000; she has helped thousands of clients. Her achievements include securing releases from detention, winning complex asylum cases, and litigating appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Solid Educational Foundation
Raised in South Texas, Attorney Ponce holds a degree in Social Work from UT Austin and earned her Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2003.