Immigration and Nationality Law Services

The Law Offices of Vanessa Ortega Bartsch focuses on family- and humanitarian-based immigration law. We handle family-based petitions, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, protections for victims of crime and abuse (U Visa and VAWA), deportation defense, and immigration appeals. We also represent clients before the Board of Immigration Appeals, Administrative Appeals Office, U.S. District Courts, and Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Call today to schedule your consultation and find out how we can help you protect your future.

Our Immigration Practice Areas

Our firm is dedicated to helping clients understand their options and pursue the legal pathways available to them. We handle a wide range of immigration matters—from visa petitions and adjustment of status to deportation defense and federal appeals.

We welcome you to schedule a consultation to explore your options. Every case is unique, and our approach is built around careful, individualized strategy.

Family-Based Immigration

We represent individuals who are seeking to sponsor family members to live permanently in the U.S. or adjust their current status based on family ties.

Consular Processing: For family members living abroad, we guide clients through the consular processing pathway, preparing documentation and coaching them for interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates.
Waivers of Inadmissibility: If a past immigration violation or criminal history creates a barrier, we assess eligibility for waivers and help clients build strong hardship-based cases.
Adjustment of Status: For those already inside the U.S., we assist with green card applications without requiring clients to leave the country.
Marriage-Based Petitions: We help couples prove the legitimacy of their relationship, anticipate potential red flags, and submit complete, credible applications to USCIS.
Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1): U.S. citizens can bring their fiancés to the United States through a K-1 visa. We manage the process from initial petition to adjustment of status after marriage.
Petitions for Other Relatives: Our firm also helps U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents petition for children, parents, and siblings, navigating preference categories and wait times.
Parole in Place: We support family members of U.S. military personnel seeking protection from removal and eligibility for adjustment of status.
Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence: We assist conditional residents in filing timely Form I-751 petitions to remove conditions based on marriage, including waivers when needed.

Humanitarian and Dignity Cases

Our firm is proud to advocate for clients who have survived violence, persecution, or family trauma. These cases require sensitivity and detailed preparation.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): We help eligible individuals apply for or renew DACA status and prepare supporting documentation, including education and residency history.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): We assist survivors of domestic violence in self-petitioning for immigration benefits independently from abusive family members.
U Status (Victims of Crime): For individuals harmed by qualifying criminal activity, we coordinate with law enforcement to obtain certification and prepare the U visa application.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS): We protect undocumented children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by obtaining SIJS findings in state court and pursuing federal relief.
Widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen: We help eligible widows and widowers file petitions to adjust status or obtain permanent residency following the death of a U.S. citizen spouse.
Humanitarian Parole: When urgent entry to the U.S. is needed for medical, family, or safety reasons, we advocate for clients seeking temporary permission.
Asylum: We build comprehensive asylum applications with detailed affidavits, country condition reports, and expert legal analysis to protect those fleeing persecution.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): For nationals from designated countries experiencing conflict or disaster, we file and renew TPS applications to protect against removal.
Advance Parole: We help clients request permission to travel abroad temporarily while maintaining eligibility for adjustment or other immigration benefits.
NACARA: For individuals from certain Central American countries, we evaluate eligibility under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act and represent applicants throughout the process.

Waivers of Inadmissibility or Removability

I-601, I-601A, and other waivers: We analyze grounds of inadmissibility—such as unlawful presence or certain criminal offenses—and help clients submit strong waiver applications with detailed hardship evidence.

Citizenship and Naturalization

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing milestone. We help clients navigate this final step with confidence.

Citizenship: We help lawful permanent residents understand their eligibility and prepare their N-400 application with attention to detail.
Naturalization: From passing the English and civics tests to preparing for interviews, we support clients in every aspect of the naturalization process.
Medical Exemption Forms (N-648): If a disability prevents a client from completing the tests, we assist in filing medical waivers backed by qualified evaluations.
Appeals: If a naturalization application is denied, we can file administrative appeals or request a hearing before an immigration officer.

Removal Defense (Immigration Court)

If you or a loved one are facing deportation, our firm provides experienced, compassionate representation to fight for relief.

Representation for LPRs and Non-LPRs: Whether you're a green card holder or undocumented, we identify relief options including cancellation of removal, asylum, and waivers.
BIA Appeals: We challenge negative decisions from immigration judges by filing appeals with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), preserving your right to stay.
Circuit Court of Appeals: For BIA decisions upheld at the administrative level, we can escalate your case to the appropriate federal circuit court.
Motions to Reopen: If new facts or legal errors exist, we file motions to reopen cases—even after a removal order has been issued.

Other USCIS Matters

Immigration applications often require detailed follow-up, corrections, or responses to notices. We manage these touchpoints efficiently and accurately.

Requests for Evidence (RFE): We respond to RFEs with persuasive documentation to avoid delays or denials.
Notices of Intent to Deny or Revoke: When USCIS plans to deny or revoke a previously approved application, we act quickly to defend your case and provide rebuttals.
Appearance at Interviews: We attend adjustment, asylum, and naturalization interviews to provide support and legal advocacy in real-time.
Case Status Inquiries: We follow up with USCIS or consular posts to obtain case updates, fix delays, and escalate issues when necessary.
FOIA Requests: We request your full immigration records to identify risks, inconsistencies, or previous applications that may affect your case.
FBI Fingerprint and Background Checks: We coordinate fingerprinting and FBI checks when required for immigration applications or identity verification.
Passport Photos, Police Reports, and Court Records: We help clients gather required evidence, including photos and certified legal documents, to ensure complete applications.

Contact The Law Offices of Vanessa Ortega Bartsch Today

If you’re facing an immigration issue—whether it’s reuniting with family, applying for a green card, seeking protection, or defending yourself in court—you don’t have to face it alone. The Law Offices of Vanessa Ortega Bartsch offers clear guidance, strategic advocacy, and compassionate support at every stage of the process. We’re here to listen, explain your options, and fight for the outcome you deserve. Call today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward peace of mind and a more secure future.