Main Office: 248 3rd Street, Suite 1040, Oakland, CA 94607 New Jersey: 173 Livingston Avenue, Suite 202, New Brunswick NJ 08901
Immigration FAQ

General Information

At the Immigration Law Office of Lizary Mendoza, P.C., our practice is exclusively limited to immigration and nationality matters under United States federal law.

We represent individuals and families before the Immigration Court, USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), the BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals), and through consular processing abroad. Our services include, but are not limited to:

  • Defense in Removal Proceedings
  • Immigration bond hearings
  • Appeals before the BIA
  • Affirmative and defensive asylum
  • Cancellation of removal
  • Adjustment of status (Permanent Residence / Green Card)
  • Consular processing to obtain residency from abroad
  • Family-based petitions (spouses, children, parents, and other eligible relatives)
  • Citizenship and naturalization
  • Cases under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
  • Humanitarian visas such as U Visas and other available reliefs
  • Work permits
  • DACA renewals
  • Responses to RFE (Request for Evidence)
  • Responses to NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny)
  • Motions to reopen and review of prior removal orders
  • Tourist visas and other categories available based on eligibility
  • Cases involving criminal records and their immigration impact
  • Military Parole in Place (PIP) for family members of the Armed Forces
  • Waivers (e.g., for inadmissibility or unlawful presence, based on eligibility)
  • Removal of Conditions on Residence (I-751)

Every case is unique. We carefully evaluate the immigration history, method of entry into the country, potential risks, and legal alternatives before recommending a strategy.

Our main office is located in the state of California. In addition, we have an office in New Jersey, where we provide services in affiliation with a licensed New Jersey attorney, to whom we refer any state law matters while we exclusively handle immigration issues.

Attorney Lizary Mendoza is admitted to practice law in the state of California and the Dominican Republic.

Because immigration law is federal law, we can represent clients in immigration matters throughout the United States. Immigration cases, including proceedings before the Immigration Court, USCIS, and the BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals), are governed by federal laws, not state laws. For this reason, an attorney with a valid license in one state can represent clients in immigration matters nationwide, regardless of the state where the client resides.

Our clients are located throughout the United States, including but not limited to: New York, Texas, California, Maryland, Delaware, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, among other states.

Many immigration processes are handled electronically or before federal agencies, allowing us to provide effective representation regardless of the client's physical location. If you reside in another state, we can evaluate your case and determine the best strategy under federal immigration law.

  • Exclusive Practice in Immigration and Nationality: Our office is dedicated solely to immigration and nationality matters. We do not practice other areas of law. This allows us to stay focused, up-to-date, and strategically prepared in one of the most complex areas of federal law.
  • Experience in Cases Before Court and USCIS: We represent clients in proceedings before the Immigration Court, appeals before the BIA, as well as in procedures with USCIS and consular processing. We understand how these processes interact with each other and develop comprehensive strategies, not isolated solutions.
  • Strategic Approach, Not Just Paperwork: We do not treat cases as simple forms. We analyze the client's complete history, method of entry, background, family petitions, inadmissibility risks, and potential waivers—to design a solid and personalized legal strategy.
  • Handling Complex Cases: We work with situations that others often consider difficult: prior removal orders, criminal records, NOIDs, RFEs, complicated consular processes, Military PIP, DACA renewals, and more. We evaluate every detail before taking action.
  • Meticulous Evidence Preparation: We build cases with strategic documentation, detailed declarations, and well-founded legal arguments, whether before a judge, USCIS, or the BIA.
  • Rapid Response in Critical Moments: We understand that a detention or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) can be an emergency. We act with urgency, organization, and clarity.
  • Clear and Honest Communication: We explain real risks, options, and realistic expectations. We do not make impossible promises; we offer legal guidance based on the law and experience.
  • Commitment to Families: We know that behind every case is a family, economic stability, and a future. We don't just handle files; we defend life projects.

Questions About Fees

The cost depends on the complexity of the case and the stage of the process. During the consultation, we evaluate the comprehensive strategy and clearly and transparently explain the corresponding fees.

Yes, we understand the needs of our clients and offer flexible payment options.

Immigration Bonds

It is an amount of money that allows a person detained by ICE to be released while their process continues before the immigration court. The bond does not cancel the case; it only allows the person to face their process in freedom.

No. Some individuals are subject to mandatory detention. However, many can request a hearing before a judge. Each case must be carefully analyzed to determine eligibility.

The judge primarily evaluates:

  • Whether the person poses a danger to the community.
  • If there is a flight risk.
  • Their family ties in the United States.
  • Immigration and criminal history.
  • Employment and community stability.
  • Tax payment history.
  • The basis of the case by which the person seeks to remain in the USA.

The amount is decided by the judge or ICE. It can vary considerably depending on the case and the person's history. Part of our job is to present solid evidence to try to reduce that amount as much as possible.

The person is released, but must:

  • Attend all their hearings.
  • Comply with the imposed conditions.
  • Keep their address updated with the court.

It is important to remember that the case continues until its final resolution.

Yes, provided the person complies with all obligations of the immigration process. At the end of the case, the money can be refunded to the original payer.

It depends on the detention center and the corresponding court. In many cases, acting quickly by hiring legal representation can make a big difference in wait times.

  • Letters from family members and moral support.
  • Proof of employment or job offers.
  • Tax returns.
  • Evidence of citizen or resident children.
  • Community, volunteer, or religious certificates.
  • Clean record or proof of rehabilitation.

Properly preparing these documents can significantly impact the outcome in your favor.

It depends on the type of crime, when it occurred, and how it is classified under immigration law. Some records do not prevent requesting a bond, but they require a highly careful legal strategy.

A prior deportation can complicate the case, but it does not automatically mean there are no options. It is essential to analyze the complete history before making any decisions and proceeding.

It does not necessarily "improve" the legal merits of the case, but it does allow you to prepare a much more robust and adequate defense while the person is free and with their family, facilitating the collection of evidence.

Other Services and Processes

Yes. Being in removal proceedings does not mean the case is lost or that there is no defense. There are different reliefs available depending on your immigration history, physical time in the country, family ties, and background.

In certain cases, it is entirely possible to file an appeal with the BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals). It is highly important to act immediately, as it must be done within a strict legal deadline following the judge's decision.

Affirmative asylum is requested voluntarily before USCIS when the person is not in removal proceedings in court.

Defensive asylum is presented directly before an immigration judge as a defense when the person already has an active removal proceeding in court.

It depends on several factors, including available family petitions, the need for potential waivers for unlawful presence, and whether you qualify for consular processing or an adjustment of status within the country (for example, under section 245(i) or Parole in Place).

Yes. A well-prepared response can make the big difference between an approval and a final denial. It is vital to act within the deadline indicated on the notice.

Our office has successfully handled complex RFE (Request for Evidence) and NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) cases, achieving approvals by presenting solid evidence and well-founded legal arguments.

Currently, per court rulings, only renewals are permitted for those who already have or previously had approved DACA. It is very important to submit the renewal on time to avoid interruptions in your work permit or protection.

Generally, you can apply after completing 5 years of continuous permanent residence, or 3 years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen, provided you meet the other requirements of good moral character, physical presence, and knowledge of U.S. history and English.

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