Reuniting families has long been at the heart of the U.S. immigration system, and for many individuals living in Central Florida, family-based immigration is the pathway that allows spouses, children, parents, and siblings to build a life together in Orlando. Yet the process is rarely simple. The applications, supporting documentation, wait times, and legal nuances can feel overwhelming, especially for families who want to ensure everything is done correctly. Working with an experienced Orlando immigration lawyer can make all the difference.
Pozo Goldstein, LLP is a trusted immigration law firm serving Orlando and Central Florida. Led by former immigration prosecutors and a former judge, the firm has helped countless families successfully navigate the complex world of family-based immigration. For anyone searching for an Orlando family immigration lawyer who brings experience, compassion, and deep legal knowledge, Pozo Goldstein, LLP stands ready to assist.
Understanding Family-Based Immigration in Orlando
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to petition for certain relatives to immigrate to the United States. In a diverse and fast-growing region like Orlando—home to immigrants from across Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia—these petitions are an essential tool that helps families remain united while building stable futures.
Family-based immigration is divided into two broad categories:
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
These petitions typically move more quickly because they are not subject to annual visa caps. Immediate relatives include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21 or older)
Because visa numbers are always available, this is often the fastest route for family members to immigrate. Even with this advantage, however, the application process requires careful documentation and legal precision. Pozo Goldstein, LLP regularly assists families in Orlando with preparing the required forms, evidence of the family relationship, and legal strategies to avoid delays or denials.
Family Preference Categories
Other relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents fall under preference categories that do have annual visa limits. These include:
- Unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- Siblings of U.S. citizens
- Spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents
Because these categories are subject to visa backlogs, some families may wait years before a relative can immigrate. A knowledgeable Orlando immigration lawyer at Pozo Goldstein, LLP can help families understand expected timelines, track priority dates, and plan strategically based on current visa bulletin information.
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
One of the most important steps in any family-based immigration case is determining how the family member will complete the process—either by applying for adjustment of status within the United States or by attending an immigrant visa interview abroad through consular processing.
Families often come to Pozo Goldstein, LLP unsure which option is best. Adjustment of status may be possible for certain relatives who are physically present in the United States, and it allows them to obtain work authorization while their case is pending. Consular processing, on the other hand, is often the only available option when the relative is living outside the country. Each route requires the correct documentation, strict adherence to deadlines, and careful preparation to ensure success.
An experienced Orlando family immigration lawyer at Pozo Goldstein, LLP evaluates each case individually to determine the safest and most efficient path.
Proving a Genuine Family Relationship
One of the most critical aspects of any family immigration petition is proving the legitimacy of the relationship. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires strong evidence, especially in marriage-based cases, where the government scrutinizes the relationship closely to prevent fraud.
Evidence may include:
- Marriage certificates
- Joint leases or home ownership documents
- Shared bank accounts
- Photos over time
- Affidavits from family and friends
- Travel records
- Birth certificates for shared children
Pozo Goldstein, LLP helps families compile the strongest evidence possible and prepares them thoroughly for interviews at the Orlando USCIS field office or U.S. consulates abroad.
Common Challenges for Central Florida Families
Family-based immigration is more complex than many people expect. Families frequently encounter challenges such as:
- Requests for Evidence due to missing documents
- Delayed processing times
- Questions about lawful entries or past inadmissibility issues
- Complications in marriage-based interviews
- Issues involving stepchildren or adopted children
- Long wait times in preference categories
- Previous denials that require reopening or reconsideration
Pozo Goldstein, LLP’s legal team draws on decades of combined experience—including time spent inside immigration agencies—to anticipate problems before they occur and handle complications swiftly.
Why Work with Pozo Goldstein, LLP
With offices serving Orlando and all of Central Florida, Pozo Goldstein, LLP offers families a unique advantage: the insight of former immigration prosecutors and a former judge who understand the system from every angle. Their team has represented clients at every stage of the family-based process, from initial petitions to interviews, appeals, waivers, and motions to reopen.
For Florida residents searching for an Orlando immigration lawyer who prioritizes family unity and provides clear, compassionate guidance, Pozo Goldstein, LLP is a trusted partner.
Contact an Orlando Family Immigration Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is beginning the journey of a family-based immigration petition, the process can feel overwhelming without the right support. Pozo Goldstein, LLP helps families throughout Orlando and Central Florida navigate each step with confidence, clarity, and care.
If you need assistance from an experienced Orlando family immigration lawyer, contact Pozo Goldstein, LLP today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney and begin the process of keeping your family together. Call us today at 407-986-4270.
