La inmigración familiar: Errores comunes y cómo evitarlos
Denice Flores • July 10, 2025
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La inmigración familiar sigue siendo una de las vías más comunes para obtener la residencia permanente legal en Estados Unidos. Ofrece un salvavidas a las familias que esperan reunirse a través de las fronteras, pero el proceso dista mucho de ser sencillo. El resultado de las solicitudes puede retrasarse como consecuencia de posibles errores al prepararlas.
He aquí algunos de los escollos más comunes y cómo evitarlos:
- Formularios incompletos o inexactos
Un error frecuente es presentar información incompleta o inexacta en formularios como el I-130 (Petición de familiar extranjero) y el I-485 (Ajuste de estatus). Incluso errores menores, como nombres mal escritos, firmas que faltan o fechas incorrectas, pueden dar lugar a Solicitudes de Pruebas (RFE por sus siglas en inglés).
Para evitar este paso en falso, compruebe dos veces todas las entradas, haga referencias cruzadas de los documentos y consulte con un abogado antes de presentarlos. Recuerde que los formularios de inmigración son documentos legales, por lo que la exactitud es importante.
- Pruebas insuficientes
Probar una relación familiar genuina es la base de las peticiones basadas en la familia. En el caso de los cónyuges, el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos (USCIS por sus siglas en inglés) examina detenidamente las pruebas de un matrimonio de buena fe. La falta o escasez de documentos y pruebas justificativas puede dar lugar a solicitudes de pruebas e incluso al escepticismo del USCIS.
Para establecer un matrimonio de buena fe, incluya documentación que demuestre las finanzas y responsabilidades compartidas.
- Presentación de la solicitud en la categoría o preferencia equivocada
Existen diferentes vías de inmigración dependiendo de si el solicitante es ciudadano estadounidense o residente legal permanente, y de si el beneficiario es cónyuge, hijo, hermano o padre. Cada categoría tiene diferentes plazos de tramitación y disponibilidad de visados.
Es fundamental que, antes de presentar la solicitud, comprenda qué categoría de preferencia se aplica a su caso. Los familiares directos de ciudadanos estadounidenses (cónyuges, padres, hijos solteros menores de 21 años) suelen recibir una tramitación más rápida y no están sujetos a los límites anuales de visados.
- No revelar los antecedentes penales o de inmigración
Muchos solicitantes no tienen en cuenta las infracciones de inmigración cometidas en el pasado, como la permanencia en el país sin visado, el trabajo no autorizado o las órdenes de expulsión previas. Del mismo modo, si no revela sus antecedentes penales y estos problemas salen a la luz más adelante en el proceso, pueden afectar al resultado del caso.
Revele todo a su abogado, no importa lo menor o antiguo que parezca el problema. Las infracciones anteriores no siempre implican una denegación, pero no revelarlas puede acarrear graves consecuencias.
Si usted está considerando presentar una petición basada en la familia, consulte con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia en nuestra oficina. Nuestra oficina está comprometida a ayudar a las familias a navegar este complejo proceso con claridad y confianza.
Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.
In recent weeks, the U.S. government has moved to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for multiple countries, sparking a wave of last-minute litigation and creating significant uncertainty for beneficiaries. This shift is having a profound impact on those who rely on TPS for lawful presence and work authorization in the United States. Across the country, federal courts have intervened to pause or block scheduled TPS terminations for several countries, including Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Haiti, South Sudan, and Syria. In response to these court orders, USCIS has updated its webpages to indicate that TPS status and related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are extended for these populations. However, USCIS is intentionally not providing specific new end dates for EAD validity while the litigation remains in flux. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has prominently noted that it "vehemently disagrees" with these court orders and is actively working with the Department of Justice on next steps. This legal landscape remains highly unpredictable and varies drastically depending on the country of origin. For example, on February 9, 2026, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay allowing the government to proceed with the termination of TPS for Nicaragua, Honduras, and Nepal while the underlying legal challenges continue. Because of this ruling, the automatic extension of work authorization for these individuals has ended, and employers are now required to reverify the work authorization of affected employees, who must present alternative valid documentation to continue their employment. These rapid changes and the lack of clear end dates are causing complications beyond the workplace. Because driver's licenses often track the length of an individual's authorized stay, many DMVs are currently declining to issue or renew driver's licenses for impacted TPS populations. For employers, managing internal communications, avoiding onboarding errors, and navigating Form I-9 compliance has become increasingly complex. It is more important than ever to be well-prepared and proactive in monitoring these rapid changes. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our immigration attorneys are ready to guide you through this evolving process and ensure you are informed, and supported. Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
During the recent administration there has been an increase in issuance of Requests for Evidence for EB-1A petitions for those of Extraordinary Ability. A Request for Evidence is a request that is made by USCIS that should explain how the evidence is deficient in proving the criteria argued and what additional evidence needs to be provided by the applicant to meet the criteria. EB-1A petitions are already normally subject to higher scrutiny because their approval is the first step needed to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or a green card. USCIS normally requires not just evidence but that the evidence be provided with context and information to show why it matters in a particular field. For example, if you were providing evidence of your membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievements of its members, just providing evidence of the membership is not enough. You must explain what that membership is and provide background information on the organization granting the membership. You also need to provide evidence on the criteria that is used to select the members, information on those who select the members to show that they are recognized experts, other documentation such as articles about the membership organization to show its importance, and any other relevant evidence and background information to show that the criteria is met. A request for evidence being issued prior to the current administration was not uncommon, but in the current climate it is more surprising to not receive a request for evidence for this type of case. It is important to remember that a request for evidence is not a denial. Depending on the validity of the information in the request and the substance some Requests for Evidence can be overcome, and the case be approved. It is important to carefully review the request and note if there are any errors in the content and application of the regulations by USCIS. If you have an attorney, you should work with them and make sure that you provide any evidence you think may be helpful. Although there is a deadline by which a response must be submitted, attention to detail and patience will go a long way when dealing with having to respond to a request for evidence. If you believe you may qualify for this type of visa, please feel free to contact our office.
