Adjustment of Status Immigration Lawyer in Texas | Secure Your Future Today
When Every ‘What If’ Keeps You Up at Night
You’ve waited long enough to feel safe in the country you already call home.
For many immigrants in Texas, “What if?” has become a daily companion.
What if my paperwork isn’t perfect?
What if a small mistake ruins everything?
What if I’m separated from my spouse or family because of one form?
You’ve waited long enough to feel safe in the country you already call home — but the Adjustment of Status process can feel like walking through a maze blindfolded.
Every step seems to carry risk, and every story you’ve heard from friends — of denials, delays, or deportations — plays in your mind at night.
The truth is, even the smallest error or missed detail can cause real consequences:
No one should have to build their life in constant uncertainty. You deserve to know — not guess — that your future is protected.
Keep reading to see why putting this off any longer only increases the risk, and how the right immigration lawyer can give you peace of mind from the very first conversation
Every Day You Wait, the Rules Tighten and the Stakes Rise
Putting off your application for adjustment of status isn’t just a harmless delay — it’s a risk that grows the longer you wait.
The federal government just announced stricter screening, faster terminations of temporary protections, and more aggressive enforcement under new immigration rules.
If you delay, you’re letting circumstances slip out of your control:
The cost of doing nothing isn’t just paperwork — it’s losing years of your life, letting temporary status become permanent worry, and risking everything you’ve built. The best time to act was yesterday. The next best time is now.
Don’t Bet Your Green Card on Guesswork.
You’ve heard the stories — the friend who “filed it himself,” the cousin who “used someone cheap,” the coworker who “waited to see what happens.”
They all thought they were saving time or money.
Most ended up spending more of both — or losing something they can’t get back.
Let’s be clear about what doesn’t work:
If you’ve built your life here — your marriage, your career, your family — it deserves more than “good enough.”
Because once the government says no, there are no do-overs.
This is your one shot to do it right.
And that starts with a lawyer who treats your case like it’s their own future on the line — because in our office, that’s exactly how we work.
Someday Isn’t a Plan — It’s a Risk
You’ve told yourself, “I’ll get to it soon.”
But deep down, you know that soon has turned into years.
You’ve built a life here — a home, a marriage, a career — but one unfinished step still holds everything hostage.
That’s the truth no one likes to say out loud:
Until you finish your Adjustment of Status, your future in this country isn’t truly yours.
And every delay is a silent decision — to keep your life on pause, to keep your family waiting, to keep your parents worrying that one letter could change everything.
Now imagine this instead…
You walk to your mailbox. Inside, there it is — your green card.
You take a deep breath, and for the first time in years, it’s quiet inside your head.
You can finally say yes to that promotion, book that flight to see your parents, and talk about the future with your spouse without a lump in your throat.
That’s what this moment gives you: control, dignity, and permanence.
No more hiding behind “maybe someday.” No more explaining your status to HR. No more holding your breath every time the news mentions immigration.
Because when it’s done — truly done — everything changes:
But that relief doesn’t come from hoping.
It comes from doing — from taking responsibility for your future before someone else decides it for you.
Imagine waking up tomorrow knowing it’s finally in motion.
That’s what our first call is designed to deliver: clarity, certainty, and the peace of knowing you’ve started the step that changes everything.
The Most Important Conversation You’ll Have About Your Future
This isn’t a sales pitch.
It’s a calm, private conversation with someone who’s helped hundreds of people exactly where you are now — unsure, hopeful, and afraid of taking the wrong step.
During your consultation, you’ll get:
We don’t accept every case that comes through our doors — because not everyone’s situation is ready for success.
Don’t wait for another policy change, another news headline, another month of sleepless “what ifs.”
Schedule your consultation today.
The Call That Replaces Fear With a Plan
You don’t need another confusing article or another sleepless night wondering what could go wrong.
You need a real conversation — one where you finally understand what’s possible, what’s risky, and what to do next.
That’s exactly what this call gives you. Here’s how it works:
- You tell us your story.
We listen — carefully. Where you came from, how you got here, what’s happened since, and what worries you most.
No judgment. No rush. Just someone finally hearing the full picture. - We ask focused questions.
We’ll pinpoint the details that make your case unique — past entries, visa history, family ties, travel, any red flags — so nothing important gets missed. - You ask every question you’ve ever wanted answered.
What if my DACA expires? What if my spouse lost their job? What if I already filed something before?
This is your chance to get straight, honest answers from someone who lives and breathes this work. - We lay out your best next step.
We’ll tell you exactly what needs to happen next — and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with someone who is.No pressure. Just truth. Because your future deserves more than guesswork.
By the end of this call, you’ll know where you stand and how to move forward — with confidence, not confusion.
This isn’t a sales pitch.
It’s your chance to stop living in “what if” and start living with certainty.
Take the first real step toward your green card. Schedule your consultation today — before one more policy change makes waiting even riskier.
Common Questions About Adjustment of Status
— and Straight Answers That Bring Clarity
What exactly is “Adjustment of Status”?
It’s the process that allows you to apply for your green card without leaving the U.S. If you qualify, you can move from temporary or no status to permanent residency — safely, and from within the country.
How long does Adjustment of Status take right now?
Most cases in Texas take 8–18 months, depending on your USCIS field office and background checks. The earlier you file, the sooner you enter the queue — and that matters, because processing times and fees are rising every year.
Can I still apply if I have DACA or overstayed a visa?
Possibly. Each case is different. Some DACA recipients and visa overstays can adjust if they’re married to a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible. That’s precisely what we evaluate during your consultation — your specific history, risks, and options.
What happens if I make a mistake on my application?
Even a small error — a missing document, outdated form, or unclear answer — can cause delays, denials, or worse. That’s why professional review is so critical. You only get one first impression with USCIS.
How much does it cost to file for Adjustment of Status?
USCIS filing fees currently start around $1,440, not including medical exams or attorney fees. But new rule changes could raise those costs soon, so filing sooner often saves both time and money.
Can I work while my application is pending?
Yes — once your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is approved, you can legally work in the U.S. while waiting for your green card. We help you apply for that work permit at the same time as your AOS filing.
What happens if I don’t act now?
Waiting doesn’t protect you — it exposes you. Rules and fees are tightening, and delays grow longer every quarter. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove continuous presence, eligibility, and intent.
Do I have to leave the U.S. during this process?
In most cases, no. Adjustment of Status lets you stay in the U.S. while your case is pending. Leaving without permission can trigger serious problems, which is why proper legal guidance is essential before any travel.
Will this affect my spouse or my children?
Yes — in the best way. A successful AOS approval stabilizes your family’s future and protects against unexpected separation or work issues. It’s not just about paperwork — it’s about keeping your life together.
What makes your firm different from others?
We don’t just file forms — we build strategy. We listen to your story, anticipate risks, and take full responsibility for getting it right. If you’re not ready or we’re not the right fit, we’ll tell you honestly. Because your future is too important for guesswork.
Someone Who’s Walked This Path — and Now Walks It With You
When you talk with our firm, you’re not just speaking to a lawyer.
You’re speaking to someone who’s been where you are right now.
Gilda McDowell is an immigration attorney serving families across Lubbock and all of Texas — and like many of her clients, she began this journey as an immigrant herself.
Born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, Gilda came to the United States in 2001 after marrying an American citizen. She knows exactly how overwhelming it feels to start over in a new country — learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and rebuilding a career from scratch.
But she also knows what’s possible when you refuse to give up.
Within a few years, she learned English, earned her degree in Political Science from the University of Northern Colorado, and later graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law. By 2009, she opened her own firm dedicated entirely to helping others find the same sense of belonging and security she fought to create.
Today, Gilda guides clients through every stage of immigration law — green cards, citizenship, family petitions, fiancé visas, and adjustment of status — with the precision of an experienced attorney and the empathy of someone who truly understands what’s at stake.
When you call our office, you won’t meet a stranger in a suit.
You’ll meet someone who knows what it means to build a life here — and who will treat your story with the same care she gave her own.
One Call. One Conversation.
One Step Toward Permanence.
You’ve lived with “what if” long enough.
What if the law changes again?
What if the next renewal doesn’t go through?
What if one small mistake erases years of sacrifice?
Every day you wait is one more day your life stays on hold — and one more chance for the rules to shift under your feet.
You don’t have to live like that anymore.
All it takes is one conversation to replace fear with direction and uncertainty with a plan.
No pressure. No confusion. Just answers.
Here’s what happens next:
Because doing nothing changes nothing.
And doing something — today — changes everything.
Don’t wait for another renewal notice, another policy shift, or another sleepless night.
Your green card. Your future. Your peace of mind.
It all starts with one call.
Call now or book your consultation online.
Fix Your Immigration status!
It makes a difference when you get the help you need from someone who not only understands the process, but who understands you and your unique situation. As a proud immigrant myself, I know exactly how you feel because I have personally gone through the whole immigration process.
See what my clients have to say:
Contact Us to start
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I bring family members to the United States?
Families often seek reunification, and understanding the processes for sponsoring family members is essential. This could include bringing spouses, children, parents, or siblings to join the petitioner in the United States. Learn more about our Family-Based Immigration services.
Can I work while my immigration status is pending?
This is a common concern for individuals in the immigration process. Depending on the type of visa or application, there may be specific guidelines regarding employment authorization during the waiting period. Contact us and we can advise you on your specific occupational needs.
What can I do if my Visa application is denied?
Understanding the options available after a visa denial is crucial Gilda can advise the best possible path. This could involve appealing the decision, reapplying with additional documentation, or exploring alternative immigration pathway
How can I bring family members to the United States?
Families often seek reunification, and understanding the processes for sponsoring family members is essential. This could include bringing spouses, children, parents, or siblings to join the petitioner in the United States. Learn more about our Family-Based Immigration services.
How long does the immigration process typically take?
Many clients are interested in knowing the expected timeline for their immigration case. This answer can vary widely depending on the type of visa or immigration benefit sought, government processing times, and any potential complications. By hiring Gilda McDowell you can ensure the process is as smooth and worry free as possible.
What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Visa or green card?
This question addresses the basic requirements that individuals need to meet in order to qualify for a visa or green card. It may involve factors such as family relationships, employment, asylum, or other specific circumstances. Contact us, we can help you understand the process and have the best chance of getting approved.