LGBTQ Immigration Services
We fight for LGBTQ+ community rights
With the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can now sponsor their foreign national spouses for immigration, regardless of gender. Likewise, same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples, allowing gay and lesbian U.S. citizens to petition for their fiancé(e) living abroad to begin the immigration process.
Ask us for our free immigration guide to learn more about the process.
Update your immigration status by scheduling a consultation with us.
LGBTQ Immigration Services
Immigration Relief For LGBTQ Couples Is Possible
Whether you’re already married or planning to be, immigration can be a source of stress and fear — especially if one partner is undocumented or living abroad.
You may be wondering:
Can I sponsor my same-sex spouse for a green card?
Can my fiancé come to the U.S. legally?
Are LGBTQ couples treated equally under immigration law?
What if we’re afraid to disclose our relationship publicly?
The good news: U.S. immigration law does recognize LGBTQ couples — and you have rights.
But the process can be complex, and emotionally difficult without an attorney who understands the unique challenges you face.
LGBTQ Immigration Services
YES — LGBTQ COUPLES CAN APPLY FOR FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION RELIEF
LGBTQ couples are entitled to the same immigration benefits as any other couple. That means:
You can file a marriage-based green card petition (I-130)
You can apply for a K-1 Fiancé Visa
You may be eligible for Adjustment of Status if your partner is already in the U.S.
You can apply for waivers to overcome past unlawful presence or immigration violations
You can petition for your spouse even if your marriage happened outside the U.S.
Love is love — and under immigration law, it’s recognized.
LGBTQ Immigration Services
We understand the personal, cultural, and legal complexities LGBTQ couples face when seeking immigration help. Whether you’re out to your families, communities, or not at all, your situation deserves respect, confidentiality, and compassion. When you work with our team, we will:
Provide affirming, judgment-free legal guidance
Help you gather the right evidence to prove your relationship
Coach you through the green card or visa interview process
Prepare any necessary waivers for past status issues
Protect your privacy every step of the way
You don’t need to explain yourself here. You belong — and we’re here to help.
LGBTQ Affirming Lawyers
Get honest, safe, and respectful immigration help
Marriage-Based Green Cards – for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents married to same-sex or LGBTQ+ partners
Fiancé Visas (K-1) – for engaged couples where the foreign partner is living abroad
Waivers – for unlawful presence, prior deportation, or entry without inspection
Asylum for LGBTQ Individuals – for those fleeing persecution in unsafe countries
Adjustment of Status – for partners already in the U.S. seeking to apply from within
Consular Processing – if your partner is applying from outside the U.S.
LGBTQ Affirming Lawyers
Real Help. Real Safety. Real Relief.
Your immigration status shouldn’t be a barrier to love — and it shouldn’t put your relationship at risk. We’ve helped LGBTQ couples just like you:
Fix immigration status without needing to leave the U.S.
Reunite after years of separation
Overcome family, cultural, or religious stigma
Navigate the legal system with dignity, confidence, and care
Why Choose Gilda McDowell?
Meet Gilda McDowell, a distinguished immigration attorney committed to serving the diverse needs of Lubbock, TX, and its vibrant community. With a passion for helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of immigration law, Gilda McDowell brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every case she handles. Her deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding immigration matters, including green card applications, family-based and employment-based immigration, citizenship, adjustment of status, and fiancé visas, makes her an invaluable resource for those seeking reliable legal counsel. Gilda’s personalized approach, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to her clients’ well-being have solidified her reputation as a trusted advocate in Lubbock. Whether you’re pursuing a dream of U.S. citizenship, reuniting with loved ones, or exploring employment opportunities, Gilda McDowell is your ally in turning your immigration aspirations into reality.
Services
Comprehensive Immigration Services in Lubbock, TX
Gilda McDowell immigration lawyer Lubbock, TX specializes in a comprehensive array of immigration services tailored to meet diverse needs, with a distinct focus on family-based immigration. From facilitating visa applications to providing resolute deportation defense, her extensive expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of immigration matters. She excels in skillfully navigating clients through the intricate web of paperwork, vital deadlines, and complex legal prerequisites, effectively easing the burdens typically associated with these proceedings. A committed champion, Gilda McDowell tenaciously strives to secure favorable outcomes for her clients, particularly in the realm of family-based immigration.
Immigration Services in Lubbock
Lubbock's Top Choice for Immigration Representation
Gilda McDowell’s dedication to exceptional service and her standing as a premier immigration attorney in Lubbock, Texas, have established her as a trusted figure within the community. With a profound affinity for the region, she possesses a comprehensive grasp of its distinctive intricacies, both in terms of challenges and prospects. An engaged participant in the legal sphere, Gilda McDowell remains consistently informed about the most recent developments in immigration law, guaranteeing her clients access to precise and timely guidance.
If you’re in need of an “abogado de inmigración en Lubbock, Texas,” Gilda McDowell is here to provide the expert legal representation you deserve. With a strong focus on your needs and a commitment to achieving your immigration goals, she is dedicated to making the legal process as smooth as possible for you. Contact Gilda McDowell today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter immigration future.
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
Can LGBTQ+ couples sponsor their partners for immigration benefits?
Yes. Same-sex marriages are fully recognized under U.S. immigration law. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor their same-sex spouses for green cards through the same process as opposite-sex couples. This includes filing Form I-130, proving a bona fide relationship, and undergoing the adjustment of status or consular processing steps.
What visa options are available for LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing persecution?
LGBTQ+ individuals facing persecution in their home countries due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status may be eligible for asylum in the U.S. To qualify, you must apply within one year of entering the country and provide evidence of the threat or harm you face. We can help build a strong case supported by personal testimony and country condition reports.
What if my home country does not recognize same-sex marriage?
That doesn’t matter under U.S. immigration law. As long as your marriage was legal in the jurisdiction where it took place (even if abroad), it is valid for immigration purposes. The U.S. does not require your home country to recognize the marriage.
Are there special protections or waivers for LGBTQ+ immigrants?
Yes, some waivers are available for individuals who might otherwise be inadmissible due to HIV status, unlawful presence, or other grounds. LGBTQ+ immigrants may also qualify for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), U visas (crime victims), or asylum. We can help you explore every available path.
What can I do if I’m in a relationship but not yet married?
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?
Unmarried partners of U.S. citizens may be eligible for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, allowing them to enter the U.S. to marry within 90 days. This option is available to same-sex couples, regardless of whether the relationship is legally recognized in the foreign partner’s home country.
Immigration Law Office in Lubbock, TX