Family-Based Immigration Success: Adjustment of Status Grants Permanent Residency for Mexican National

Family-based immigration offers an important pathway for individuals seeking permanent residence in the United States, especially for those who may have overstayed their initial visas. In the case of Matter of I.G.A. (2025), a native and citizen of Mexico, this path to lawful permanent residence was made possible thanks to her U.S. citizen daughter and expert legal guidance. I.G.A. had entered the U.S. as a tourist many decades ago and had overstayed her visa. However, with her daughter now a U.S. citizen, I.G.A. was eligible to pursue adjustment of status without leaving the country, even though she had remained unlawfully for an extended period.

Alex, leveraging his expertise in family-based immigration law, explained that as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, many grounds of inadmissibility would not apply to I.G.A. He expertly navigated the complexities of her case, preparing a comprehensive filing that demonstrated statutory eligibility for permanent residence. In less than six months after filing, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved her application, granting I.G.A. lawful permanent resident status without requiring an interview.

This case highlights the power of family-based immigration and how careful legal guidance can help individuals secure their permanent residency, even after years of overstaying a visa.

LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS GRANTED Matter of I.G.A. (2025)

I.G.A. is a native and citizen of Mexico who had entered the United States as a tourist many decades ago and had long since overstayed her authorized period of stay. She has a daughter who Alex had previously helped naturalize, and, with her daughter being a U.S. citizen, I.G.A. consulted with Alex to see if it would be possible to obtain permanent residence on the basis of a family petition without having to leave the United States. Alex explained that she could pursue adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) despite having overstayed her authorized period of stay for decades. Many of the grounds of ineligibility set out in section 245(c) of the Act do not apply to an “immediate relative,” and Alex explained that I.G.A. qualified as such. Accordingly, Alex prepared a comprehensive filing that was sufficient to demonstrate statutory eligibility and overcome all the prospective grounds of inadmissibility. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) granted I.G.A.’s adjustment application in less than six months after filing, without even having her come in for an interview. I.G.A. is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

If you or a loved one is seeking family-based immigration relief or adjusting status in the U.S., the Law Office of Alexander R. Vail can provide the expert assistance you need. Call us today at (725) 221-5998 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you navigate your immigration journey successfully.

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