Guiding our clients through the immigration process for over 30 years
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, confusing, and often overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking a green card, temporary work visa, or protection from deportation, our team of experienced immigration lawyers at Portner & Shure, P.A. is here to guide you every step of the way.
With decades of experience and a staff fluent in multiple languages—including Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Bosnian, and Urdu—we are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized representation. Contact us today to discuss your immigration needs and protect your future.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation by calling (410) 995-1515 to speak to a personal injury attorney in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina.
At Portner & Shure, we handle all aspects of immigration law, including family-based and employment-based visas, naturalization and citizenship, and asylum, providing personalized guidance to help you build your future.
A common way for a person to get a green card is through a family member. U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents can sponsor (or "petition") certain family members for immigration visas or "green cards." Eligible family members include spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The process to get a green card requires two steps. First, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files a petition on behalf of the foreign national relative. Second, the foreign national relative files an application to become a permanent resident. Each step may differ depending on the familial relationship.
If you or a loved one needs help obtaining a green card or you have questions about the process, please contact us.
Companies flourish when they hire a diverse workforce that has the skills that are valuable to the U.S. economy. Current immigration law provides several ways for a foreign worker to enter the U.S for employment purposes on a temporary or permanent basis. We assist employers and businesses with a variety of petitions including H-1B, L-1A/L-1B, TN status, and PERM.
If your company is considering hiring a foreign worker, contact us to speak about the different options.
Naturalization and citizenship is the last step in the immigration process for eligible individuals. In order to become a U.S. citizen, a legal permanent resident must first meet certain eligibility requirements. Some of the requirements for citizenship may differ for applicants depending on how they received their legal permanent residency. If you meet these requirements, you may apply for citizenship.
Sometimes problems that did come up earlier in the immigration process may come to light. Before applying for citizenship, talk to one of our experienced immigration attorneys who can explain the process and evaluate your case.
Deportation is the most challenging and complex area of immigration law. If you have been placed in removal proceedings, it is crucial that you obtain an experienced immigration attorney that can evaluate your case to determine if there is a legitimate form of relief from deportation that may be available to you. There are common forms of deportation relief that can be used to prevent deportation, or at least extend the length of time you can legally remain in the U.S. Therefore it is important to seek consultation from an experienced deportation defense attorney who can help you understand your rights, eligibility and options that may be available to you.
Asylum is a legal status that offers legal protection to individuals who fear returning to their home countries due to past persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or membership in a specific social group. If granted asylum, the individual may remain in the U.S. After one year of approval for asylum, you can apply for a green card and are given permission to work.
The process for seeking asylum in the U.S. is complicated and an asylum-seeker must meet strict requirements to be granted asylum status in the U.S. Talk to one of our experienced immigration attorneys who can explain the process and evaluate your case.
Criminal offenses further complicate the U.S. immigration process. If you’ve been charged with a crime, you may face consequences when it comes to your immigration status. Our immigration lawyers at Portner & Shure, P.A. can help you maneuver through the criminal court system to reach the best outcome possible.
The U.S. immigration landscape is continuously evolving, and recent policy changes in 2025 have impacted various visa categories and application processes. Key updates include:
Given these changes, it’s essential to seek guidance from experienced immigration attorneys who stay up-to-date with all legal developments. Our team is here to help you understand and benefit from these new policies.
At Portner & Shure, P.A., we are passionate about empowering immigrants through skilled legal representation. Whether you need help reuniting with family, securing employment opportunities, or defending against deportation, we are here for you.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a brighter future in the United States.
Meet the Portner & Shure Team
Portner & Shure, P.A. is a trusted, nationally recognized law firm providing an array of legal services in the areas of personal injury and criminal defense in counties throughout Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina. For more than two decades, our top-rated team has helped clients obtain justice as well as over $500 million in damages for compensation.
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The timeline depends on various factors, such as the type of family relationship and the applicant’s country of origin. Immediate relatives (e.g., spouses or children under 21) typically experience shorter wait periods than other family-sponsored categories.
Certain visa categories, like work-based visas or TPS (Temporary Protected Status), may allow you to work while your application is pending. However, the rules vary depending on the specific type of visa application.
Yes, criminal charges can complicate or even jeopardize your immigration status. Contact our team immediately if you’ve been charged with a crime, as deportation or denial of applications may result.
Removal proceedings can sometimes continue even while your immigration applications or appeals are being reviewed. An experienced immigration attorney can request stays of deportation or identify relief options for maintaining your status.
Relief options may include asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status based on a qualifying relationship or hardship. Consult with an attorney to explore available defenses.
If denied, applicants often have the option to appeal or reapply, provided they address the reasons for the original denial. Our attorneys can guide you through the appeals process to improve your chances of success.
Expect More with
Portner & Shure
The legal system can be intimidating, but you deserve more. Expect more guidance, more dedication, and more results from our experienced trial attorneys every step of the way.