Language : 
Available 24/7 Free Consultation
(410) 995-1515

Immigration

Guiding our clients through the immigration process for over 30 years

Immigration Lawyers Serving Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina

Helping Immigrants Achieve Their American Dream

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.

Comprehensive Immigration Services

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.

Family-Based Immigration

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.

Employment-Based Immigration

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 & Citizenship

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 and Removal Defense

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

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.

2025 U.S. Immigration Policy Updates

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:

  • Streamlined Family-Based Visa Processing: Wait times for family-sponsored visas have been reduced due to expanded processing centers and updated policies to enhance efficiency.
  • New H-1B Cap Allocations: Employment-based applicants now have increased quotas, allowing more highly-skilled workers to apply for work visas.
  • Pathway to Citizenship for DACA Recipients: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients now have access to a defined pathway to permanent residency and citizenship under new regulations.
  • Digital Modernization of Applications: The immigration process now includes online filings for many visa categories, designed to improve accessibility and reduce errors.

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.

Additional Resources for Immigration Support

Need Help with Immigration in the DMV?

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.

Continue Reading

Meet the Portner & Shure Team

WE GET YOU MORE.

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.

Meet the team

Expect More with Portner & Shure

If you’ve been in an accident

If you’ve been injured on the job

If you’ve lost a loved one

If you’ve been denied justice

If you’re seeking a better life

Expect More.

FAQs

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 Stories of Success

Read Our Reviews

View all Google Reviews
"Very good service and communication from day one all the way to settlement. Thank you very much to Miss Christine Airey and all her staff, well done."
William L.
"The paralegal assigned to my case is named Norma Guevara and she was able to settle my case promptly and to my liking. Thank you, Portner & Shure, P.A. for your great service. Definitely will recommend to all my friends and family members."
Alandra A.
"I went to about four attorneys before I found Mrs. Valerie Portner. I knew from the day of my initial consultation that I wanted to hire her. I could see she was very educated on the topic, optimistic, and honest. I was extremely impressed with her strategic preparations and the amount of time she spent...
Shonta
"I am very thankful to Portner & Shure for all of the hard work they put into my case. I couldn't be happier with the results. I recommend Portner & Shure because they are dependable and work hard for you."
Kadija S.
"Portner & Shure represented me on my first car accident. Elizabeth Bermudez, the paralegal assigned to my case walked me through every step of the way. This being my first accident I am very pleased with the outcome and the overall service of Portner & Shure! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a...
Brandy M.
"I found Portner and Shure through Facebook and so glad I did because I ended up retaining them for my workers comp case. Mr. Portner was well worth the expense as the outcome and judgement couldn't have gone better. Jon really worked the system and his professional network and determination paid off. Communication with Jon...
Paul H.
Contact Us

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.

Free Confidential Consultation:
(410) 995-1515
Columbia Office
7226 Lee DeForest Dr,
Suite 100,
Columbia, MD 21046
Map & Directions
Bel Air Office
3 Vale Road,
Suite 100,
Bel Air, MD 21014
Map & Directions
Frederick Office
5216 Chairmans Court,
Suite 106,
Frederick, MD 21703
Map & Directions
Glen Burnie Office
7310 Ritchie Hwy,
#409,
Glen Burnie, MD 21601
Map & Directions
Richmond Office
9100 Arboretum Parkway,
Suite 270,
Richmond, VA 23236
Map & Directions
Salisbury Office
100 E. Main Street,
Suite 503,
Salisbury, MD 21801
Map & Directions
Silver Spring Office
8455 Colesville Road,
Suite 720,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Map & Directions
Vienna Office
8229 Boone Boulevard,
Suite 100,
Vienna, VA 22182
Map & Directions
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute client relationship.
uploadmagnifiercross