Latino people in the United States are worried due to deportation threats and the legal complexity of their struggles. That’s why they use the services of specialized immigration lawyers in Texas, for example. But there are dozens of myths that need straightening out. In this article, we will cover some of them.
Immigration lawyers are so expensive… Are they?
Not really. Most people, however, expect it to be the opposite. They think they can’t afford an immigration counsel in Dallas or anywhere else for that matter. But the truth is that many law firms offer sliding‑scale fees, payment plans, or limited‑scope services (e.g., document review, interview preparation) for low‑income families. And yes, an Immigration Attorney usually offers completely free consultations for Latino community members. During the meeting, they can learn everything they need to know about their current situation, possible outcomes, and eventual fees in the future. But the first step is always free of charge.
Hiring an immigration attorney will solve all the problems
Sometimes people assume that professional lawyers provide a guarantee of a favorable outcome because that’s the way the system works. Unfortunately, this is also a myth. The final decision always rests with USCIS, the immigration court, or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Skilled counsel can maximize the odds by presenting a complete, well‑documented case, but factors such as policy shifts, discretionary decisions, or new adjudicator guidelines can still lead to denial. An immigration lawyer’s responsibility is to serve the best interest of a client, but expecting 100% success guarantees is simply not healthy.
Are Spanish-speaking lawyers a must?
That’s another myth common amongst the Latino immigrants. In fact, all reputable immigration firms employ bilingual staff, paralegals, or interpreters even if the principal attorney isn’t fluent. The key is that the office provides clear, accurate translations of all forms, notices, and instructions. Furthermore, an immigration lawyer who fully understands the law and can explain nuances—even through a translator—will generally achieve better outcomes than a native speaker who lacks substantive expertise. There is no reason to assume Latino attorneys will do a better job only because of their personal relations with the language, culture, and community. This is not the case.
With a good immigration lawyer from Texas, the procedures will be effortless
Not true. Clients of any law firm always have to do some work themselves in order to strengthen their cases. They have a role to play, in other words. And this is important. An attorney’s effort is only as efficient as the client’s cooperation and documentation. Immigrants defending their rights must collect original documents (passports, birth certificates, police records). They must also attend scheduled biometrics appointments and immigration hearings. The attorney is in charge, but without the client’s assistance, the case is doomed from the start.