Our Immigration Services
Our Areas of Practice.
Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers
For many individuals seeking a Green Card through a family member, the biggest obstacle is not proving the family relationship—it is overcoming statutory grounds of inadmissibility.
Notice of Appeal or Motion
We help undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens request a waiver before leaving the country for consular processing.
Humanitarian Relief
We help victims of certain crimes who have assisted law enforcement obtain legal status and protection from deportation.
Employment Authorization
We navigate the complex H-1B lottery and application process for highly skilled professionals and their employers.
Deportation & Removal Defense
We act quickly to represent detained individuals, fighting for their release on bond so they can return to their families.
Family-Based Immigration & Green Card
We help individuals already in the U.S. apply for lawful permanent residency without having to leave the country.
U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization
We help individuals who derived or acquired U.S. citizenship through their parents obtain their official certificate.
Ready to secure your future?
512.454.7700
About Us
Your immigration journey starts with Ponce Law Firm
Specialized Immigration Expertise
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Path to Citizenship & Beyond
We guide you through every step of the naturalization process. Our multilingual team provides the personalized attention you need to navigate interviews and paperwork with confidence.
Office Hours
The people behind ponce law firm
Experts in your corner.
Frequently Ask Questions
Quick answers to your legal questions
Experience
Your Legal Questions
Can I legally work while my EAD renewal application is pending?
Can I legally work while my EAD renewal application is pending?
If you file your Form I-765 renewal before your current card expires and belong to an eligible category (such as pending Adjustment of Status, pending Asylum, or TPS), you may qualify for an automatic extension of your work authorization. Presenting your official USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797C) alongside your expired EAD allows your employer to complete Form I-9 reverification lawfully.
What is the 180-day rule for asylum-based work permits (Category (c)(8))?
What is the 180-day rule for asylum-based work permits (Category (c)(8))?
Under federal law, individuals with a pending asylum application (Form I-589) cannot file for an initial work permit until their asylum application has been officially pending for 150 days. USCIS will not grant the work permit until the application has accumulated a total of 180 days on the official “asylum clock”. Delays caused by the applicant (such as requesting hearing postponements) can pause the clock.
Will taking extended trips outside the U.S. ruin my eligibility for citizenship?
Will taking extended trips outside the U.S. ruin my eligibility for citizenship?
Trips outside the U.S. lasting longer than 180 days (6 months) disrupt the continuous residence requirement unless you can present evidence proving you maintained ties, residence, and employment in the United States. Trips lasting longer than 1 year automatically break continuous residence. We analyze your travel records to make sure your physical presence and continuous residence windows are met before submitting Form N-400.
Does filing a Motion to Reopen automatically stop my deportation?
Does filing a Motion to Reopen automatically stop my deportation?
No. Unlike a timely BIA appeal (Form EOIR-26), filing a Motion to Reopen with an Immigration Judge does not automatically stay execution of a removal order, unless the motion is based on lack of notice (in absentia order) or filed jointly with DHS. In all other MTR cases, an explicit Emergency Motion for Stay of Removal must be submitted to the court or ICE to prevent deportation while the motion is under review.
Why choose us
Choosing Ponce Law means choosing confidence
Experienced Professionals
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Proven Track Record
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Client-Centered Approach
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Ethical & Trustworthy
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Transparent Communication
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Responsive Support
From family-based visas and green cards to complex deportation defense, our team brings in-depth knowledge of USCIS procedures and immigration law to every unique case.
Client-Centered Advocate
Attorney Ponce prioritizes client needs with a core focus on keeping families together. She leads a diligent team that maintains a supportive, client-focused environment throughout the legal process.
Meticulous Legal Approach
Known for tackling complex immigration matters, she builds strong cases by thoroughly researching legal arguments and providing comprehensive supporting exhibits at every stage to maximize the chances of success.
Extensive Experience
Began her immigration law career in 2000; she has helped thousands of clients. Her achievements include securing releases from detention, winning complex asylum cases, and litigating appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Solid Educational Foundation
Raised in South Texas, Attorney Ponce holds a degree in Social Work from UT Austin and earned her Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2003.