Your Trusted Partner for Asylum, Family Immigration, and Victims’ Rights

At L.I.H. Law, we are dedicated to guiding individuals and families through the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Based in Seattle, our experienced, bilingual team offers compassionate, ethical, and effective legal representation to clients from diverse backgrounds throughout Washington State. We believe everyone deserves a chance at a better future—and we’re here to help you achieve it.

L.I.H. Law immigration law office Seattle Space Needle downtown location

Immigration Lawyer lesley irizarry-hougan

Asylum & Humanitarian Protection

If you are fleeing violence, persecution, or danger in your home country, our firm has a strong track record of success in asylum cases. We provide knowledgeable, sensitive guidance at every step of the process.

Victims of Crime & Domestic Violence (VAWA, U Visas, T Visas)

We are committed to helping survivors of domestic violence and crime find safety and security in the U.S. Our team has deep experience with Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions, U visas for crime victims, and T visas for survivors of trafficking.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

We support Dreamers and their families with DACA applications and renewals. Stay informed about the latest policy updates, and let us help you safeguard your future.

Family-Based Immigration (Fiancé, Spouse, and Family Visas)

Reuniting families is at the heart of our practice. We handle fiancé (K-1) visas, marriage-based green cards, consular processing, and other family immigration matters with care and efficiency.

Green Cards & Permanent Residency

Whether you’re applying for a green card through family, work, or humanitarian programs, we provide clear guidance and effective advocacy to help you achieve legal permanent residency.

Citizenship & Naturalization

Ready to take the next step? We assist clients with every aspect of the naturalization process, from eligibility to interview preparation, so you can confidently pursue U.S. citizenship.

Why Choose L.I.H. Law - Seattle Immigration Attorneys

Why Choose L.I.H. Law?

Exclusive Immigration Focus

We exclusively practice immigration law, allowing us to develop deep expertise in this complex and constantly evolving field.

Bilingual & Culturally Competent

Our entire staff speaks Spanish fluently and understands the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities.

Affordable Consultations

We offer low-cost initial consultations to ensure everyone can access quality legal advice for their immigration matters.

Proven Track Record

Our success stories and client testimonials speak to our dedication, compassion, and expertise in handling complex immigration cases.

Convenient Location

Our office is conveniently located in Seattle near the Space Needle (2nd Ave and Denny Way) with ample street parking available.

Personal Commitment

We take on complex cases other attorneys won't touch, with honest communication throughout the entire immigration process.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Get Started Today | Contact Us

Call us now (206-838-7628) or request your low-cost consultation online.
We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward a safer, more secure future.

159 Denny Way, STE 107, Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 838-7628
info@lihlaw.com

Languages spoken: English, Español

Client Success Stories - L.I.H. Law

Client Success Stories

Real people with real immigration challenges who found solutions with L.I.H. Law

Complex Cases, Exceptional Results

"I am immensely grateful to Lesley Irrizary Hougan for her exceptional legal assistance in obtaining my green card. In fact, I had a very complex case that most lawyers would not even touch. I probably consulted with a dozen of them but I kept getting the same response, 'sorry I cannot help you with this'."
AG
Ahmed Gaoh
Green Card Recipient
"I recommend Lesley lrizarry-Horgan for your immigration cases, she's one of the best, good communication and good resources thank you very much for my victory in short time!!!"
AU
Ayisha Usman
Immigration Victory

Life-Changing Immigration Solutions

"I am very grateful for your expertise and help in receiving my residency application approval for green card citizenship. My journey towards full citizenship has begun thanks to your law firm."
LV
Laisa Vakalala
Green Card Recipient
"I just want to thank you for my residency achieved after 22 years here. From now on my life and my family have that tranquility and peace of being here legally, with better conditions and work and life opportunities."
AS
Antonio Sanchez
New Permanent Resident

Honest, Professional Representation

"With this office you not only have a lawyer who cares about you but also defends you as if it were a member of your family. The seriousness of her advice has changed my life for the best!"
MS
Maria Soto
Satisfied Client
"Very good communication and good work team. Attorney Leslie and her team are always aware of the cases and the documentation that must be presented."
JT
Jose Alexander Torres
Client

Ready to Start Your Immigration Journey?

Every immigration case is unique, but our approach remains the same: dedicated, personalized service focused on your success. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss how we can help you achieve your immigration goals.

Schedule a Consultation View More Success Stories
FAQ Section - LIH Law

Frequently Asked Questions | Preguntas Frecuentes

Get answers to common immigration questions. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us for a personalized consultation.

Obtenga respuestas a preguntas comunes sobre inmigración. ¿No encuentra lo que busca? Contáctenos para una consulta personalizada.

Family Immigration | Inmigración Familiar

Questions about bringing family members to the U.S. | Preguntas sobre traer familiares a los EE.UU.

Can I help my undocumented spouse get a green card?
¿Puedo ayudar a mi cónyuge indocumentado a obtener una tarjeta verde? +
English: In many cases, yes, but the process depends on their specific immigration history. If your spouse entered the U.S. legally but overstayed their visa, they may be eligible to apply for a green card from within the U.S. through "adjustment of status." However, if they entered without inspection, they may need to complete the process from outside the U.S., which can be complex and requires careful legal guidance.

Español: En muchos casos, sí, pero el proceso depende de su historial migratorio específico. Si su cónyuge ingresó legalmente a los EE.UU. pero se quedó más tiempo del permitido en su visa, pueden ser elegibles para solicitar una tarjeta verde desde dentro de los EE.UU. a través del "ajuste de estatus." Sin embargo, si ingresaron sin inspección, pueden necesitar completar el proceso desde fuera de los EE.UU., lo cual puede ser complejo y requiere orientación legal cuidadosa.
What family relationships qualify for visas?
¿Qué relaciones familiares califican para visas? +
English: Immediate Relatives (no waiting period):
  • Spouses of U.S. citizens
  • Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
  • Parents of U.S. citizens (if citizen is over 21)
Other Family Members (with waiting periods):
  • Unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens
  • Spouses and children of green card holders
  • Married children of U.S. citizens
  • Siblings of U.S. citizens (if citizen is 21+)

Español: Familiares Inmediatos (sin período de espera):
  • Cónyuges de ciudadanos estadounidenses
  • Hijos solteros menores de 21 años de ciudadanos estadounidenses
  • Padres de ciudadanos estadounidenses (si el ciudadano es mayor de 21)
Otros Familiares (con períodos de espera):
  • Hijos adultos solteros (21+) de ciudadanos estadounidenses
  • Cónyuges e hijos de portadores de tarjeta verde
  • Hijos casados de ciudadanos estadounidenses
  • Hermanos de ciudadanos estadounidenses (si el ciudadano es mayor de 21)
What are the financial requirements for sponsoring family?
¿Cuáles son los requisitos financieros para patrocinar familia? +
English: To sponsor a family member, you must demonstrate financial ability to support them by filing Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), showing income at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, and providing tax returns, employment letters, and bank statements. If your income is insufficient, you can use assets or add a joint sponsor.

Español: Para patrocinar a un familiar, debe demostrar capacidad financiera para mantenerlos presentando el Formulario I-864 (Declaración Jurada de Apoyo), mostrando ingresos de al menos 125% de las Pautas Federales de Pobreza para el tamaño de su hogar, y proporcionando declaraciones de impuestos, cartas de empleo y estados bancarios. Si sus ingresos son insuficientes, puede usar activos o agregar un co-patrocinador.

Fiancé Visas (K-1) | Visas de Prometido (K-1)

Bringing your fiancé(e) to the U.S. to marry | Traer a su prometido(a) a los EE.UU. para casarse

Can I bring my fiancé(e) to the United States?
¿Puedo traer a mi prometido(a) a los Estados Unidos? +
English: Yes, through a K-1 fiancé visa. You must be a U.S. citizen, marry within 90 days of their arrival, prove you have a genuine relationship, meet financial support requirements, and your fiancé(e) must be outside the U.S. when you apply. You'll need evidence like photos, correspondence, and travel records.

Español: Sí, a través de una visa K-1 de prometido. Debe ser ciudadano estadounidense, casarse dentro de 90 días de su llegada, probar que tienen una relación genuina, cumplir con los requisitos de apoyo financiero, y su prometido(a) debe estar fuera de los EE.UU. cuando solicite. Necesitará evidencia como fotos, correspondencia y registros de viaje.
How long does the K-1 process take?
¿Cuánto tiempo toma el proceso K-1? +
English: The K-1 visa process typically takes 8-12 months from filing to approval. After approval, your fiancé(e) must enter the U.S. and you must marry within 90 days.

Español: El proceso de visa K-1 típicamente toma de 8-12 meses desde la presentación hasta la aprobación. Después de la aprobación, su prometido(a) debe ingresar a los EE.UU. y deben casarse dentro de 90 días.
What happens after we marry on a K-1 visa?
¿Qué pasa después de casarnos con una visa K-1? +
English: After marriage, your spouse must apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident. They cannot leave the U.S. without advance parole during this process, which typically takes 8-12 months.

Español: Después del matrimonio, su cónyuge debe solicitar el ajuste de estatus para convertirse en residente permanente. No pueden salir de los EE.UU. sin permiso anticipado durante este proceso, que típicamente toma de 8-12 meses.

Green Cards & Permanent Residence | Tarjetas Verdes y Residencia Permanente

Path to permanent residence in the U.S. | Camino a la residencia permanente en los EE.UU.

How long does it take to get a green card?
¿Cuánto tiempo toma obtener una tarjeta verde? +
English: Processing times vary significantly: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens typically wait 8-24 months, while other family categories can take 1-20+ years depending on the preference category and country of birth.

Español: Los tiempos de procesamiento varían significativamente: Los familiares inmediatos de ciudadanos estadounidenses típicamente esperan 8-24 meses, mientras que otras categorías familiares pueden tomar de 1-20+ años dependiendo de la categoría de preferencia y país de nacimiento.
Can I travel while my green card application is pending?
¿Puedo viajar mientras mi solicitud de tarjeta verde está pendiente? +
English: If you're adjusting status within the U.S., you need advance parole (travel document) to leave and return. Traveling without advance parole can abandon your application. We strongly recommend consulting with an attorney before any international travel.

Español: Si está ajustando estatus dentro de los EE.UU., necesita permiso anticipado (documento de viaje) para salir y regresar. Viajar sin permiso anticipado puede abandonar su solicitud. Recomendamos encarecidamente consultar con un abogado antes de cualquier viaje internacional.

Asylum & Protection | Asilo y Protección

Protection from persecution and harm | Protección contra persecución y daño

How long do I have to file for asylum?
¿Cuánto tiempo tengo para solicitar asilo? +
English: Generally, you must file for asylum within one year of your arrival in the U.S. However, there are exceptions for extraordinary circumstances or changed country conditions.

Español: Generalmente, debe solicitar asilo dentro de un año de su llegada a los EE.UU. Sin embargo, hay excepciones por circunstancias extraordinarias o condiciones cambiantes del país.
What's the difference between asylum and withholding of removal?
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre asilo y suspensión de remoción? +
English: Both protect people from persecution, but asylum offers more benefits. Asylum can lead to permanent residence and eventual citizenship, while withholding of removal prevents deportation but doesn't provide a path to permanent status.

Español: Ambos protegen a las personas de la persecución, pero el asilo ofrece más beneficios. El asilo puede llevar a la residencia permanente y eventual ciudadanía, mientras que la suspensión de remoción previene la deportación pero no proporciona un camino al estatus permanente.

Victims of Crime | Víctimas de Crimen

U visas and VAWA protection | Visas U y protección VAWA

What is a U visa?
¿Qué es una visa U? +
English: U visas are for victims of certain crimes who have been helpful to law enforcement. Qualifying crimes include domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. U visa holders can eventually apply for permanent residence.

Español: Las visas U son para víctimas de ciertos crímenes que han sido útiles a las autoridades. Los crímenes que califican incluyen violencia doméstica, asalto sexual y tráfico humano. Los portadores de visa U eventualmente pueden solicitar residencia permanente.
What is VAWA relief?
¿Qué es el alivio VAWA? +
English: VAWA allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to self-petition for immigration status without their abuser's knowledge or participation. Despite the name, VAWA protections apply to all genders.

Español: VAWA permite a ciertos cónyuges, hijos y padres abusados de ciudadanos estadounidenses o residentes permanentes auto-peticionarse para estatus migratorio sin el conocimiento o participación de su abusador. A pesar del nombre, las protecciones VAWA aplican a todos los géneros.

Consular Processing | Procesamiento Consular

Obtaining visas at U.S. consulates abroad | Obtener visas en consulados estadounidenses en el extranjero

What is consular processing?
¿Qué es el procesamiento consular? +
English: Consular processing is obtaining an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad. This is required when the beneficiary is outside the U.S. or cannot adjust status within the U.S.

Español: El procesamiento consular es obtener una visa de inmigrante en un consulado estadounidense en el extranjero. Esto es requerido cuando el beneficiario está fuera de los EE.UU. o no puede ajustar estatus dentro de los EE.UU.
How long does consular processing take?
¿Cuánto tiempo toma el procesamiento consular? +
English: After USCIS approves the petition, consular processing typically takes 2 months to 2+ years, depending on the embassy and case complexity.

Español: Después de que USCIS apruebe la petición, el procesamiento consular típicamente toma de 2 meses a 2+ años, dependiendo de la embajada y la complejidad del caso.

Legal Services & Costs | Servicios Legales y Costos

Information about working with L.I.H. Law | Información sobre trabajar con L.I.H. Law

How much do immigration services cost?
¿Cuánto cuestan los servicios de inmigración? +
English: Costs vary based on case complexity and type. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation, including government filing fees and attorney fees.

Español: Los costos varían según la complejidad y el tipo de caso. Proporcionamos precios transparentes durante su consulta, incluyendo las tarifas de presentación del gobierno y los honorarios del abogado.
What should I bring to my consultation?
¿Qué debo traer a mi consulta? +
English: Please bring valid identification, immigration documents (visas, green cards, etc.), marriage/birth certificates, criminal records (if any), correspondence from immigration authorities, and employment authorization documents.

Español: Por favor traiga identificación válida, documentos de inmigración (visas, tarjetas verdes, etc.), certificados de matrimonio/nacimiento, antecedentes penales (si los hay), correspondencia de autoridades migratorias y documentos de autorización de empleo.
Do you handle cases outside of Washington State?
¿Manejan casos fuera del estado de Washington? +
English: While our office is in Seattle, we can represent clients in immigration matters nationwide, as immigration law is federal. We handle cases before USCIS, immigration courts, and consulates worldwide.

Español: Aunque nuestra oficina está en Seattle, podemos representar clientes en asuntos de inmigración a nivel nacional, ya que la ley de inmigración es federal. Manejamos casos ante USCIS, cortes de inmigración y consulados en todo el mundo.
How long will my case take?
¿Cuánto tiempo tomará mi caso? +
English: Processing times vary significantly based on case type, USCIS service center, and current workloads. We provide estimated timelines during consultation and keep you updated throughout the process.

Español: Los tiempos de procesamiento varían significativamente según el tipo de caso, el centro de servicio de USCIS y las cargas de trabajo actuales. Proporcionamos plazos estimados durante la consulta y lo mantenemos actualizado durante todo el proceso.
What languages do you speak?
¿Qué idiomas hablan? +
English: Our entire staff is fluent in Spanish and English. We serve clients from diverse backgrounds and can arrange interpretation services for other languages when needed.

Español: Todo nuestro personal es fluente en español e inglés. Servimos a clientes de diversos orígenes y podemos organizar servicios de interpretación para otros idiomas cuando sea necesario.

Ready to Discuss Your Immigration Case? | ¿Listo para Discutir su Caso de Inmigración?

Every case is unique. Get personalized legal advice for your specific situation.

Cada caso es único. Obtenga asesoría legal personalizada para su situación específica.

Call (206) 838-7628

Immigration Legal Guides