Immigration

U.S. immigration law is dense, constantly changing, and unforgiving of mistakes. One missed deadline, one wrong form, or one incomplete filing can set a case back years, or permanently separate a family. Between the two partners, DHW Law brings decades of combined Florida legal experience to immigration matters, with Gwen Walkowiak leading family-based and naturalization work and David Walkowiak handling removal defense and more complex removal matters.

Family-based immigration

Most of the immigration work in a general practice is family-based. The spouse, parent, or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is seeking to join the family lawfully. We handle:

• Marriage-based petitions. From I-130 through adjustment of status or consular processing.
• Petitions for children and parents of U.S. citizens.
• Preference categories. Siblings, married children, and adult children.
• Removal of conditions on two-year green cards (Form I-751).
• K-1 fiancé visas and K-3 spousal visas.

Every step in the process involves paperwork that has to be right the first time. We review every supporting document, draft cover letters that anticipate examiner questions, and build the record so an interview is a formality rather than a risk.

Naturalization

Eligibility for U.S. citizenship generally requires 5 years of lawful permanent residence (3 for spouses of U.S. citizens), good moral character, physical presence, and passing the English and civics tests. We prepare clients for the interview, review the application for every potential issue, and accompany applicants to the USCIS interview.

Removal defense

When a client is placed in removal proceedings, or detained by ICE, the clock is the first problem. Options can include cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, asylum, waivers, and voluntary departure. Each has strict eligibility rules and its own evidentiary requirements. We appear at bond hearings to fight for release while the case is pending, and at merits hearings to contest removal on every available ground.

Why experience matters in immigration

Immigration law changes constantly. Forms are revised. Filing fees increase. Waiver standards shift with every administration. What does not change is the need for a lawyer who has walked clients through every version of the process. David and Gwen both take immigration matters. Gwen focuses on family petitions and brings a long connection to Tampa Bay’s immigrant communities. David focuses on detention and removal defense.