Accepting Clients Nationwide & Globally

Immigration & Tax Law That Speaks Your Language

Just the facts. Just the law. Just results.

Viles Law Firm guides individuals, families, and businesses through complex immigration and federal tax matters — with clarity, compassion, and real results.

Clients accepted from all 50 states
All U.S. consulates worldwide
N-648 experience
IRS tax controversy
Zoom-accessible firm
We Handle What Others Find Complex
🏢

Business Immigration

H-1B, L-1, O-1 visas, PERM labor certifications, and employer petitions

👨‍👩‍👧

Family Immigration

Spousal petitions, green cards, adjustment of status, I-130

🗽

Naturalization & N-648

Citizenship for green card holders — including N-648 disability exemptions

⚖️

Immigration Court

Removal defense, RFE responses, NOID challenges, and appeals

🛡️

Asylum

Affirmative and defensive asylum applications for persecuted individuals

📋

Federal Tax Law

IRS disputes, Offer in Compromise, FATCA/FBAR compliance, audits

A Firm You Can Actually Reach — Wherever You Are

Peter Viles founded this firm on a simple idea: expert legal help shouldn't require proximity. Whether you're in Houston or Honolulu, our fully electronic practice puts experienced immigration and tax counsel at your screen.

We specialize in cases others find overwhelming — including naturalization for clients who don't speak English, complex IRS controversies, and immigration court defense.

Global
Clients accepted worldwide
Your Way
In-person, Zoom, or phone — your choice
J.D.
LL.M.
Tulane + Alabama
Immig.
+ Tax
Dual practice — immigration & federal tax
What Clients Say
★★★★★
"Peter handled our entire family green card petition over Zoom. We were nervous about the process, but every step was explained clearly. Approved first try."
M.R.
Family Petition Client · California
★★★★★
"My mother doesn't speak English but wanted to become a citizen. The N-648 route was something we didn't know existed. Attorney Viles made it happen."
C.L.
Naturalization Client · Texas
★★★★★
"I received an IRS notice that terrified me. Viles Law resolved a 3-year tax controversy with a successful Offer in Compromise. Straightforward, professional, no runaround."
D.T.
Tax Controversy Client · Florida

Your Case Deserves a Real Conversation

Book a consultation. No obligation, no jargon — just clear answers about your options. We accept clients from all 50 states for immigration and federal tax matters.

Peter M. Viles, J.D., LL.M.

Founding Partner — Immigration & Federal Tax Attorney

PV
Peter M. Viles
Founding Partner · Licensed by the Texas Supreme Court
J.D. — Tulane Law School LL.M. in Taxation — Univ. of Alabama M.A. in Linguistics — Univ. of South Carolina

Attorney Viles is licensed by the Texas Supreme Court and represents individual and business clients throughout the United States and worldwide. His practice spans immigration law — including family-based green cards, business visas, naturalization, asylum, and immigration court defense — as well as federal tax controversy before the IRS.

What sets Attorney Viles apart is a genuinely rare combination of credentials: a law degree, a Master's in Tax Law, and a Master's in Linguistics. That linguistic expertise makes him uniquely effective for clients navigating naturalization who have been unable to learn English — particularly in preparing N-648 Medical Certification cases that allow a disability exemption from the English language requirement.

His dual expertise in immigration and tax law provides an invaluable advantage when issues overlap — for example, when tax filing errors threaten a green card application, or when IRS liabilities affect naturalization eligibility. He is experienced in guiding clients through family law and criminal matters with an eye toward immigration consequences.

Tulane Law School
Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
Certificate in Maritime Law
University of Alabama
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Taxation
University of South Carolina
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Linguistics · Second Language Acquisition
Law You Can Actually Understand

Legal processes involving USCIS and the IRS can be overwhelming — especially for clients whose first language is not English. Viles Law Firm is dedicated to explaining every step in plain language, connecting complex legal requirements to real-world outcomes.

Our fully electronic practice means we're never more than a Zoom call away, regardless of where you are in the United States or the world.

Immigration Practice Reach

  • All 50 U.S. states
  • All U.S. consulates worldwide
  • Zoom and electronic consultations
  • Non-English speaking clients welcome

Federal Tax Practice Reach

  • IRS disputes and audits nationwide
  • Offer in Compromise negotiations
  • FATCA / FBAR compliance
  • Tax return amendments

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Book a consultation with Attorney Viles. Fully remote — available by phone or Zoom.

Schedule Your Consultation

Available by phone, Zoom, or in person at our Houston office. No obligation, no jargon — just clear answers about your options.

Send Us a Message

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Office

2000 West Loop South, Suite 1120
Houston, Texas 77027

Phone & Email

(713) 622-4647 — Houston

(866) 648-4537 — Toll Free

peter@vileslaw.com

Office Hours

Mon–Fri9:00 am – 5:00 pm SaturdayBy Appointment SundayClosed

Consultation Options

In-person, by telephone, or via Zoom — whichever is most convenient for you. We accept clients from all 50 states for immigration and federal tax matters.

U.S. Immigration Law — Clients From All 50 States

From family green cards to business visas, naturalization, and court defense — Viles Law Firm handles the full spectrum of U.S. immigration law, remotely accessible from anywhere in the world.

Every Immigration Matter, Handled with Expertise
🏢

Business Immigration

H-1B, L-1, O-1, PERM, EB-1, EB-2, and employer sponsorships

👨‍👩‍👧

Family Immigration

I-130 petitions, adjustment of status, spousal green cards

🗽

Naturalization / N-648

Citizenship applications, including disability exemptions

⚖️

Immigration Court

Removal defense, RFE responses, appeals

🛡️

Asylum

Affirmative and defensive asylum, withholding of removal

Not Sure Where to Start?

Book a consultation. Attorney Viles will review your situation and explain your options in plain language.

Naturalization & U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most significant legal steps a person can take. Whether your path is straightforward or complicated by a criminal record, long absences, or an inability to learn English — we've handled it.

The Path to U.S. Citizenship

U.S. citizenship grants the right to vote, unrestricted travel, and the ability to sponsor family members. Viles Law Firm evaluates your eligibility across four key USCIS areas: Continuous Residence, Physical Presence, English Language & Civics, and Good Moral Character.

1 — Eligibility Review

We review your travel history, criminal record, tax filings, and residency period to confirm you're ready to apply — before you file.

2 — Document Collection

Using our N-400 checklist, we gather every document USCIS will need — eliminating surprises at the interview.

3 — Application Preparation

We prepare and file your N-400, or your N-400 with N-648 disability waiver if English is a barrier.

4 — Interview Preparation

We provide the full civics question set and coach you on what to expect — so you walk in confident.

5 — Oath Ceremony

We support you through the final step — the Oath of Allegiance and the day you become a U.S. citizen.

Can't Learn English? You May Still Qualify for Citizenship.

Permanent residents who cannot learn English may qualify for a medical exemption through Form N-648. Attorney Viles holds a Master's degree in Linguistics with a focus on second language acquisition — making him uniquely equipped to build compelling N-648 cases for clients who have been unable to learn English.

Applies to N-400 applicants only
Must be certified by a physician or licensed psychologist
Eliminates the English and civics requirements
Extensive experience with N-648 approvals

Residency Requirements

  • 5 years as a green card holder (general rule)
  • 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
  • Physical presence ≥ 50% of qualifying period
  • No single absence over 180 days

Military Naturalization

Service members and veterans may qualify for expedited naturalization with reduced or eliminated residency requirements. We guide military families through every step of the citizenship process.

Worried about a criminal background or long trips abroad? We assess your specific history before advising you to file — protecting you from a denial that could trigger far worse consequences.

A Criminal Record Doesn't Always Bar Citizenship — But Timing Is Everything

Criminal convictions and immigration consequences intersect in ways that can be devastating if not carefully navigated — a field known as "crimmigration." Filing a naturalization application at the wrong time, with an undisclosed or misunderstood criminal record, can not only result in a denial but can place a green card holder in removal proceedings.

Attorney Viles reviews your full criminal history — including arrests without conviction, expunged records, and offenses from decades ago — to assess whether you are eligible to apply, and whether doing so is safe. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs), aggravated felonies, and drug-related offenses each carry different consequences, and the analysis is highly fact-specific.

What We Review

  • Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs)
  • Aggravated felony classifications
  • Drug-related offenses
  • DUI and domestic violence history
  • Arrests without conviction
  • Expunged or pardoned offenses

The Risk of Filing Too Soon

Filing for naturalization can prompt USCIS to re-examine your entire immigration history. In some cases, it can trigger a Notice to Appear (NTA) and removal proceedings. We will never advise you to file before it is safe to do so.

Naturalization FAQ
Can I apply for citizenship if I don't speak English? +
Yes — through Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. A licensed physician or psychologist must document your disability, and Attorney Viles will prepare a comprehensive N-648 package built on his background in linguistics and second language acquisition.
What if I have a criminal record? +
Some criminal records bar naturalization outright, while others require careful timing and documentation. More importantly, filing prematurely with a disqualifying record can trigger removal proceedings. We conduct a full crimmigration analysis before advising you to file — the stakes are too high to guess.
I took several long trips abroad. Can I still apply? +
It depends on trip length and frequency. A single trip under 6 months rarely causes issues. Two trips of 6+ months, or one trip of 12+ months, may break your residency period. We can help you document your ties to the U.S. and apply the four-year-and-one-day rule where applicable.
How long does the naturalization process take? +
USCIS processing times currently range from 8 to 24 months depending on the field office. We file the strongest possible application from day one to avoid RFEs or delays.

Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen?

Book a consultation. We'll review your eligibility, explain the N-648 option if applicable, and outline your path to citizenship.

Business & Employment-Based Immigration

We help companies and professionals navigate H-1B, L-1, O-1, PERM, and EB visa categories — so the right people can work where they're needed.

Work Visas & Employer Petitions

Whether you're an employer sponsoring a skilled worker or a professional seeking an employment-based green card, Viles Law Firm provides precise, strategic counsel from initial petition through final approval.

Employer Services

  • Initial immigration audit & compliance review
  • I-9 compliance guidance
  • Workforce immigration planning
  • Multiple employee petitions

An RFE or a visa denial doesn't have to be the end. We've successfully responded to complex USCIS challenges and turned initial denials into approvals.

Click any visa type to see the key eligibility requirements.

E-2 — Treaty Investor+

Investor Requirements

  • Citizen of a country with a qualifying U.S. treaty of commerce and navigation
  • Must have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. enterprise
  • Investment must be at risk — not a passive investment
  • Investor must direct and develop the enterprise
  • Investment must be more than a marginal enterprise sufficient only to earn a living

Key Considerations

  • No minimum dollar amount is specified, but investment must be substantial relative to the total cost of the enterprise
  • E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa — it does not directly lead to a green card
  • Initial period of up to 2 years; renewable indefinitely in increments
  • Employees of the treaty enterprise may also qualify for E-2 status
  • Available only to nationals of treaty countries — not all countries qualify
E-3 — Australian Specialty Occupation Workers+

Worker Requirements

  • Must be an Australian national
  • Must be coming to the U.S. to perform services in a specialty occupation
  • Must hold a bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent) in the relevant specialty field
  • Must have a legitimate job offer from a U.S. employer

Employer & Process Requirements

  • Employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the DOL
  • Must pay the prevailing wage for the position
  • Annual cap of 10,500 (separate from H-1B — historically underused)
  • Initial period of 2 years; renewable in 2-year increments with no maximum
  • Spouses and children (under 21) may accompany on E-3D dependent visas
EB-1 / EB-2 — Employment-Based Green Cards+

EB-1 Priority Workers

  • EB-1A: Aliens of Extraordinary Ability — self-petition, no job offer required
  • EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers — requires employer sponsorship
  • EB-1C: Multinational Managers and Executives — requires 1 year abroad with qualifying company

EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW

  • Requires advanced degree (master's or higher) or exceptional ability
  • Generally requires PERM labor certification
  • EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): self-petition available if work is in the national interest — no job offer or PERM required
EB-5 — Immigrant Investor+

Investment Requirements

  • Minimum investment of $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area — rural or high unemployment)
  • Investment must be at risk — no guaranteed return
  • Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers
  • Investor may invest directly or through a USCIS-designated Regional Center

Path to a Green Card

  • Approval of I-526E petition establishes eligibility
  • Investor and immediate family receive a conditional green card (2 years)
  • I-829 petition filed to remove conditions after 2 years — requires proof the investment was sustained and jobs were created
  • No sponsoring employer required — entirely self-petitioned
  • No annual cap on EB-5 visas for direct investment (Regional Center subject to availability)
H-1B — Specialty Occupation+

Worker Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a specific specialty field (or equivalent)
  • Job must qualify as a specialty occupation requiring theoretical & practical application of specialized knowledge
  • Must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer

Employer Requirements

  • File an LCA (Labor Condition Application) with the DOL
  • Pay the prevailing wage for the position
  • Subject to annual cap of 65,000 (plus 20,000 for U.S. master's holders)
  • Cap-exempt employers include universities, nonprofits, and research institutions
H-2A — Temporary Agricultural Workers+

Worker Requirements

  • Citizen of an eligible country designated by DHS
  • Intending to perform temporary or seasonal agricultural labor
  • No permanent immigrant intent required

Employer Requirements

  • Must demonstrate a shortage of available U.S. workers
  • Must offer wages at or above the Adverse Effect Wage Rate
  • Must provide free housing and transportation reimbursement
  • File a job order with the State Workforce Agency
H-2B — Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers+

Worker Requirements

  • Citizen of a DHS-designated eligible country
  • Performing temporary non-agricultural work (seasonal, peak load, or intermittent need)
  • No degree requirement for most positions

Employer Requirements

  • Demonstrate temporary need for the position
  • Obtain a temporary labor certification from the DOL
  • Subject to annual cap of 66,000 (split between two halves of the fiscal year)
  • Pay prevailing wage for the position and location
IER — International Entrepreneur Rule+

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must have a central and active role in a startup entity founded within the last 5 years
  • Startup must demonstrate substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation
  • Entrepreneur must hold at least a 10% ownership stake at time of initial filing
  • Startup must have received at least $264,147 from qualified U.S. investors, or at least $105,659 in government awards or grants, within the 18 months preceding filing (or a combination)

Key Considerations

  • IER is a parole — not a visa or status. It grants lawful presence but is not a nonimmigrant visa classification
  • Initial parole period of up to 2.5 years; one renewal of up to 2.5 years available
  • Up to 3 entrepreneurs per startup may apply
  • Spouse and children may receive parole — spouse may apply for work authorization
  • Does not directly lead to a green card; entrepreneurs typically transition to O-1A, EB-1, or EB-2 NIW
L-1 — Intracompany Transfer+

Worker Requirements

  • Employed with the same employer abroad for at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years
  • Transferring to the U.S. in an executive, managerial (L-1A), or specialized knowledge (L-1B) capacity

Employer Requirements

  • Must have a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign entity (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch)
  • Both entities must be doing business at the time of filing
  • L-1A valid up to 7 years; L-1B up to 5 years
O-1 — Extraordinary Ability+

O-1A (Science, Business, Education, Athletics)

  • Sustained national or international acclaim
  • Must meet at least 3 of 8 evidentiary criteria (awards, published material, high salary, critical role, etc.)
  • No cap — petitioned year-round

O-1B (Arts, Film, TV)

  • Extraordinary achievement in motion picture or TV, or distinction in the arts
  • Must meet at least 3 of 6 criteria for arts, or demonstrate a very high level of achievement for film/TV
  • Requires a written advisory opinion from a peer group or union
P Visa — Athletes & Entertainers (P-1, P-2, P-3)+

P-1

Internationally recognized athlete or member of an internationally recognized entertainment group. Must demonstrate sustained acclaim and recognition.

P-2

Artist or entertainer performing under a reciprocal exchange program between a U.S. organization and a foreign organization.

P-3

Artist or entertainer coming to perform, teach, or coach in a culturally unique program. Must be coming to the U.S. to further the development of the art form.

PERM — Labor Certification+

Process Requirements

  • Employer must conduct a bona fide recruitment effort to test the U.S. labor market
  • Must demonstrate no qualified, willing U.S. workers are available for the position
  • Filed with the Department of Labor (DOL), not USCIS
  • Approval is the prerequisite for most EB-2 and EB-3 green card petitions

Audit Risks

  • DOL may audit the employer's recruitment process at any time
  • Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is the leading cause of denials
  • We prepare every PERM with audit-readiness as the baseline standard
  • Supervised recruitment available for complex cases
Q — Cultural Exchange+

Worker Requirements

  • At least 18 years old
  • Qualified to perform the service or labor or receive the training outlined in the program
  • Able to communicate effectively about the cultural attributes of their home country

Program Requirements

  • Must be an international cultural exchange program approved by USCIS
  • Program must provide practical training, employment, and the sharing of history, culture, and traditions
  • Authorized for up to 15 months
R-1 — Religious Workers+

Worker Requirements

  • Member of a religious denomination for at least 2 years immediately preceding the petition
  • Coming to work as a minister, or in a religious vocation or occupation
  • Must have a qualifying religious occupation or vocation

Employer Requirements

  • Must be a bona fide nonprofit religious organization (or affiliated organization) in the U.S.
  • Must demonstrate the organization is tax-exempt
  • Initial period of 30 months, extendable to a maximum of 5 years
TN — USMCA Trade NAFTA (Canada & Mexico)+

Worker Requirements

  • Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
  • Must be seeking entry to engage in business activities at a professional level as listed in the USMCA Schedule of Professionals (e.g., accountant, engineer, lawyer, scientist, computer systems analyst)
  • Must have a prearranged full-time or part-time job offer from a U.S. employer
  • Must hold the required degree or credentials for the profession

Key Considerations

  • No annual cap and no labor certification required — one of the most streamlined work visa pathways available
  • Canadian citizens apply directly at the port of entry — no prior USCIS petition required
  • Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa at a U.S. consulate before entry
  • Initial period of 3 years; renewable indefinitely in 3-year increments
  • Spouses and dependents enter on TD status — work authorization not included for dependents

J-1 Waiver for Foreign Medical Graduates

The Conrad 30 program allows J-1 exchange visitor physicians subject to the two-year home residency requirement to obtain a waiver by agreeing to practice primary care or a designated specialty in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or Medically Underserved Area (MUA) for a minimum of three years. Each state is allocated up to 30 Conrad waivers per federal fiscal year — making early filing critical.

Eligibility
  • Foreign medical graduate on J-1 visa subject to the two-year home residency requirement
  • Must have a full-time employment offer from a facility in a HPSA or MUA
  • Must commit to a minimum three-year service obligation
Process
  • Application submitted to the state health department where the physician will practice
  • State recommends the waiver to the U.S. Department of State
  • DOS forwards to USCIS for approval and change of status to H-1B
Key Considerations
  • Cap-exempt H-1B — not subject to the annual lottery
  • Only 30 waivers available per state per year — timing matters
  • Failure to complete the three-year obligation can bar future immigration benefits

Hranka Waiver — Nonimmigrant Admissibility

The 212(d)(3) waiver — known as the Hranka waiver — is the broadest nonimmigrant waiver available under U.S. immigration law. It allows individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to obtain a nonimmigrant visa or be admitted temporarily to the United States, regardless of the ground of inadmissibility (with limited exceptions). This makes it particularly valuable for business travelers, investors, employees, and others who need temporary U.S. entry but have a prior bar — such as a prior removal, criminal conviction, fraud finding, or prior unlawful presence.

The Hranka Standard
  • The risk of harm to society if the applicant is admitted
  • The seriousness of the prior violation or ground of inadmissibility
  • The nature of the applicant's reasons for seeking entry — the stronger the purpose, the stronger the case
Key Advantages
  • No qualifying relative required — unlike the I-601
  • Applies to nearly all grounds of inadmissibility
  • Available for any nonimmigrant visa category — B-1/B-2, H, L, O, E, and others
Business Applicability
  • Investors and treaty nationals with prior removal orders
  • H-1B or L-1 workers with prior bars
  • Key employees needed for U.S. operations who cannot otherwise obtain a visa

Need a Work Visa or Business Green Card?

Book a consultation to discuss your business immigration needs — for individuals and employers alike.

Family-Based Immigration & Green Cards

Reunite with the people who matter most. We handle spousal green cards, family petitions, and adjustment of status — even if your spouse is still abroad.

Bringing Families Together

The family immigration process involves multiple agencies, strict deadlines, and significant documentation — but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Viles Law Firm handles each step methodically, from the initial I-130 petition to the final green card approval.

1 — I-130 Petition Filing

We prepare and file the Petition for Alien Relative — the first step in most family-based immigration cases.

2 — Priority Date Monitoring

We track your priority date and notify you as soon as you become eligible to file for adjustment of status or consular processing.

3 — I-485 Adjustment of Status

For beneficiaries already in the U.S., we file the adjustment of status application with all supporting documentation.

4 — Consular Processing

For beneficiaries abroad, we coordinate the National Visa Center process and prepare you for the consular interview.

5 — Conditional Green Card Removal

If your marriage is under 2 years, we file the I-751 to remove conditions and convert to a permanent green card.

Categories We Handle

  • Spousal green cards (IR-1, CR-1)
  • Fiancé(e) K-1 visas
  • Parent petitions (IR-5)
  • Sibling & adult child petitions
  • I-751 removal of conditions
  • Military Parole in Place (PIP)

Married to a U.S. citizen but worried about your tax filings or criminal history? We review everything before filing — protecting your chances of success.

Fiancé(e) K-1 Visa

If your fiancé(e) is abroad, the K-1 visa allows them to enter the U.S. to marry within 90 days. We handle the full petition, supporting documentation, and consular preparation.

Military Parole in Place

Undocumented immediate family members of active duty military, veterans, and certain reservists may be eligible for Parole in Place — allowing them to remain in the U.S. and apply for a green card without leaving.

Overcoming Bars to Admission & Residency

Hranka / 212(d)(3) Waiver

The 212(d)(3) waiver — known as the Hranka waiver after the landmark Board of Immigration Appeals decision — is the broadest nonimmigrant waiver available. It allows individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to the United States to obtain a nonimmigrant visa or be admitted temporarily, regardless of the ground of inadmissibility (with limited exceptions). Unlike the I-601, there is no requirement to show a qualifying relative — the applicant must demonstrate that the reasons for admission outweigh the factors of inadmissibility, considering the risk of harm to society, the seriousness of the conduct, and the applicant's reasons for seeking admission. It applies to both family and business travelers seeking temporary entry.

J-1 Waiver

J-1 exchange visitors subject to the two-year home residency requirement cannot change status or obtain an immigrant visa until that requirement is fulfilled — unless a waiver is granted. Waivers are available on several grounds, including a No Objection Statement from the home country, an Interested Government Agency request, hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR family member, or persecution. We evaluate your specific situation and pursue the strongest available waiver basis.

I-601 Waiver

Form I-601 is an Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, used when a person has been found inadmissible to the United States — often due to unlawful presence, certain criminal convictions, fraud, or misrepresentation. The standard for most I-601 waivers requires showing extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent. These applications are document-intensive and the hardship showing must be compelling.

I-601A Provisional Waiver

The I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver allows certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply for a waiver of the 3- or 10-year unlawful presence bar before departing the U.S. for their immigrant visa interview abroad. This significantly reduces the time families are separated during the consular process. Eligibility requires a qualifying relationship, an approved I-130, and a demonstration of extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen spouse or parent.

Violence Against Women Act

VAWA Self-Petitions

If you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, you may be able to self-petition for a green card under VAWA — without the abuser's knowledge or cooperation. These cases are handled with complete confidentiality. Viles Law Firm has extensive experience guiding VAWA clients through the self-petition process and toward safety and legal status.

Start Your Family's Immigration Journey

Book a consultation. We'll review your relationship history, assess eligibility, and map out the clearest path to a green card.

Immigration Court & Removal Defense

Facing deportation or a removal order is one of the most serious situations a person can encounter. We provide aggressive, strategic defense at every stage of the immigration court process.

We Fight for Your Right to Stay

If you've received a Notice to Appear (NTA), been detained by ICE, or received a denial with appeal rights, time is critical. Viles Law Firm provides comprehensive immigration court representation — from initial hearings through the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Removal Defense

Challenging the government's basis for removal and presenting every available relief option.

RFE / NOID Responses

Responding to USCIS Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny before a case reaches court.

BIA Appeals

Appealing adverse immigration judge decisions to the Board of Immigration Appeals with thorough legal briefing.

Motion to Reopen

A motion to reopen asks the immigration court or BIA to reopen a case based on new facts or evidence that were not available at the time of the original hearing. Common grounds include changed country conditions for asylum cases, ineffective assistance of prior counsel, or new evidence of eligibility for relief. Strict time limits apply — generally 90 days from the final order — though exceptions exist for asylum and in absentia orders.

Prosecutorial Discretion

Requesting DHS to exercise discretion to close or administratively dismiss low-priority removal cases.

Bond Hearings

Advocating for your release from immigration detention at custody redetermination hearings.

Returning to the U.S. After Removal or Deportation

A person who has been removed, deported, or has departed under a final order of removal is inadmissible and cannot return to the United States without first obtaining permission. Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission, is how that permission is requested. Without an approved I-212, attempting to reenter after removal is a federal crime — and any visa or status obtained without it is invalid.

Who Needs It
  • Anyone ordered removed or deported from the U.S.
  • Anyone who departed while under a final order of removal
  • Anyone subject to a 5-year, 10-year, or permanent bar from reentry
  • Anyone who was removed more than once — subject to a permanent bar
Where It's Filed
  • With USCIS, if seeking an immigrant visa or adjustment of status
  • With CBP, if seeking admission at a port of entry
  • With ICE, if in removal proceedings or detention
  • With a U.S. consulate abroad, when applying for a nonimmigrant visa
Factors Considered
  • Basis and circumstances of the prior removal
  • Family ties to U.S. citizens or LPRs
  • Hardship to qualifying relatives if permission is denied
  • Criminal history, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation

Three Pathways to Stop Deportation

For LPRs

Lawful Permanent Residents in removal proceedings may apply for cancellation if they have held a green card for at least 5 years, resided continuously in the U.S. for 7 years, and have not been convicted of an aggravated felony.

For Non-LPRs

Non-permanent residents may qualify if they have been continuously present in the U.S. for 10 years, have good moral character, and can show that removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR family member.

VAWA Cancellation

Victims of battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent may qualify for VAWA cancellation of removal — with a reduced continuous presence requirement of 3 years and a lower hardship standard. These cases are handled with complete confidentiality.

If You've Received an NTA

  • Do not miss your court date
  • Contact an attorney immediately
  • We can often obtain continuances
  • Multiple relief options may be available

Even with a prior removal order or a criminal record, relief options may exist. Don't assume your case is hopeless — let us review it first.

Defensive Asylum — Your Last Line of Protection

When someone is placed in removal proceedings, asylum can be raised as a defense before the immigration judge. This is known as defensive asylum — and it is often the most critical stage of an asylum case. We prepare a comprehensive case built on documentation, country conditions evidence, and a credible, well-prepared client.

Facing Immigration Court? Act Now.

Immigration court deadlines are unforgiving. Book an urgent consultation today — we'll review your case and explain all available defenses.

Asylum & Refugee Protection

If you have faced persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country, you may qualify for asylum in the United States. We represent asylum seekers at every stage — from the first interview to the final hearing.

Protecting Those Who Need It Most

Asylum applications are among the most high-stakes immigration matters — they require compelling documentation, precise legal arguments, and careful management of deadlines. Viles Law Firm provides thorough, compassionate representation from the initial filing through any appeals.

Affirmative Asylum

Filing with USCIS Asylum Office proactively, before removal proceedings have begun. Must be filed within 1 year of arriving in the U.S.

Defensive Asylum

Presenting asylum as a defense in immigration court removal proceedings — often the last line of protection against deportation.

Withholding of Removal

An alternative form of protection for those who may not qualify for full asylum but cannot safely return home.

Protected Grounds

Asylum may be available if persecution is based on: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. We help you build a documented, credible claim based on your specific circumstances.

Critical Deadlines

  • File within 1 year of U.S. arrival
  • Exceptions exist — but must be documented
  • Missing the deadline can permanently bar asylum
  • Act immediately if deadline is approaching

Every asylum case is different. The strength of your claim depends on documentation, corroborating evidence, and how your story is presented. We build every case from the ground up.

Your Story Must Be Consistent — From the First Interview to the Final Hearing

One of the most critical — and most overlooked — aspects of an asylum case is the consistency of your testimony over time. Immigration judges and asylum officers are trained to compare what you say at your hearing against every prior statement you have ever made: your credible fear interview at the border, your written asylum application, and any prior USCIS interviews.

Inconsistencies — even minor ones that seem unimportant — can be used to find that you lack credibility and deny your case entirely. Whether you crossed the border and went through a credible fear interview, or filed your asylum application with USCIS years ago, we review every prior statement before you testify so your account remains accurate and consistent throughout.

Border Crossers

If you had a credible fear interview at the border, that record exists and will be reviewed by the judge. We compare your interview record to your application and testimony to identify and address any discrepancies before they become a problem.

Prior USCIS Filers

If you filed an asylum application with USCIS years ago and are now in removal proceedings, your original application is part of the record. Details in that old application must align with what you say today — memories fade, but the record does not.

Our Preparation

We conduct a thorough pre-hearing review of every document in your record, prepare you for cross-examination, and ensure your testimony is both truthful and consistent — giving your case the best possible foundation for approval.

Seeking Protection in the United States?

Asylum law is complex and the deadlines are strict. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your situation and options.

Federal Tax Law & IRS Controversy

Tax problems don't exist in isolation — for immigrants, tax errors can jeopardize green cards, naturalization, and residency status. We resolve both the tax issue and the immigration consequence.

Where Immigration Meets Tax Law

Viles Law Firm is uniquely positioned at the intersection of immigration and tax law. Inaccurate tax filings can give USCIS grounds to question the validity of a marriage, allege tax fraud, or deny naturalization for lack of good moral character. We resolve both simultaneously.

Offer in Compromise

Negotiating with the IRS to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed — freeing your immigration path.

Tax Return Amendments

Correcting filing status, dependent claims, and income reporting errors that could harm your immigration case.

IRS Audit Defense

Representing you in IRS audits and examinations, with particular expertise in cases involving immigrant clients.

Payment Plan Setup

Establishing IRS installment agreements so you can resolve tax liabilities and qualify for immigration benefits.

FATCA / FBAR Compliance

Reporting foreign accounts and income — and correcting past failures to file through the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program.

Immigration Tax Errors

Reviewing your tax history before immigration filings — catching and correcting problems before USCIS does.

Common Tax Errors by Immigrants

  • Wrong filing status (married/single)
  • Incorrect dependent claims
  • Unreported overseas income
  • Failure to file FATCA / FBAR
  • Filing Form 1040NR when not required
  • Self-employment income misreported

Even if you used a professional tax preparer, errors can occur. We review your returns before USCIS sees them — and fix what needs fixing.

Tax Law FAQ
Can a tax problem affect my green card or naturalization? +
Yes. Tax fraud can be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude — which can bar naturalization and even trigger removal. USCIS reviews your tax history closely during marriage green card and naturalization applications. Even unpaid taxes can indicate lack of good moral character to an officer.
What is an Offer in Compromise? +
An Offer in Compromise allows you to settle your tax debt with the IRS for less than the full amount owed, based on your ability to pay, income, expenses, and asset equity. It can dramatically reduce your tax burden and remove the obstacle to immigration benefits.
I have overseas bank accounts I never reported. What should I do? +
Failure to file FBAR or FATCA reports carries severe civil and criminal penalties. The Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program allows eligible taxpayers to come into compliance with reduced penalties. Acting proactively is always better than being discovered.
My tax preparer made errors on my returns. Am I liable? +
Legally, the taxpayer bears ultimate responsibility for the accuracy of their returns. However, we can file amended returns to correct errors, and in some cases the preparer's conduct can be relevant to penalties. We review your situation and advise you on the best correction strategy.

Tax Problems Require Immediate Attention

Whether you have an IRS notice, unresolved debt, or need your returns reviewed before an immigration filing — we can help.