FOR EVERY JOURNEY
When the answer was wrong, we push back.
A denial isn’t always the end, and a case stuck for years isn’t something you have to accept. An immigration appeals lawyer challenges wrongful denials and forces decisions on cases the government has left waiting – and that’s the federal litigation Onward Immigration takes on.
IS THIS YOU?
You may be in the right place if...
The wrongly denied
Your petition or application was denied, and you believe the decision got the law or the facts wrong.
The stuck
Your case has been pending far longer than it should, with no answer and no explanation.
The second-opinion
An outcome left you uncertain, and you want experienced eyes on whether it can be challenged.
The deadline-aware
You know appeals and motions have tight deadlines, and you can’t afford to wait to act.
The Path Forward
How we build your case
I
Assess the decision
We review the denial or delay, the record, and the deadlines to determine whether an appeal, motion, or lawsuit is the right tool.
II
Build the argument
We craft the legal arguments and assemble the record that show why the decision should change – or why the delay must end.
III
File & litigate
We file the appeal, motion, or federal complaint and advocate for you through to resolution.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Fees that fit the matter.
Not every appeal or lawsuit fits a flat fee. Predictable matters – an administrative appeal, a motion, a straightforward mandamus – are can sometimes be handled on a single flat fee. More complex or open-ended litigation may call for a different arrangement. And in some successful cases against the government, attorney’s fees may be recoverable – we’ll raise that with you when it applies. Whichever applies, we agree on the fee structure in writing before any work begins, so you always know how your case is billed. As a deliberately small firm, your case is handled by one attorney from first call to final resolution, never passed down a chain.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Appeals & federal litigation questions, answered.
My case was denied – can I appeal?
Often, yes. Many denials can be challenged through an administrative appeal or a motion to reopen or reconsider, depending on the decision and the agency. Deadlines are short and strict, and the right path depends on what was denied and why. We review the decision quickly to determine whether and how to challenge it.
What's the difference between an appeal and a motion to reopen?
An appeal argues the original decision was legally or factually wrong, decided by a higher authority. A motion to reopen presents new facts or evidence; a motion to reconsider argues the law was misapplied. Sometimes more than one is available. We identify which gives your case the best chance and pursue it.
My case has been stuck for years – can I do anything?
Possibly. When the government unreasonably delays a decision, a federal lawsuit called a mandamus action can ask a court to compel one. It doesn’t guarantee approval, but it often breaks the logjam and forces movement. We assess whether your delay qualifies and, if so, file to get your case decided.
When does an immigration case belong in federal court?
Federal court can be the right venue when an agency unreasonably delays a decision or denies a case in a way that violates the law. These are civil lawsuits, separate from the application process. Not every case fits, and the strategy is specialized. We evaluate whether litigation is the strongest – or only – remaining option.
When should I call an immigration appeals lawyer?
As soon as you receive a denial or realize your case is badly delayed. An immigration appeals lawyer can spot whether an appeal, motion, or federal lawsuit fits – and appeal deadlines are short, often measured in days.
How do I appeal a denied immigration case?
It depends on the decision. A USCIS denial is usually challenged with Form I-290B – either an appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office, or a motion to reopen or reconsider – and the deadline is short: generally 30 days from the decision, 33 if it came by mail. If it is from the immigration court, you have to pursue it with the Board of Immigration Appeals. A case left undecided for years is a different problem, often addressed by a federal mandamus lawsuit rather than an appeal
How quickly do I need to act?
Usually very quickly. Administrative appeals and motions carry deadlines measured in days or weeks from the decision, and missing one can forfeit your rights. Federal litigation has its own timing considerations. The sooner we see the decision, the more options remain open. Contact us as soon as you receive an adverse result.
Ready to move onward?
Every journey begins with a conversation. Let’s talk about where you’re headed,
and how to get you there.