Immigration law is federal law and generally licensed immigration attorneys in one state can assist clients in other states and from throughout the world.  My practice includes clients from throughout the United States, and from many countries around the world.

I work with each client personally.  I believe your Green Card or Visa application deserves personal attention.  I take client's phone calls, I answer their emails, I prepare all of my clients' application packages.  My clients do not endure the frustration of communicating to me through office personnel.  I want to share a direct, personal relationship with each client. 

My practice, however, involves mostly North Carolina residents and businesses.  The state of North Carolina has one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in the nation. Most immigrants come to our state seeking better paying jobs, safety and security for their families. 

At Goulder Immigration Law Firm I help immigrants and migrant workers protect their civil rights, and I ensure that they have legal representation in immigration law matters regardless of country of origin.

I know you have questions, but you should never depend entirely on the advice of friends or family.  Even though you know of someone who says they received a Visa or Green Card without having to process according to the law, you swhould be wary.  USCIS regulations change, each case is discretionary by the USCIS Immigration Officer, and cases vary based on individual circumstances. 

If you seek Green Card permanent resident status through a family member or an employer, intend to apply for Naturalization to U.S. citizenship, seek a Visa to visit the U.S. for employment or any other Nonimmigrant Visa, need employer I-9 compliance advice, or face Removal or Deportation proceedings in Immigration Court you should seek immigration counsel.

The maze of U.S. immigration laws and processes are extremely complex.  Recently the Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) testified to the U.S. Congress that the immigration law "beats the tax code" for complexity, and that "a lawyer is often the only person who could thread the labyrinth". 

Why are immigration and visa laws and procedures so complex?  The reasons for the complexity are several.  We have pieced together immigration laws and processes over many years, through many Congresses, involved several Departments of the Federal Government, where decisions are made on a discretionary basis by literally thousands of decision makers in the USCIS, Department of State and Department of Justice, and involve a separate Immigration Court system as well as the Federal court system.  Every immigration benefit has its own set of rules, regulations, eligibility criteria and procedures. Many are complex and time-consuming to adjudicate.  Immigration officials must be familiar with 24 major nonimmigrant visa categories, 70 specific types of nonimmigrant visas, as well as the intricacies of the immigrant visa processes. Some are so difficult to process that specialists must handle them.  And, if you are in the U.S. and denied an application you may find yourself in Immigation Court in Removal proceedings.

I honestly don't know how someone who speaks English but doesn't work in this field every day can understand or know how to select the appropriate immigration and visa Forms, understand the many specific eligibility requirements, complete the myriad of Forms, and determine the best supporting evidence to provide USCIS or U.S. Consulates. I don't know how in the world anyone who does not understand English and U.S. administrative procedures, intending immigrants for example, could handle these matters.

I enjoy working with intending immigrants and nonimmigrants who want to visit the U.S. as tourists, as students, or for employment. I have heard from my clients that my legal fees are very reasonable.  In most instances my clients enjoy the benefit of a fixed-fee arrangement agreed upon prior to the commencement of their case.  However, because every immigration case is extremely individual fact intensive I do not quote attorney's fees prior to taking the time to review with each prospective client his/her individual factual circumstances in an initial consultation. 

To start, I did you a favor.  I created this site so you can find the information you want and so you can reach me quickly and easily if you'd like to learn more.  I also regularly update the site on the Recent Developments page and as the laws change.

Now, may I ask a favor in return? Please add your name to my confidential e-mail list. When you join my private e-mail list, you'll receive regular updates and discussion of changes in immigration laws and visa processes.

You'll be glad to know you can join and remain on this list for free. And, if you ever want off this list, I'll remove your name immediately.

To join, just email with your email address and name and ask for the newsletter.

Also, please know that I'm always interested in your questions and comments. So please don't hesitate to drop me an e-mail. I'll be happy to help you in every way.

Thanks!

Gerald Goulder