Immigration Cases Are Almost Never Simple

Almost every day, someone calls our office and says, “I just have one quick question,” or “My case is simple — I just need to fill out a form.” But in immigration law, things are rarely that simple. Time does not fix problems, and the forms are not the hard part — they are the easy part. What truly matters, and what takes skill, care, and experience, is the investigation behind those forms.

Immigration law is not about paperwork; it’s about precision. It’s about understanding every fact in your history and how that fact fits into a legal framework that can stretch across decades. Every border entry, visa, prior filing, marriage, and criminal record tells part of your story. Even a single error or omission can have serious consequences. That is why our first responsibility is not to rush a filing, but to fully understand the facts — both what our client knows and what the government already knows.

Why Investigations Matter

The government’s immigration databases contain detailed records on almost every visa issued, entry recorded, and application filed — sometimes reaching back thirty years or more. These files can contain errors, missing data, or outdated information. If what you file now doesn’t match those records, USCIS may treat it as a false statement or even fraud. That’s not a matter of bad intent — it’s a matter of facts not lining up.

Criminal history is another area where assumptions can be dangerous. A case that looks “dismissed” under state law can still count as a conviction for immigration purposes. One missing document or misunderstood court outcome can be the difference between a conviction that makes you deportable or inadmissible, and one that has no immigration consequence at all. Immigration law interprets criminal records in highly technical ways, so guessing or assuming is never an option.

The same principle applies to eligibility. Small factual differences — a single entry date, a few weeks of presence, or whether a prior filing existed — can determine whether a person qualifies for a major benefit, needs a waiver, or risks being placed in removal proceedings. In other words: the facts are everything.

How We Conduct Immigration Case Investigations

At Katsivalis & Anderson Law, we treat investigations as the foundation of every significant case. Before we ever prepare a form, we focus on uncovering all relevant records and verifying their accuracy. This may include:

• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests: FOIA is a federal law that allows individuals to obtain copies of the records the government keeps about them. We routinely file FOIAs with USCIS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). These requests can uncover prior applications, inspection records, or even notes from interviews that the applicant may have forgotten or never seen. Knowing exactly what the government’s records say prevents surprises and helps us prepare applications that are both accurate and consistent.

  
  

• Court and Criminal Record Requests: When any criminal matter exists, we obtain certified records directly from the court. A background check is never enough. We review the complete file — every docket entry, judgment, and plea — to understand the exact outcome and how immigration law will interpret it. If records are incomplete or confusing, we may recommend consultation with a criminal defense attorney experienced in post-conviction relief or “immigration-safe pleas” to clarify or correct the record.

  
  

• Private Investigations for Supporting Evidence: In some cases, a licensed private investigator can be invaluable in locating documents that prove key facts such as old marriages, divorces, or long-term residence in the United States. They may help track down witnesses, obtain archived civil records, or verify proof of physical presence — often in situations where public records are incomplete or destroyed.

  
  

• Comprehensive Record Review and Analysis: Once all the information is collected, we review every piece alongside the current immigration laws to determine eligibility, risk, and strategy. We identify inconsistencies, evaluate possible grounds of inadmissibility or removability, and prepare corrective filings if needed.

  
  

Why “Simple” Cases Sometimes Take Time

Clients are often surprised when we tell them their “simple” case may take several months before filing. But that time is not delay — it’s protection. Submitting a case without complete and accurate information is risky. A single inconsistency could result in a fraud finding, denial, or even initiation of removal proceedings. Once that happens, it can be extremely difficult or impossible to undo.

By taking the time to investigate, verify, and reconcile the facts, we ensure that every filing is complete, accurate, and defensible. This not only avoids unnecessary risk but also increases the chance of approval.

The Bottom Line: Investigate First, File Second

In immigration law, there are no “simple” cases — only cases that haven’t yet been fully understood. Every story is built on details, and those details can determine success or failure.

At Katsivalis & Anderson Law, we believe that protecting our clients means doing the hard work first. We don’t guess. We don’t assume. We investigate, confirm, and prepare each filing based on facts, not wishes. Because when it comes to immigration, getting it right the first time isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about your future.