The "Simple Form" Trap

If you look at Form I-130 as a Petition for Alien Relative on the USCIS website, it seems deceptively simple to fill out. The form includes details such as your name, address, marriage date, and so forth. It costs a few hundred dollars to file a petition. You might think, "I can handle this. Why hire an immigration lawyer to fill out a simple form?"

And we all know it is the most common—and dangerous—misconception in the U.S. immigration process that most petitioners make.

At The Coleman Law Group, we have to have difficult conversations with families every week who have tried to "DIY" their immigration case. There was one incident in which a petitioner handled the immigration process on their own, following DIY articles, YouTube videos, and other online resources. They came to us 18 months later, after receiving a denial or a terrifying Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), and asked if we could fix it. Often, we can—but the time they lost in the process is gone forever.

Immigration law is not about data entry. It is about statutory eligibility and the burden of proof. Here is why having the proper legal guidance is the difference between a "Welcome" letter and a rejection.

Eligibility vs. Admissibility: The Critical Distinction

Most people focus on eligibility: "I am a U.S. citizen, and she is my wife. Therefore, we are eligible."

While true, eligibility is only half the battle. The government is equally concerned with admissibility. This is where unrepresented applicants fail.

• Did your spouse overstay a previous visa by 181 days? (3-year bar).

• Was there a "minor" arrest 10 years ago that you thought was cleared? (It still shows up on FBI fingerprints).

• Did they enter the U.S. without inspection?

A family-based immigration lawyer performs a diagnostic audit of your entire history before you file. We spot inadmissibility issues that a form-filler would miss. If you are inadmissible, filing an I-130 without a waiver strategy is essentially handing the government a confession. We ensure you have a legal path forward before you expose yourself to scrutiny.

The "RFE" Killer: Why Delays Happen

In 2026, USCIS officers are overwhelmed. They are looking for easy ways to clear their desks. If your initial application is missing a single translation, has a blurry tax return, or lacks proof of a "bona fide" relationship, they will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).

An RFE is not just a question by authorities but a stop sign.

• The Reality: When an RFE is issued, your case is tugged from the active adjudication pile. Even if you respond in a week, your file often ends up at the back of the queue.

• The Lawyer's Role: We believe in "front-loading" petitions. We anticipate what the officer will ask—about your commingled finances, your joint lease, or your affidavit of support—and we include that evidence in the initial package. Our goal is to make it easier for the officer to say "Yes" than "No."

Navigating the "Public Charge" Minefield

One of the most technical parts of any family case is the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). This form requires the Petitioner to prove they can financially support the immigrant.

It sounds like simple math, but the regulations are strict.

• Are you using "Current Income" or "Total Income" from your tax return?

• Does your household size include your stepchildren from a previous marriage?

• Do you need a joint sponsor?

We see countless DIY cases rejected because the sponsor miscalculated their household size by one person, dropping them below the poverty guidelines. As your attorney, we do the math for you, ensuring your financial documents are bulletproof.

Immigration Law is Federal: We Represent You Nationwide

One advantage of the U.S. immigration system is that it is federal law. It doesn't matter if you are in Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, or Jersey City—the law is the same.

This allows The Coleman Law Group to represent clients in all 50 states.

• Virtual Efficiency: We handle document collection, strategy sessions, and filing digitally. You don't need to drive across town to see a high-quality lawyer.

• Local Nuance: While the law is federal, local field offices (like Tampa vs. Newark) have different processing times and interview styles. We guide you on what to expect at your specific location.

The Final Exam: The Interview

For many, the scariest part of the process is the interview—either at a local USCIS office (for Adjustment of Status) or at a U.S. Embassy abroad (for Consular Processing).

You will be separated, and you will be asked various questions, like:

• "What did you eat for dinner last night?"

• "Who pays the electric bill?"

• "Why do you live in different cities?"

Going into this interview process blindly is a recipe for disaster. We conduct mock interviews with our clients. We role-play all the tough questions with our clients. We review every document in your file so you aren't caught off guard by something you submitted two years ago. So, when you enter the interview room, you are prepared, calm, and ready.

Why The Coleman Law Group?

We know you have choices. But we also know that significant "volume" firms often treat clients like numbers on a spreadsheet.

Founded by Attorney Constance D. Coleman, the Coleman Law Group was built on a different foundation: a "Heart for People."

• We Listen: We take the time to understand your specific family dynamic—your fears, your timeline, and your goals.

• We Fight: If the government makes a mistake (and they do), we don't just accept it. We challenge it.

• We Are Transparent: We offer clear fee structures and honest assessments. If your case has risks, we tell you upfront.

Your Future is Worth the Investment. Don't risk your family's future on a Google search or a DIY attempt. Get the legal guidance that makes the difference between "Case Closed" and "Welcome to the United States."

Schedule your consultation with The Coleman Law Group today!