Frequently Asked Questions

How is The Law Office of Michael Ponder different from any other law office?

With The Law Office of Michael Ponder, you are not just a case number — you are a person with a story that matters. Over the years, we have had the privilege of helping countless individuals and families through some of the most difficult and meaningful moments of their lives — winning green cards, protecting against deportation, reuniting loved ones, and finding stability after years of uncertainty. We can help you navigate your immigration journey as well.

Here’s what sets our work apart:

Experience and focus:
Our Lead Attorney, Michael Ponder, has over 20 years of experience in immigration law, handling complex cases such as VAWA, cancellation of removal, family petitions, waivers, and humanitarian relief.

Personal attention:
An attorney from the Law Office of Michael Ponder will handle your consultation personally and will review your file multiple times throughout the process to ensure everything is correct. An attorney will be available to personally attend your interview with immigration officers, helping you feel more prepared and confident. With the personal attention we provide, you’ll never have to worry about your case.

Empathy and understanding:
We know what it means to face uncertainty, and we take the time to truly understand each client’s story. Our goal is to guide you with honesty, respect, and compassion.

Ethical Approach:
At our firm, we adhere to the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity in every matter we handle. We believe clients deserve transparency, diligence, and unwavering commitment to the rules that govern our profession. While ethical approaches can vary across the legal field, we take pride in consistently upholding the strictest standards to protect our clients’ interests and maintain the trust placed in us.

For further information, please check out our Google, Facebook, and Yelp reviews. You can find the links to all of our social pages here:

Do you speak Spanish?
Yes, every member of our team at the Law Offices of Michael Ponder, PLLC speaks Spanish. Attorney Michael Ponder holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and has spoken the language fluently for many years. He regularly communicates with clients in Spanish to ensure they feel fully understood and supported throughout their legal matters.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we do. The first payment for most cases ranges from $700 - $1000 depending on the case. After that, you can be placed on a monthly payment plan.

What types of immigration cases do you handle?

We handle many different types of immigration cases. Please see the services page of this website for the full list of cases. You can click the services tab at the top of the page to access it, or click here: Services - Law Offices of Michael Ponder, PLLC

How long will my case take from start to finish?

Every immigration case is different, and processing times can vary widely depending on the type of application, the agency involved, and current government backlogs. During your consultation, Attorney Michael Ponder will provide you with an estimated timeframe based on similar cases and current trends.

Please understand that this estimate is only a general guideline — immigration agencies frequently change their procedures, priorities, and workloads. However, because our office handles many cases, we stay informed about the average processing times for most applications. In addition, for up-to-date government estimates, you can visit the official USCIS Processing Times page linked here: Processing Times

Do I need a lawyer?

Immigration law is one of the most complex areas of U.S. law — it’s constantly changing, full of hidden traps, and even the smallest mistake can lead to serious delays or denials. A qualified immigration lawyer doesn’t just fill out forms; we protect your future.

As your attorneys, we help you understand your rights and options clearly, avoid costly mistakes, build the strongest possible case, communicate effectively with government agencies, and gain peace of mind knowing you have a legal team standing by your side every step of the way.

Your case isn’t just paperwork — it’s your life, your family, and your dreams. Having a lawyer gives you a true partner in that journey.

Do you guarantee success?

No, we do not — and no attorney is ethically permitted to guarantee success in any case. However, Attorney Michael Ponder has extensive experience handling a wide range of immigration matters, including some of the most complex cases. If the attorney believes there is a significant risk that your case may not be approved, he will discuss those concerns with you during your consultation and explain the factors that may affect the outcome. If, at any point during your case, we become aware of any increased likelihood of denial (beyond the normal risks associated with government error or discretion), we will communicate that to you clearly so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

This transparency and guidance are part of the value of hiring an experienced immigration lawyer — we use our knowledge and strategy to give your case the strongest possible presentation. Please note that the U.S. immigration agencies (USCIS, Department of State, EOIR, and ICE) make the final decision on all applications and petitions.

Do you work with clients outside your state or internationally?

Yes, as long as you’re in a jurisdiction that allows it, we are available to work on your case remotely using a variety of tools such as Zoom, emails, and phone conversations regardless of your physical location.