Why should I hire a lawyer?
Immigration law is one of the most complex areas of U.S. law — it’s constantly changing, full of hidden traps, and the smallest mistake can lead to serious delays or denials. A qualified immigration lawyer doesn’t just fill out forms; they protect your future.
An experienced attorney helps you understand your rights and options clearly, avoid costly mistakes that could harm your case, build the strongest possible case, communicate effectively with government agencies, and have peace of mind knowing that someone is standing by your side, guiding you every step of the way.
Your case isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about your life, your family, and your dreams. Having a lawyer gives you a partner in that journey.
Why should I hire Michael Ponder?
Because with me, you are not just a case number — you are a person with a story that matters. Over the years, I’ve 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.
Here’s what sets my work apart:
Experience and focus: I’ve worked for years in immigration law, handling complex cases like VAWA, cancellation of removal, family petitions, waivers, and humanitarian relief.
Personal attention: I personally work on each case. I perform each consultation myself. When you hire me, I will review your entire case multiple times at each step of the process to make sure everything is done right. If you’d like you can hire me to personally attend your interview with Immigration officers so that you will feel more confident in your interview. With the personal attention that I’ll give you, you will never have to worry about your case.
Empathy and understanding: I know what it means to face uncertainty, and I take the time to truly understand each client’s story. My goal is to guide you with honesty, respect, and compassion.
Proven dedication: I fight hard for every client, because I believe every person deserves a fair chance to build a safe and stable life.
When you work with me, you’ll have someone who not only knows the law but also cares deeply about what happens to you. My mission is simple: to use my knowledge and experience to help you secure your future in the United States — with dignity and confidence.
For further information, please check out my Google reviews where over 150 former clients have told their story about their experience with my firm. Link: Law Office of Michael Ponder - Google Search
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes, we do — and so does every member of our team at the Law Offices of Michael Ponder, PLLC. 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. However, when it comes time for us to file your case with an Immigration agency, we require that you have paid 70% of the attorney fees for your case before we complete your application and send it to the appropriate immigration agency.
What types of immigration cases do you handle?
Please see the services page on our website for full information on this topic. You can click the services tab at the top of the page to access it, or click here: Services by Attorney Michael Ponder
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
What type of case is the best for me?
That is something that will depend on the facts of your case. In some situations, you will have multiple options and you will need to decide what’s best for you. The attorney will discuss that with you during a consultation and give you the pros and cons of each option.
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.