Keys to Obtaining U.S. Residency
Immigration remains a top priority in the United States—a country home to over 46 million immigrants, approximately 12 million of whom still lack legal status. Considering this reality, WoodlandStories Magazine interviewed Dr. Luis Fernando Hess, a leading immigration attorney, who shared the best pathways to achieve a stable and secure U.S. residency.
- Visas for entrepreneurs and investors
- Family-based immigration processes
- Residency through extraordinary abilities
Entrepreneurs and Investors: A Major Opportunity
For business owners and investors, there are several promising immigration options:
E-2 Visa
“Ideal for investors from countries with trade treaties with the U.S. (such as Mexico, Colombia, or Argentina). It requires a minimum investment of around $100,000 USD, with proof of job creation and contribution to the local economy.”
Depending on the case, an E-2 visa may eventually be converted into a green card.
L-1 Business Transfer Visa
This visa allows foreign business owners to open branches or subsidiaries in the U.S., with a pathway to permanent residency.
Dr. Hess emphasizes,
“It is crucial that the investments are genuine and well-documented, as U.S. immigration authorities are now reviewing these applications very carefully”.
¿How complex are these processes under the current administration?
Dr. Hess clarifies that while the core requirements haven’t drastically changed,
“The U.S. government is now requesting more documentation and is conducting stricter reviews of each case.”
That’s why he strongly recommends:
- Working with immigration experts
- “Avoid trusting sensitive cases to unqualified individuals—it could result in lost time and money”
- His firm stands out for having a fully bilingual (English Spanish), highly trained team with over 50 years of combined experience
Residency for Individuals with Extraordinary Abilities or National Interest
Beyond entrepreneurs, there are options for engineers, scientists, writers, pilots, and other high-achieving professionals:
- EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability Green Card):
This category allows individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field to self-petition for a green card without a job offer, based on sustained national or international recognition.
Evidence may include: - International awards
- High salaries
- Publications in reputable media
- Speaking engagements or memberships in top professional organizations
- EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver):
This pathway allows professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities to obtain a green card without a job offer if their work benefits the national interest.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold an advanced degree or demonstrate exceptional ability in their field
- Prove that their work holds substantial merit and national importance
- Show they are well-positioned to advance their proposed endeavor
- Demonstrate that waiving the job offer requirement benefits the U.S.
A key advantage:
“You don’t need to reside in the U.S. to start the process,” giving flexibility to those considering immigration in the future.
Why is the U.S. still attractive to investors and professionals?
According to Dr. Hess, the appeal lies in the country’s transparency and rule of law:
- A less corrupt system compared to other countries
- “Immigration costs are public and straightforward, with no under-the-table payments”
- Strong legal protections for property and business investments
Final Advice from the Expert
Dr. Hess makes one thing clear:
“We never file an immigration case unless we are 100% confident it will be approved.”
This commitment has helped the firm maintain a remarkably high success rate, because
“Clients need real, effective, and secure solutions.”
Office Locations
- 282 Ed English Drive, Building 6 Unit D, The Woodlands, TX 77385 – (281) 609-6417
- 7322 Southwest Freeway, building 1, 4th Floor, Suite 470, Houston, TX 77074 – (281) 377-0830
- 222 W Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1650e, Irving, TX 75039 – (214) 960-1539
Home – Luis F. Hess PLLC | The Woodlands and Houston Immigration Attorneys (website available in Spanish)
