Overcoming Immigration Bars with Strong Waiver Petitions and Legal Advocacy

A mistake in your past doesn’t have to define your future. Immigration waivers give you a second chance to stay in the U.S. legally.

Overcoming Immigration Bars Through Strategic Waiver Applications

Helping You Move Forward—Even After Past Violations or Legal Trouble

If you’ve been told you’re "inadmissible" to the United States due to past immigration violations, unlawful presence, fraud, or criminal history, you may still have options. Waivers are a legal way to ask the government for forgiveness—when certain conditions are met.


At Pedro L. Salim Law Firm, we help individuals and families apply for waivers of inadmissibility as part of green card cases, consular processing, and deportation defense. Whether you overstayed a visa, entered the country unlawfully, or have an old conviction on your record, we help you build a compelling case for forgiveness, grounded in law and human impact.


We prepare Form I-601 and I-601A waivers, respond to waiver-related Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and advocate for clients before USCIS and U.S. consulates. We also advise individuals on whether they qualify for asylum, cancellation of removal), or other forms of relief that avoid the need for a waiver entirely.

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Not All Mistakes Are Final—But All Need Skilled Legal Guidance

How Waivers Work—and When You May Need One

A person may be found inadmissible to the U.S. for a range of reasons, including unlawful presence (being in the U.S. without legal status), misrepresenting facts on a prior immigration application, committing certain crimes, or having a prior order of removal. These bars don’t always mean you must leave the U.S. or give up your immigration goals—but you must request a waiver to continue.


Common waiver types include:


  • I-601A Provisional Waiver – For undocumented spouses or children of U.S. citizens, to waive unlawful presence before consular processing
  • I-601 Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility – For individuals found inadmissible due to fraud, misrepresentation, or criminal history
  • 212(d)(3) Nonimmigrant Waiver – For those inadmissible who are applying for temporary visas
  • 212(h) Waiver – For waiving certain criminal grounds, including crimes involving moral turpitude
  • I-212 Permission to Reapply – For people who reentered illegally after removal or deportation


We build each waiver based on a unique hardship claim, legal research, and extensive documentation. For family-based waivers, we show how denying your green card would cause extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent. For criminal waivers, we partner with our criminal defense team to ensure your record is accurate and your arguments are strong.

I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver

Helps certain undocumented immigrants remain in the U.S. while applying for a waiver, avoiding extended family separation during consular processing.

I-601 Waiver for Grounds of Inadmissibility

Used when inadmissibility is discovered during green card processing—often due to misrepresentation, fraud, or unlawful presence.

Available for immigrants with certain old or minor convictions, including petty theft, assault, or crimes involving moral turpitude.

For people who were deported or removed and now wish to reenter lawfully.

Special waivers are available for survivors of abuse or serious crimes—often without needing to prove hardship to a U.S. relative.

Some waivers apply in rare humanitarian cases, including persecution, medical emergency, or urgent family need.

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What We Include in a Strong Waiver Case

Building the Legal and Human Story That Justifies Forgiveness

Winning a waiver is about more than forms—it’s about demonstrating why you deserve a second chance. We work with you and your family to show both the legal and emotional reasons your application should be approved.


Strong waiver packets may include:


  • Letters from U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members
  • Medical records showing hardship to a spouse, parent, or child
  • Psychological evaluations documenting trauma, anxiety, or depression
  • Proof of rehabilitation and good moral character (e.g., no recent arrests)
  • Community involvement: church, school, volunteer work
  • Legal analysis showing you meet waiver eligibility
  • Evidence of a legitimate relationship, marriage, or pending green card case


If you’ve been detained or placed in removal proceedings, we may coordinate your waiver with your broader deportation defense case. We also help clients who are detained due to criminal records file emergency waivers and bond requests.

Waivers FAQs

Common Questions About Immigration Waivers

  • Do I qualify for an I-601A waiver?

    If you're married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder and only inadmissible due to unlawful presence, you may be eligible. It helps avoid prolonged separation during visa processing.

  • What is “extreme hardship” in a waiver case?

    You must show that your qualifying relative would suffer hardship beyond the normal consequences of family separation—such as medical needs, caregiving, or financial dependency.

  • How long does it take to process a waiver?

    Waiver processing times vary but often take 6–12 months. Our office monitors every stage and submits additional evidence as needed.

  • Can I get a waiver for a criminal conviction?

    Sometimes. Certain convictions may be waived with a 212(h) waiver—but not all crimes are eligible. We assess your record with our criminal defense partners

  • Can I be deported while my waiver is pending?

    Yes, it’s possible. That’s why we also file for bond hearings and pursue all available relief in tandem with the waiver.