Holda’s journey began in Mexico City, where dance wasn’t just a hobby—it was her calling. From a young age, she knew she wanted to become a ballerina, and her family believed in her enough to sacrifice everything so she could pursue that dream.
At just 13 years old, Holda came to the United States to train. What started as a temporary opportunity quickly became a life-defining move.
Her family entered the U.S. legally, but like many immigrant families, they soon found themselves in a system that offered no clear path forward. They hired attorneys. They tried to do things the “right way.” But visas expired, money ran out, and legal options disappeared.
For years, Holda lived in limbo.
Despite the uncertainty, she built a life. She trained. She taught. She became deeply involved in the Houston dance community, eventually finding her purpose not just as a performer, but as a teacher—passing her love of dance to the next generation.
Still, the weight of her immigration status never left.
“I could never fully relax,” she shared. “There was always that fear in the back of my mind.”
Everything changed when Holda met Bryce.
Their relationship was built on intention, trust, and shared values. When they decided to get married, they didn’t treat immigration as an afterthought—they treated it with the seriousness it deserved.
They came to Tingen Law to make a plan.
Because Holda had entered the U.S. lawfully and was now married to a U.S. citizen, she qualified as an immediate relative under U.S. immigration law. That distinction mattered. It meant her prior visa overstay did not prevent her from adjusting status inside the United States.
We prepared the case carefully, anticipating questions, documenting their relationship thoroughly, and ensuring everything was filed correctly the first time.
From filing to approval, Holda’s green card was granted in just 71 days.
“It wasn’t a game for us,” Holda said. “We didn’t want to gamble with our future.”
When the approval came, the change was immediate.
“I could finally breathe,” she told us. “I didn’t have to wonder if a cop car behind me was for me anymore.”
Today, Holda is thriving. She continues teaching dance, inspiring children who see themselves reflected in her story. She and Bryce can travel, plan their future, and move forward without fear. And she’s already looking ahead to U.S. citizenship.
Her journey wasn’t easy—but it was intentional, strategic, and rooted in love.
At Tingen Law, we help individuals and families navigate immigration with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re married to a U.S. citizen, living with uncertainty after a visa overstay, or unsure what options are available to you, we’re here to help you build a real plan forward.
Schedule your consultation today, and let’s take the next step together.