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Goals

D.Ray Mantle shares the same goal as his clients: to find workable solutions to immigration needs.  To achieve this goal, Mr. Mantle is guided by a set of professional and personal principles that puts honesty and integrity first and foremost.

Critical Questions

The critical question to resolve when making any decision with a lawyer is not Is it legal?, but instead, Is it right?  By focusing on what is right and wrong first, legal issues become clearer and easier to resolve.

Get it right the first time

Many government regulations provide a second chance when mistakes are made on the first application, but why take the risk? Mr. Mantle meticulously prepares petitions and applications, helping clients avoid the time and expense of appeals and re-filings. Skilled research, compelling writing, and thorough review go into each case handled by Mr. Mantle.

Deliver professional service

Mr. Mantle is licensed as an Attorney and Counselor at Law by the Texas Supreme Court. He is a member of the Texas State Bar Association, the Frisco Bar Association, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association— the professional bar association for attorneys who practice immigration law.

Deliver personal service

Mr. Mantle provides personal attention and service to clients. When you hire Mr. Mantle, you are hiring an attorney, not a secretary or a paralegal. E-mails and phone calls are answered directly by the attorney, and Mr. Mantle handles every aspect of the legal service himself.
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Why should I hire an immigration attorney?

A dedicated and experienced immigration lawyer will seek your best interests and will provide zealous, professional representation in your pursuit of immigration benefits. An immigration lawyer has studied the immigration laws of the United States and has graduated from law school. He or she is licensed to practice law and is regulated by the State and Federal Government. An immigration lawyer can help you obtain legal status from the Department of Homeland Security or represent you in Immigration Court.

An immigration attorney will:

  • Analyze the facts of your case thoroughly and help you identify your best options
  • Explain all the benefits for which you may be eligible
  • Recommend the best ways for you to obtain legal status
  • Stay current on the new laws that affect you
  • Guide and counsel you throughout each step of the application process
  • Identify potential issues with your case and advise on corrective steps
  • Prepare and assemble all legal documents and evidence in support of your application
  • File your application on time with the proper fees at the correct government office
  • Represent you before U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Department of State (DOS), and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Avoid delays and problems with your case whenever possible
  • Respond fully to requests and inquiries from government agencies regarding your eligibility for the requested benefits
  • Preserve rights by submiting motions and appeals to correct government errors
  • Utilize the system to your advantage based on the lawyer's experience

Finding Legal Advice

Whether you are trying to file applications on your own or if you have been relying on advice from unlicensed sources, it is important for you to understand your rights and responsbilities. Any time you submit an immigration application, you are filing a legal case with a government agency under the Administrative Procedures Act. Review the recommendations from USCIS on Finding Legal Advice and see why one of the most crucial decisions you will make as you seek immigration benefits is how you will obtain legal advice. Continue reading below to learn why it is important to choose a licensed AILA lawyer to represent you.

Why should I choose an AILA lawyer?

Protect yourself, your family and your business!

Many noncitizens who would otherwise qualify for immigration benefits discover they will never be successful because an immigration “consultant” destroyed their dreams. Don’t let this happen to you.

While many legitimate community and religious organizations provide immigration-related services, non-lawyers who advertise as legal “consultants” or “notarios” are not authorized or qualified to help with immigration matters.

By promising too much—and knowing too little—unauthorized consultants can damage your chances. Many are little better than scam artists, taking your money and never having to answer for the results.

It is against the law for “public notaries” or even foreign lawyers who are not licensed in the U.S. to provide immigration advice—even “just” filling out forms is something that only a licensed, properly trained lawyer or accredited representative should do.

Who can help with my immigration questions?

Only a U.S. licensed lawyer or accredited representative is authorized and qualified to assist with your immigration case. Unlike consultants, lawyers have completed extensive education and training before being licensed to represent clients. You can verify whether a lawyer is in good standing and licensed to help you by contacting your state bar association.

Lawyers are also required to maintain high ethical standards—and if they don’t, you can contact your local bar association for action. When a consultant promises to help—but doesn’t deliver—the damage may not be fixable, and there may be no one to turn to.

An accredited representative works with a nonprofit community or religious organization that has been recognized as having the skill and training to assist people with their immigration matters. You can find a list of accredited representatives at the Department of Justice’s web site.

Don’t be fooled! If you consult a lawyer, make sure the lawyer is licensed. If you work with an accredited representative, ask to see the accreditation.

Why do I need to get advice from a licensed AILA lawyer?

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the only legal association in the United States for immigration attorneys. AILA was established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

D.Ray Mantle is an active member of AILA and is able to assist clients throughout the United States and the world with their immigration needs. With digital case management technology, competitive flat fees, and a dedicated immigration law practice, Mr. Mantle can help you meet your U.S. immigration goals no matter where you live. To compare services, or if you are in need of a local immigration attorney, visit the AILA Lawyer Search. All AILA lawyers found on this website:

  1. have been an approved AILA member for at least 2 years;
  2. carry professional liability insurance;
  3. have completed at least 9 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) classes within the last year and
  4. are licensed and in good standing with a State Bar Association.
What rights do I have as a client?

If you work with a lawyer or accredited representative, you have certain rights.

  • You have the right to a written CONTRACT, explaining the scope of representation and fees.
  • You have the right to be kept INFORMED about your case status and what has been filed. You have the right to a complete COPY of any forms or documents submitted in your case.
  • You have the right to an ACCOUNTING of your case, detailing the total costs, as well as receipts for payments.
What if I can't afford a lawyer?

Unfortunately, the government does not provide free lawyers in immigration cases; generally, you must hire your own lawyer or represent yourself. Certain people may qualify for help from an accredited nonprofit organization for a small fee or even free of charge. In some areas, there may even be referrals available for a “pro bono” (“free”) lawyer.

Neither the Department of Homeland Security nor the Immigration Court can provide you with legal advice or representation. For more information on low fee or pro bono help, visit the Department of Justice's web site.

How can I avoid fraud?

Use common sense. Many people hear what they want to hear—be smart! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

  • Be smart! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Don’t believe it if someone tells you about a secret law or claims to have connections or special influence with any agency.
  • Never sign an application that contains false information, and try to avoid signing blank forms. If you must sign a blank form, make sure you get a copy of the completed form and review it for accuracy before it is filed.
  • Always get proof of filing—a copy or government filing receipt—when anything is submitted in your case.
  • Insist on a written contract that details all fees and expenses and make sure you receive a receipt, especially if you pay cash. If terms change, get a written explanation.
  • Don’t let anyone “find” you a sponsor or spouse to get you a green card: it’s illegal.
What can I do if I am a victim of fraud?

If a consultant or even an attorney commits fraud or otherwise makes a serious error that hurts your case, you may be able to fix the problem by reporting their misconduct.

If you have a complaint about a notario or immigration consultant, contact your local bar association, consumer advocate, or prosecutor for advice.

If you have a complaint about your attorney, contact your local state bar association to make a complaint.

For both attorneys and accredited representatives, you also can file a complaint with DHS or the Immigration Court. For details, see www.justice.gov/eoir/press/00/profcondfaks.htm.

Help with Immigration

D.Ray Mantle assists individuals, families and employers in obtaining positive immigration results in a timely, personal, and professional manner. Your individual circumstances are carefully reviewed by an experienced immigration attorney to determine which options are available to you. Mr. Mantle provides guidance and help in gathering the necessary information and documents for your case, prepares all of the necessary application forms, and also ensures that your final application meets all government requirements.

To learn more about how Mr. Mantle can help you, please contact our office or request a consultation.