Law Office of Macias and Greenstein, LLC

The firm represents individuals in all aspects of immigration law, with a particular focus on family reunification and defense from removal (deportation) proceedings. Macias and Greenstein works extensively with the Latin American community in Massachusetts and abroad, and the attorneys and staff are bilingual in English and Spanish (Hablamos Español).

Partners L. Manuel Macias and Ilana Greenstein represent individuals in immigration and criminal matters and frequently conduct information sessions at local community organizations on immigration law.

Both attorneys are licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and appear before the First Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

L. Manuel Macias is active in the community, having co-founded Radio Publica de las Americas and served on the Boards of Directors for organizations such as the East Boston Ecumenical Community Council, NOAH and LUMA. He is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Contact information

• Address: 59 Meridian Street #2, East Boston, MA 02128
• Phone: 617-561-0400
• Fax: 617-561-1222

The firm's immigration practice includes:

• Family-based immigration: Helping U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents petition for qualifying family members so families can live together in the United States.
• Removal (deportation) defense: Representing individuals in removal proceedings, including cases before the Immigration Court and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Humanitarian protection: Assisting clients in seeking asylum and other forms of humanitarian relief where available under U.S. immigration law.
• Employment-related immigration support: Assisting small businesses in sponsoring foreign workers for temporary visas and, when available, for permanent residency.

The attorneys are bilingual and have significant experience assisting the Latin American community in Massachusetts and in other countries.

The firm may use one or more of the following fee arrangements, depending on the type of case:

• Hourly fee: You are billed based on an hourly rate for services rendered. A detailed, itemized bill is provided showing the work done on your case. Bills may be sent monthly or at the end of the matter, depending on what you and the firm agree.
• Flat fee: A single fixed fee for clearly defined services. No hourly accounting is provided for flat-fee matters.
• Contingency fee (where allowed): Legal fees are based on the amount recovered; if there is no recovery, there is no fee. Not all cases qualify for a contingency arrangement; the firm will let you know if your case is eligible. In all cases, you will receive a written fee agreement setting out the terms.

Pre-payments and minimum fees

• A pre-payment (retainer) is often required before work begins on your matter.
• You will be kept informed of how that pre-payment is being used through periodic billing statements.
• Some matters may have a minimum fee, in which case no hourly accounting is provided unless time spent significantly exceeds the minimum.

Accepted forms of payment

According to the firm's published information, the following payment methods are accepted:

• Cash
• Checks
• Visa credit cards
• MasterCard credit cards

If you have any questions about fees or payment options, you are encouraged to discuss them directly with your lawyer during your initial meeting or by contacting the office.

Getting to the office

Public transportation

The firm confirms that there are many ways to reach the office by public transportation. Clients can travel to East Boston using local transit options and then walk to the office on Meridian Street.

For up-to-date route and schedule information, clients should consult a public transit trip planner (such as the MBTA website for the Boston area) or contact the office directly.

Driving and parking

Macias and Greenstein does not have its own parking facility. Parking in the area is limited.

• Two-hour street or metered parking is typically available on streets near the office.
• Clients must carefully read posted signs for street sweeping days, resident-only restrictions and other parking rules to avoid tickets or towing.
• Because parking is scarce, clients are encouraged to allow extra time to find a parking space.

• Allow the attorney to speak with you and gather additional information needed to evaluate your case and decide whether the firm will represent you.
• Give you an opportunity to ask questions about your case, the process and how the office works.

You are encouraged to bring any documents, photographs or other evidence related to your matter to the initial meeting.

How the firm communicates about your case

The firm emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency between attorney and client, while also keeping legal services cost-effective.

• Legal matters often take a long time to resolve, so weekly phone calls are usually not practical or necessary.
• The firm aims to keep you informed when important developments occur and to let you know when your presence is required, whether in court or at the office.

Asking questions and getting updates

• The firm wants clients to ask questions and express concerns.
• Attorneys may be out of the office for court or other obligations, and when in the office they may be meeting with clients or preparing legal work.
• For the quickest response, you are encouraged to contact one of the firm's legal assistants, who have working knowledge of your case and can often answer questions directly.

If the assistant cannot answer your question, they will work to obtain an answer or arrange for an attorney to contact you as soon as practical. Leaving a clear message about your concern helps the firm respond more efficiently.

If you wish to visit or stay in the United States for a limited time, you will generally need a non-immigrant visa. Common examples include:

• Student visas for those seeking to study in the United States.
• Business or investor visas for individuals coming to invest in or manage a business.
• Visitor or travel visas for tourism or short-term visits.

The appropriate visa depends on your specific plans and circumstances, and each visa type has its own eligibility requirements.

Becoming a permanent resident (green card)

If you want to live in the United States permanently, you will generally need an immigrant visa leading to permanent resident status (a green card). Common paths include:

• Fiancé(e) visas: For certain foreign nationals engaged to U.S. citizens.
• Family-based visas: For qualifying relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
• Employment-based visas: For workers whose skills or qualifications fit particular categories under U.S. immigration law.

Sponsoring parents as a permanent resident

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you must wait until you become a U.S. citizen before you can file an immigrant visa petition for your parents.

When can a child sponsor a parent?

A U.S. citizen child must generally be at least 21 years old to sponsor a parent for a green card. There is no minimum age for filing a petition for a spouse.

Overstaying a visitor visa and marriage to a U.S. citizen

If a person has stayed past the date on their Form I-94, they generally cannot extend their stay based on a medical condition alone.

However, if that person enters into a genuine marriage to a U.S. citizen, it may be possible in some circumstances to apply for permanent residence (a green card) from within the United States even after an overstay. The specific facts of the case are very important, so anyone in this situation should consult directly with an immigration attorney.

Benefits of U.S. citizenship

According to the firm's FAQ, key benefits of U.S. citizenship include:

• The right to vote in local, state and national elections.
• The ability to obtain a U.S. passport.
• The ability to sponsor certain relatives in their efforts to become permanent residents.

Becoming a citizen after permanent residency

A permanent resident may become eligible for citizenship through naturalization.

• In many cases, you must have been a permanent resident for five years and have lived physically in the United States for at least half of that time.
• You generally must not have taken a single trip outside the United States lasting longer than six months during that period, unless specific exceptions apply.

Because immigration rules are complex and fact-specific, individuals should speak directly with an attorney at Macias and Greenstein to review their situation before taking action.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.