INVESTIGATIONS
Home / Practice Areas / Investigations
Immigration & Criminal History Investigations
When it comes to immigration, your history matters — every entry, every application, every old ticket, every conversation with an officer. But most people don’t know what’s in their file or how it affects their future. And that uncertainty can stop you from taking the next step, even when you want to.
At Rebecca Kitson Law, we help you understand your full immigration and criminal history so you can make safe, informed decisions. No guessing. No assumptions. Just clarity you can trust.
Why an Investigation Matters
Before filing anything — a green card, a waiver, a citizenship application, or even a work permit — it’s important to know what’s in your record.
You may have:
- Past entries or exits you forgot about
- A deportation order you didn’t know existed
- Old criminal charges you thought were dismissed
- A missing document that could cause delays
- A small mistake from years ago that could affect a new application
These surprises happen often, and they can impact your case. An investigation helps prevent problems before they happen.
What We Review During an Investigation
We gather and review all the records that may affect your immigration future:
- FOIA requests to agencies like USCIS, CBP, ICE, EOIR, and more
- Immigration history reviews (entries, exits, applications, interviews, old petitions)
- Criminal background checks and court documents
- Combined legal analysis showing how immigration and criminal law affect each other
Our goal is simple: to give you a clear picture of where you stand and what legal options you truly have.
Situations Where an Investigation Can Help
Here are real, everyday situations where a full record review makes a difference:
Someone thinking about applying for citizenship
They’re unsure if an old ticket or past mistake could cause problems. We check everything first, so their decision is based on facts.
A person who crossed the border years ago and doesn’t remember the details
We request their full file to see if there were past interactions with officers or old paperwork that matters now.
A person applying for a green card after many years in the U.S.
We check for old deportation orders, past applications, or entries that might require a waiver.
Someone with an old criminal charge
We review court records and explain — in clear, simple language — how the charge affects immigration law.
A family who wants to fix their status but doesn’t know where to start
We gather all the records first, then help them build a safe and realistic plan forward.
How We Help You Through the Process
1. We collect all your records.
From every agency that holds them — USCIS, ICE, CBP, EOIR, state courts, and more.
2. We analyze everything together.
Not just criminal records. Not just immigration files. We look at how both systems affect each other.
3. We explain the results in plain language.
No legal jargon — just clear answers about what helps you, what doesn’t, and what to do next.
4. We help you choose the safest next step.
If you’re eligible to move forward, we’ll tell you. If something needs attention first, we explain your options. If you need protection or a waiver, we guide you there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a FOIA request?
It’s a request for your immigration records. It shows your history, interviews, entries, and decisions made in your case.
Do I need an investigation before applying for something new?
If you’re unsure about your history — yes. It prevents surprises and protects you from filing something unsafe.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the agencies involved. Some respond quickly; others take longer. We update you as records arrive.
Can old criminal cases affect my immigration status?
Yes. Even small cases can create problems. That’s why we review both your immigration and criminal history carefully.
What if I don’t understand my records?
We explain everything clearly so you always know what each part means and why it matters.
When You’re Ready, We’re Here to Help
Understanding your history is the first step toward any immigration goal. With the right information, you can make decisions with confidence — not fear or guesswork.
If you want clarity before taking your next step, we’re here to help you review your full record and build a plan that protects your future.
If You’re Unsure What’s in Your History, We Can Help
A full review can protect you from mistakes and open doors you didn’t know you had. Let’s look at your options together.
The Trust We Build, In Their Words
EXCELLENT Based on 236 reviews Posted on Marina OlivasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I want to thank the Attorneys Rebecca & Horacio and the rest of the team for such wonderful work! I had been working with Rebecca for several years awaiting my Permanent Residency and it finally happened. I’m beyond thankful for the support and help the firm gave me through the years. They have been such an important part of this journey and I couldn’t be happier and more grateful for them! If you’re looking for an honest, hardworking team please don’t hesitate to contact them. Thank you once again for everything!!!Posted on Susan MorganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I personally know Rebecca Kitson of Rebecca Kitson Law, and not only is she an expert in the field of Immigration Law, she is passionate about her work and has a big heart for the people she serves. If you have a need for an Immigration attorney, I would highly recommend you check out Rebecca Kitson Law!Posted on Noemi EsquerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nuestra experiencia con todo él staff de la abogada fué muy positiva. Desde él Principio recibimos un trato amigable, siempre estuvieron accessibles para ayudarnos y darnos orientación paso à paso .Nuestro proceso fué muy rápido y gracias a Dios mi esposo y yo ya tenemos nuestra residencia. Agradecemos à Daniel qué siempre estuvo al pendiente de nuestro caso, siempre nos tuvo al tanto de las actualuzaciones en él proceso. Así qué solo tenemos agradecimiento para todos en la oficina. Dios Los bendiga! 🙏🏽Posted on Jorge Amilcar Escobedo LlamasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ¡Excelente servicio!Posted on Obed SalinasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quiero dar las gracias a rebecca kitson law y a todo su equiquipo que estubo detras de llevar mi caso desde el principio hasta el final fue larga la espera pero ellos siempre estubieron atentos a informarme cada detalle de mi caso. Gracias a ellos mis sueños se cumplieron los recomiendo ampliamente al igual ellos van a ser mis abogados de confianza para fututos casos GRACIAS REBECCA A TI Y A TODO TU EQUIPOPosted on Emily SumnerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have known Rebecca professionally for a number of years now. I have had the pleasure of meeting her in person a time or two, but I know her best from our mutual participation in some online forums of immigration lawyers where we can ask each other questions. You can tell a lot about a professional by the types of questions they ask - how well they have researched ahead of time, how nuanced the questions are, and even how they respond to others' questions. I have seen Rebecca ask excellent, well thought out and well-researched (by her, ahead of time) questions over the years, showing me that she's a brilliant lawyer who wants the very best for her clients. I have also witnessed her responses to others' questions over the years. Not only are her responses helpful and importantly, accurate (not every lawyer's answers are right!), but her authentic compassion always shines through. I am choosy in who I refer others to, and I never hesitate to refer to her. I'm grateful to call her a valued colleague.Posted on Victoria GentryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rebecca is a kind, compassionate and smart advocate for her clients. You can tell that she cares about the lives of her clients and her team. Clients can expect to be treated with honesty and dignity in their immigration process at this firm.Posted on taylor greerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very honest & reliable!! Highly recommended Rebecca Kiston Law.Posted on Manny Ceballos-padillaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best option for your immigration process!!!!
30+ Years of Combined Experience Guiding Individuals and Families Through Immigration Challenges
Our team has spent decades helping individuals and families navigate difficult immigration challenges with a steady mix of legal skill, honesty, and compassion.
WHAT'S THE LATEST?
FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY AND TAKE A STEP TOWARD A LIFE WITHOUT FEAR
Understanding your options can bring real change: better job opportunities, more security for your family, the ability to travel safely, and the confidence to plan your future without fear.If you’ve been unsure about where you stand, this is the place to begin.