# Claxton Law PLLC

> Immigration law firm with offices in Utah and Florida. Over 20 years of experience defending clients in asylum, deportation defense, family petitions, employment visas, VAWA, naturalization, U & T visas, investor visas (EB-5), labor certification (PERM), and waivers. Free consultations available in English, Spanish, French, and Creole.

> For full extracted content (FAQs and summaries from every pillar, cluster guide, and decision page), see [/llms-full.txt](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/llms-full.txt). Last updated 2026-05-25.

## Practice Areas (Pillars)

- [Family Petition](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/family-petition/): I-130 family-based petitions, adjustment of status, K-1 fiance visas, marriage green card cases.
- [Asylum & Deportation Defense](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/asylum/): Affirmative asylum with USCIS, defensive asylum in immigration court, withholding, CAT, removal defense.
- [Labor Certification (PERM)](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/labor-certification/): PERM labor certification, prevailing wage determination, audit response, BALCA appeals.
- [VAWA](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/vawa/): Confidential self-petitions for abuse survivors under the Violence Against Women Act.
- [U & T Visas](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/u-and-t-visas/): U visas for crime victims, T visas for trafficking survivors, BFD waitlist, adjustment to LPR.
- [Waivers](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/waiver/): Provisional unlawful presence waiver (I-601A) and related inadmissibility waivers.
- [Naturalization](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/naturalization/): N-400 U.S. citizenship applications, civics test, interview, fee waivers.
- [Investor Visas](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/investor-visas/): EB-5 immigrant investor (with TEA, Regional Centers, source of funds), E-2 treaty trader.
- [Employment Visas](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/employment-visas/): H-1B specialty occupation, L-1 intracompany transfer, L-1A/L-1B, O-1, E-2.

## In-Depth Cluster Guides

### Family Petition
- [Form I-130 Step-by-Step Filing Guide](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/family-petition/i-130-step-by-step-guide/): Complete 2026 walkthrough from eligibility to approval.
- [K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Timeline](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/family-petition/k-1-fiance-visa-timeline/): Realistic 12-18 month K-1 process, fees, 90-day rule, K-1 vs CR-1.
- [I-485 vs Consular Processing](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/family-petition/i-485-vs-consular-processing/): Adjustment of Status vs consular processing.
- [Marriage Green Card Interview Preparation](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/family-petition/marriage-green-card-interview-preparation/): What to bring, what officers ask, Stokes red flags, document checklist.
- [Form I-864 Affidavit of Support Explained](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/family-petition/i-864-affidavit-of-support-explained/): 125% poverty rule, joint sponsors, I-864A, I-864EZ, sponsor liability after divorce.

### Asylum
- [Asylum Interview Preparation](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/asylum/asylum-interview-preparation/): What to bring, how interviews run, common pitfalls.
- [Asylum 1-Year Filing Deadline](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/asylum/asylum-1-year-filing-deadline/): The 1-year bar, the two exceptions, what to do if missed.
- [Credible Fear Interview](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/asylum/credible-fear-interview/): First-step border interview at detention.
- [Defensive vs Affirmative Asylum](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/asylum/defensive-vs-affirmative-asylum/): USCIS interview vs court hearing, EAD clock, appeals.
- [Asylum Work Permit (EAD) Under (c)(8)](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/asylum/asylum-work-permit-c08/): The 180-day asylum clock, clock stoppages, 5-year EAD validity, Form I-765.

### Labor Certification (PERM)
- [PERM Process Step-by-Step](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/labor-certification/perm-process-step-by-step/): The four-phase PERM workflow for 2026.
- [PERM Prevailing Wage Determination](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/labor-certification/perm-prevailing-wage-determination/): ETA-9141, four wage levels, five-factor test.
- [PERM Audit Response](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/labor-certification/perm-audit-response/): 30-day deadline, recruitment file, business necessity, supervised recruitment, BALCA.

### Employment Visas
- [H-1B Cap 2026 Guide](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/employment-visas/h-1b-cap-2026-guide/): Registration, lottery, fees, AC21 extensions, portability, H-4 EAD.
- [L-1 Intracompany Transfer Guide](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/employment-visas/l-1-intracompany-transfer-guide/): L-1A vs L-1B, qualifying relationship, blanket L, New Office L, EB-1C.
- [O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/employment-visas/o-1-extraordinary-ability/): O-1A vs O-1B, the 8 criteria, evidence package, consular processing.

### Investor Visas (EB-5 and E-2)
- [EB-5 Minimum Investment 2026](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/investor-visas/eb-5-minimum-investment-2026/): $800K (TEA) vs $1.05M, job creation, source of funds.
- [TEA Targeted Employment Area Explained](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/investor-visas/tea-targeted-employment-area-explained/): Rural vs high-unemployment TEA, set-asides, $800K threshold.
- [EB-5 Regional Centers 2026](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/investor-visas/eb-5-regional-centers-list-2026/): How to evaluate, RIA changes, integrity measures, exemplar approval.
- [EB-5 Direct vs Regional Center](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/investor-visas/eb-5-direct-vs-regional-center/): Two EB-5 investment structures compared: control, risk, job-creation rules.
- [EB-5 Source of Funds Documentation](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/investor-visas/eb-5-source-of-funds-documentation/): Lawful source, path of funds, country-specific remittance rules.
- [E-2 vs EB-5 Decision Guide](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/investor-visas/e-2-vs-eb-5-decision-guide/): Treaty visa vs immigrant petition.
- [E-2 Treaty Trader Country List](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/investor-visas/e-2-treaty-trader-country-list/): Complete 80-country list, CBI pathway for non-treaty nationals.

### U & T Visas
- [U Visa Certification Process](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/u-and-t-visas/u-visa-certification-process/): Form I-918 Supplement B, qualifying crimes, helpfulness standard.
- [U Visa Bona Fide Determination](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/u-and-t-visas/u-visa-bona-fide-determination/): 4-year EAD on the waiting list, BFD process, deferred action.
- [T Visa Eligibility for Trafficking Victims](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/u-and-t-visas/t-visa-eligibility-trafficking-victims/): Severe trafficking, physical presence, reasonable cooperation, family derivatives.

### VAWA
- [VAWA Eligibility Requirements](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/vawa/vawa-eligibility-requirements/): Who qualifies under VAWA, Form I-360 criteria, confidentiality protections.
- [VAWA Self-Petition Evidence Checklist](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/vawa/vawa-self-petition-evidence-checklist/): Proof requirements for VAWA self-petitioners.

### Naturalization
- [N-400 Civics Test 2026 Questions](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/naturalization/n-400-civics-test-2026/): All 100 USCIS civics questions and 2026 current answers.
- [N-400 Interview Preparation](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/naturalization/n-400-interview-preparation/): Documents to bring, English plus civics tests, GMC traps.
- [N-400 Fee Waiver Eligibility](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/naturalization/n-400-fee-waiver/): Three eligibility pathways.
- [Derived & Acquired Citizenship](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/naturalization/derived-acquired-citizenship/): Are you already a U.S. citizen? Citizenship through parents, the 1934-2000 rules.

### Waiver
- [I-601A Provisional Waiver Process](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/waiver/i-601a-provisional-waiver-process/): The 3/10-year bar waiver process step by step.

## Immigration Glossary

- [Browse Full Glossary](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/): Plain-English definitions of USCIS forms, visa categories, agencies, and legal terms.
- [Form I-129](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-129/): Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (H, L, O, P, R visas).
- [Form I-130](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-130/): Petition for Alien Relative.
- [Form I-131](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-131/): Advance Parole and Re-entry Permit.
- [Form I-140](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-140/): Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers (EB categories).
- [Form I-360](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-360/): Petition for VAWA, Amerasian, Widow(er), and Special Immigrants.
- [Form I-485](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-485/): Adjustment of Status.
- [Form I-589](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-589/): Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.
- [Form I-601A](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-601a/): Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver.
- [Form I-751](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-751/): Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.
- [Form I-765](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-765/): Application for Employment Authorization (EAD).
- [Form I-864](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-864/): Affidavit of Support.
- [Form I-918](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-918/): U Visa Petition for Crime Victims.
- [Form I-94](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/i-94/): Arrival and Departure Record.
- [Form N-400](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/n-400/): Application for Naturalization.
- [Form G-28](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/g-28/): Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney.
- [CSPA](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/cspa/): Child Status Protection Act (age-out protection).
- [EOIR](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/eoir/): Executive Office for Immigration Review (immigration courts).
- [LPR](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/lpr/): Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder).
- [Visa Bulletin](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/visa-bulletin/): Priority dates, preference categories, retrogression.
- [USCIS Processing Times 2026](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-glossary/uscis-processing-times-2026/): Current 2026 processing time ranges by form.

## Decision and Comparison Guides

- [Immigration Attorney vs Notario](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-attorney-vs-notario/): Why a notario is NOT an attorney and the risks of using one.
- [How to Choose an Immigration Attorney](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/how-to-choose-an-immigration-attorney/): What to ask, what to look for, red flags to avoid.
- [Immigration Attorney Cost Guide](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-attorney-cost-guide/): Honest fee ranges by case type.
- [DIY Immigration vs Hiring an Attorney](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/diy-immigration-vs-attorney/): When self-filing is safe and when it is not.

## Local Practice Hubs

- [Orlando Immigration Attorney](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/orlando-immigration-attorney/): Florida office serving the Orlando metro.
- [Tampa, FL Immigration Attorney](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-attorney-tampa-fl/): Tampa metro service area, USCIS Tampa Field Office coverage.
- [Kissimmee, FL Immigration Attorney](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/immigration-attorney-kissimmee-fl/): Kissimmee and Osceola County service area.
- [Utah Immigration Attorney](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/utah-immigration-attorney/): Utah office serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding metro.

## About and Attorneys

- [About Claxton Law](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/about/): Firm history, mission, values.
- [Attorneys](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/attorneys/): All firm attorneys with bar admissions and practice areas.
- [Diane Claxton bio](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/attorneys/diane-claxton/): Founder, Florida Bar and New York State Bar admitted, AILA member, 20+ years.
- [Donald Lindover bio](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/attorneys/donald-lindover/): Attorney bio.
- [Daliana Gomez bio](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/attorneys/daliana-gomez/): Attorney bio.

## Editorial and Trust

- [Editorial Standards & Review Policy](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/editorial-standards/): How we research, write, review, and update content. Author credentials, citation practices, corrections policy.
- [Reviews](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/reviews/): Client testimonials and Google review aggregate (4.8 stars, 64 reviews).
- [Guides Hub](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/guides/): All cluster guides categorized by pillar.

## Contact

- [Contact](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/contact/): Phone (321) 204-4116. Email contact@claxtonlawgroup.com.
- Utah Office: #75 E Fort Union Blvd Ste 127, Midvale, UT 84047.
- Florida Office: 13538 Village Park Dr Unit J-160, Orlando, FL 32837.

## Resources

- [Blog](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/blogs/): Immigration insights, policy updates, case studies.
- [Free Guide: What To Do If ICE Detains You](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/free-guide/)
- [Free Training: How To Protect Your Immigration Case](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/free-training/)

## Languages

The firm serves clients in English, Spanish (`/es/`), French (`/fr/`), and Brazilian Portuguese (`/pt-br/`). Spanish-language versions of nearly every cluster guide and pillar are available at /es/ prefixed URLs. The Immigration Attorney vs Notario page is available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese as a consumer-protection resource.

## Optional

- [Sitemap](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/sitemap-index.xml)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms & Conditions](https://www.claxtonlawgroup.com/terms-conditions/)