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Welcome to the Law Office of Cathy Higgins-Mora

Concentrating in US Immigration and Nationality Law

Cathy-Higgins Mora is a sole practitioner with an office in her hometown of Wheeling, Illinois. Ms. Higgins-Mora has been practicing exclusively in the area of immigration and nationality matters since early 2000.

About the firm

We are an immigration law firm that represents clients in US immigration law and nationality matters, with special interest in family based immigration matters and waivers of inadmissibility. We represent people who want to immigrate to (or change their status within) the United States, become US citizens or bring family members or others to the United States. We make sure you understand your rights and that your rights are protected by advocating zealously for you.

Cathy Higgins-Mora provides her clients with a careful analysis of the issues of their case. She provides detailed advice on options and strategies. Ms. Higgins-Mora has successfully represented numerous clients before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Likewise, she has helped clients navigate matters before the State Department, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR or the Immigration Court), the Board of Immigration Appeals and the U.S. District Court.

Services Offered

We provide you with honest and efficient legal representation in US immigration and nationality law matters. We understand and keep up with the ever changing immigration laws, regulations and policies. We represent individuals in immigrant and non-immigrant visas, waivers of inadmissibility, and naturalization/citizenship. We counsel you through each step of the process.

We speak English and Spanish fluently. If you’d like to bring an interpreter in any other language, please do so.

Our Practice Areas

Family-Based Petitions, Green Cards, and Immigrant Visas

Citizenship and Naturalization

VAWA and U Visas

DACA and other Deferred Action

Options for Military Families

Experience

About Cathy

cathy-higgins-moraPrior to starting her own practice since June 2014, Cathy Higgins-Mora was a partner with Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd in Chicago. She has dedicated her career to the practice of U.S. immigration and nationality law. She joined the firm in 2000.

Ms. Higgins-Mora represents individual foreign nationals and their families in U.S. immigration and nationality matters, including family-based immigration petitions and applications; adjustment of status and immigrant visa processing; and naturalization and citizenship applications.

She routinely represents clients before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of State, and numerous U.S. consular posts worldwide.

In the 1990’s Ms. Higgins-Mora was an extern at the Midwest Immigrant & Human Rights Center (now the National Immigrant Justice Center), where she was involved in significant lobbying efforts on behalf of individuals being detained indefinitely. She also prepared a manual and trained pro bono attorneys how to represent clients under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act of 1997 (“NACARA”).

Cathy is licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois since 1999. Since Immigration law is federal, Cathy can represent clients with US immigration matters all over the US and world. She graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1999. Cathy Higgins-Mora is fluent in Spanish.

Memberships and Associations

Legal
  • Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Chair, Various Committees, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Chicago Chapter
  • District Director, Liaison Committee, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Chicago Chapter
  • Volunteer at citizenship workshops, Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Speeches and Presentations
  • Ms. Higgins-Mora is a frequent speaker and trainer for not-for-profit immigration representatives who are accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals. She has presented at the Chicago Bar Association, the DePaul Law School and venues including the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
  • Lake Forest College legal studies class
  • D214 presentations – “Redefining Ready.”
  • Elmhurst University legal studies class

Internship Sponsorship

The Law Office of Cathy Higgins-Mora often hosts interns from high school, college or law school. Interns get to experience what it is like to be an immigration lawyer at a small law firm. Interns get one on one shadowing opportunities with Cathy Higgins-Mora. Interns meet with clients, work with attorney and assistant to prepare cases and often serve as translators where possible (written and/or oral). In some situations, interns can attend immigration hearings and interviews with Ms. Higgins-Mora to observe and/or actively interpret for clients and immigration officials. Hours are quite flexible. Inquire by email if you are interested or want more information.

A Message from your Attorney

"As an immigration attorney since 1999, I feel privileged to assist hard-working immigrant families. I take great pride in providing them with compassionate and quality representation."

Meet Our Team

Cathy Higgins-Mora
Attorney

Vianney Avalos
Legal Assistant

Michelle Mendoza
Legal Assistant

Yalixa Segundo
Legal Assistant

Spring 2023 Interns

Gisella Di Prizio
Lake Forest College

Megan Soto Benitez
Prospect High School

Summer 2023 Interns

Emily Arriaga
Duke University

Grace Yaako
Wheeling High School

Fall 2023 Interns

Patricia Crespo Catalan
Lake Forest College

Nathaly
Wheeling High School

Winter/Spring 2024 Interns

Ariel Lozner
Wheeling High School

Rani Saoudi
Hersey High School

More of Cathy

Testimonials

 

Cathy has been my lawyer for over 10 years and it has been a joy. She creates a safe space, is honest, resourceful, kind, helpful in any way she can be, and is your partner and support through any part of your journey. It was a true pleasure, and I am very grateful to have found her, I wouldn't be able to do it without her!
My family and I thank you. ❤

Sahar A.

 

Dear Cathy,
We are very appreciative with all the help you have offered us. Thank you for guiding us through my husband's case because thanks to this and to God, my husband was accepted to enter the United States. All of us, including my family also are very happy with your work. I assure you that you will have good recommendations from us. Thank you so much again and may God bless you. You are a great attorney. My husband, my son and I will be so appreciative always; we appreciate you.

Diana and Jose

 

I had a very difficult immigration case (deportation) which few law offices could handle. Other law offices told me, "your case is loser." Finally I found Cathy Higgins-Mora. She is very nice, very helpful. I can't believe it how she helped me to win my case. I had been struggling with my status for five years, but she helped get my life back. I am very happy with Cathy Higgins-Mora, and I think she is one of the best as far as I know in Chicago. I highly recommend her.

Fares

 

My husband and I have been married for almost 10 years. We have been trying to fix my husband's immigration status for most of that time. There was nothing we could do until we could apply for the Unlawful Presence Waiver. Cathy Higgins-Mora walked us through the process of paperwork step by step. She made sure we knew what paperwork we needed to file and when it had to be mailed out. She is very organized and goes the extra mile for her clients. She was always available for me to call when we were working with her. If I left a message, she would call back promptly. She knows a lot about immigration law. It is because of her hard work and dedication that my husband now has his green card and can apply for citizenship in 3 years. I wholeheartedly recommend Cathy Higgins-Mora for all your immigration needs.

Helen

 

I was very fortunate to have Cathy as my lawyer. Cathy was one of the primary reasons the process of getting Green Card and then my Citizenship was so easy. A few of the more impressive things that I liked about Cathy were:

1. She listened to me and asked pointed questions to clarify exactly what I was looking to accomplish.
2. She gave her full attention while I was in her office.
3. I never felt rushed. She was always available to answer any questions.
4. She was thorough and extremely professional during our meetings to ensure I was comfortable and knowledgeable for my interview.
5. She anticipated the officer's questions and had me well prepared for them.
6. I was so well prepared for my USCIS interview, that it allowed me to feel relaxed during the entire process, which only took 10 minutes to complete.
7. Cathy is a very positive woman, which was important for me. I did not worry about my case at all. It seemed to me that everything was possible with her.

I would wholeheartedly hire her again. In fact, I will use her again to gain US citizenship for my parents!

L. Gierut

 

Cathy Higgins-Mora is the immigration attorney who made my dreams come true. Words are not enough to describe my satisfaction with all the hard work she did to get me legal status here in the United States. Since I started filling out immigration paperwork she made everything easy to understand. If I had any questions she was always available for my doubts. I have been undocumented since I was 17 years old (now I am over 40 years old) and thought that I would not be able to get legal status in the United States. My case was very uncertain, but fortunately I got Cathy Higgins-Mora as my lawyer and she was able to help me get my green card. I am very happy with her work and am happy that I can apply for citizenship in 3 years. Thank you Cathy.

Pablo

Thank you to Seeberg Photography. This photo was taken by Delia Seeberg, Seebergphotography.com

Celebrate 10 Years of DACA!

Talking To Dreamers 10 Years Later

Rosa is a 25-year-old paralegal who has an inspiring outlook on the depths of importance of DACA. She was one of the first people granted DACA status in 2013 having applied for DACA as soon as President Obama opened the program.

How did DACA impact your life?
DACA gave me stability. It gave me a sense of belonging that I did not have before. I was finally able to get a SSN, health insurance, and a driver’s license—the very basic opportunities that almost any other person living here has. I can finally go out with my friends. Before, I was under a lot of stress to make sure I stayed out of trouble. I was always studying to prepare for a career I was not sure I would have. Not having even basic benefits for a long time taught me how to appreciate the simplest things in life.

What was it like trying to build a career before and now after DACA?
Even before DACA I always prioritized my academics. Thankfully, the people around me were very helpful and gave me resources to finish school. One of my high school teachers gave me waivers so I could take classes in college without getting in trouble. I was struggling but I was determined. Now I am a paralegal at a law firm, and I do not have to rely on other people’s help to build my career.

What are you feeling/doing now after 10 years since DACA?
I am so grateful for everyone that helped me before DACA. I am grateful that I am finally able to build the career that I worked so hard for all my life, since receiving DACA. I obtained my lawful permanent residence through my marriage and am about to take the oath of allegiance to the US as I have an application for US citizenship pending right now. The US is my home and always will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge?

It varies. Feel free to call our office to find out.  We always start with a consultation.

Why do you charge for a consultation?

Our consultation service includes up to one hour of individualized immigration legal advice. Immigration cases require more than just attention to detail. It requires interpretation of the underlying rules, regulations, and laws and understanding how the facts of your case apply to the law. We ensure efficient solutions and strategies so you can have the best possible outcome and experience. If you do not know how to move forward, we can provide the guidance you need. Contact us today to get started on your immigration journey with Attorney Cathy Higgins-Mora and her team as your guides.

What is a passport picture?

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html. Call your local Walgreens to get your passport photos taken today!

Where can I get my fingerprints rolled?

Accurate Biometrics, Inc.

Are consultations available in-person?

Yes! Our office is open from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. We also offer consultations via Zoom and by phone. Contact us today to make your appointment!

What should I bring to my consultation?

Feel free to bring any supporting documents pertaining to the service you are looking for. This could include passports, birth certificates, divorce certificates, IDs, Permanent Resident Cards, previously filed forms or correspondence from the Government, police records, etc.

How can I pay Cathy?

We accept cash, checks, and preferably, payments via Zelle to cathy@higginsmoralaw.com. We will accept credit cards as needed.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please call our office 24 hours prior to your appointment to reschedule!

What happens if you cannot take my case?

If we are unable to help, we still dedicate your consultation time exploring other solutions, including perhaps referring you to another lawyer that could potentially help you.

Schedule a Consultation with Cathy Higgins-Mora today

A first-time consultation may take well over an hour. We will do a complete interview of you and then discuss the issues, options and strategies for how to accomplish a solution for you. We will provide you with an estimate of legal fees to accomplish whatever option we decide to pursue. You will discuss your case directly with Cathy Higgins-Mora. Consultations can easily be done by phone or in person, whichever works best for you.

To set up a consultation or get more details, please fill out the form below.

    Law Office of Cathy Higgins-Mora

    325 North Milwaukee Avenue,
    Suite A
    Wheeling, Illinois 60090

    Monday-Friday 10 am – 5 pm by appointment only (call to request additional days/times)

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    There is plenty of free parking in the front of the building.

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    The Law Office of Cathy Higgins-Mora publishes this site to provide general information and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should not consider any information on this site to be legal advice, and you should not act upon any such information. The Law Office of Cathy Higgins-Mora provides legal advice only upon the execution of a formal attorney-client retention agreement establishing an attorney-client relationship. E-mail sent to the Law Office of Cathy Higgins-Mora will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.