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Javier Rivera is the founding partner of Rivera & Shirhatti, PC. Originally from El Paso, Texas Javier calls Houston home. He focuses his practice on complex federal litigation, removal defense, family-based and consular processing matters, alongside specialized employment-based cases. Javier has successfully litigated numerous cases in federal court in suing the DHS for wrongfully denied immigration benefit cases or unjustly delayed adjudication matters. Javier also serves in an Of-Counsel capacity for other local immigration firms in federal court, appellate immigration, and family court matters.
With over 15 years of industry experience, he provides guidance on all types of nonimmigrant visas including H, L, TN, E, O, J, and R classifications, among several others. He also guides clients in their efforts at obtaining lawful permanent residence, including National Interest Waiver, EB-1 petitions, and Adjustment of Status, as well as providing guidance on Naturalization matters. His family-based immigration practice includes representation on petitions, immigrant and nonimmigrant waivers, and consular processing.
Bar/Professional Activity
- Immigration Law Section of the Texas Bar – Member (2010- Present)
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Member (2014 – Present)
- South Asian Bar Association Member (2019 – Present)
Pro Bono Activities
- Catholic Charities Pro Bono Legal Services
- YMCA International Pro Bono Legal Services
- St. James Family Life Center Pro Bono Legal Services
Honors/Awards
- Super Lawyers (2024)
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2019 onwards)
- Who’s Who Hispanic Professionals 2013
- Service Award- Gulf Coast Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America 2013
- Client’s Choice Award- AVVO (2015)
- Pro Bono College- State Bar of Texas (2016- Current)
Precedential Cases Argued
- Hernandez v. Jaddou, 65 F.4th 265 (5th Cir 2023)
- Chavez-Mercado v Barr, 946 F.3d 272 (5th Cir 2020)
- Dhuka v. Holder, 716 F.3d 149 (5th Cir. 2013)