Lakeland anchors Polk County's growing immigrant community — citrus and agriculture workers, healthcare professionals at Lakeland Regional Health, and families from Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Our Orlando-based firm has served Polk County immigration clients since 1996.
Why Lakeland clients choose our firm
Immigration Law Center serves Lakeland residents in Polk County from our Orlando office at 545 Delaney Ave, Building 4. Attorney Gustavo Z. Vargas, Florida Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law (Florida Bar Member #7439, admitted September 7, 1994), handles family-based petitions, asylum, and deportation defense cases for Lakeland-area clients before the Orlando Immigration Court at 3535 Lawton Road. Polk County is among Florida's fastest-growing counties by population per the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, with substantial Mexican, Cuban, Guatemalan, Haitian, and Puerto Rican communities concentrated in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Plant City.
Polk County's economy depends heavily on agriculture, distribution, and healthcare — sectors where immigrant workers play a critical role. Many of our Lakeland clients are H-2A agricultural workers and their families, long-term residents pursuing naturalization, and mixed-status families navigating family-based petitions.
We also see deportation defense cases tied to traffic stops along I-4 and Highway 98, ICE actions at workplaces in Lakeland and Plant City, and U-visa cases for victims of crime who have cooperated with local law enforcement. Our office is in downtown Orlando, about an hour east of Lakeland on I-4.
Most Lakeland clients start with a phone or Zoom consultation and come in person only for the initial meeting and document review. After retention, the case proceeds remotely, with in-person attendance only required at USCIS interviews or court dates. We work in English and Spanish.
A clear process, from first call to final approval
Free consultation
In English or Spanish, by phone, Zoom, or in person.
Strategy & quote
Written strategy and flat fee before you decide. No hourly billing.
Filing & advocacy
We prepare every form and represent you at USCIS and in court.
Outcome & beyond
Renewals, family sponsorship, citizenship — we stay with you.
What clients say
Mr. Gustavo Vargas was my lawyer twice, years ago for my immigration process and now for my husband's. He is extremely Professional and knowledgeable about the entire process. Both times it was a success story! Highly recommended. Thank you so much.alba inacio
A great service and organisation. He explained the process many times and provided detailed instructions every step of the way. When an issue occurred in the process (and through Covid) Mr Vargas clearly detailed what needed to be done and how.Ian Collins
Great service and I'm glad I paid my money to have his guidance.
Gustavo Z. Vargas, Esq.
Gustavo Vargas is Florida Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law and has practiced exclusively in immigration since 1996. Born in Lima, Peru, he speaks fluent Spanish.
He has represented clients before USCIS, the Orlando Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He earned his J.D. at Florida State University in 1992.
Common questions from Lakeland clients
I work in agriculture on an H-2A visa — can I bring my family?
H-2A principal workers can bring spouses and unmarried children under 21 on H-4 dependent status. H-4 dependents can attend school but cannot work in the U.S. on this visa. If your goal is permanent residency, the H-2A path itself does not lead to a green card, but other paths may be available depending on your circumstances — we can review at the consultation.
Do you handle U-visa cases for crime victims?
Yes. The U-visa is available to victims of qualifying crimes (domestic violence, assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, and others) who have suffered substantial harm and have been or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement. Polk County agencies issue U-visa certifications for cooperative victims. The current U-visa wait is several years, but interim benefits are available while you wait.
Can I drive to your Orlando office, or can we do everything remotely?
Both options are common. The drive from Lakeland is about an hour east on I-4. Many Lakeland clients prefer phone or Zoom consultations and come in person only for document signing. The choice is yours.
What if ICE shows up at a workplace in Lakeland or Plant City?
You and your coworkers have rights — including the right to remain silent and the right to refuse to sign anything without consulting an attorney. If a family member or coworker has been detained, contact us immediately. Bond hearings can usually be scheduled within 5–10 days. See our deportation defense page.
Do you serve other Polk County cities like Bartow and Winter Haven?
Yes. We serve all of Polk County, including Bartow, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Haines City, Mulberry, and surrounding areas. The case approach is the same; we just adjust travel logistics for in-person appointments.
Ready to talk about your case?
Free 30-minute consultation. No obligation. Confidential. Available in English or Spanish.
Visit our Orlando office
545 Delaney Ave, Building 4
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 835-1009
info@immlawcenter.com
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. 2 miles from the Orlando Immigration Court.
Photo credit: Photo by Airam Dato-on on Pexels
Request a Consultation
Get in touch and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. We look forward to hearing from you!
