Fighting for Justice: How One Immigration Attorney is Changing Lives in Houston

Fighting for Justice: How One Immigration Attorney is Changing Lives in Houston

“We are fighting for those who don’t have a voice. We’ve survived tough times before. We can do it again.”

In a city as diverse and dynamic as Houston, the complexities of immigration law touch countless lives. At the heart of this legal landscape is Gonzalez Olivieri, LLC a leading immigration firm committed to keeping families together and ensuring equal access to justice for all — especially the most vulnerable.

Co-Founded by Raed Gonzalez, a seasoned immigration attorney, the firm represents a powerful blend of legal expertise and human compassion. Originally arriving in Houston to pursue a master’s degree in health law, Gonzalez quickly discovered that his true calling lay elsewhere. A last-minute asylum case — one he was told was “unwinnable” — would change everything.

“This was about life and death.”

Given a case late one evening by a colleague who dismissed its chances, Gonzalez poured over the details overnight. The case involved a Christian Mennonite from Lebanon facing life-threatening persecution. Despite the odds, Gonzalez won — and the emotional reaction from his client left an indelible impression. “He knelt down, kissed my hand, and thanked me for saving his life,” Gonzalez recalled. “That was the moment I understood what immigration law could really mean. This was about life and death.”

From that point forward, Gonzalez devoted his career exclusively to immigration law. Over the years, his firm has grown from a one-man operation to a powerhouse with 19 attorneys and more than 100 staff members. They represent clients at every level — from local immigration courts to the U.S. Supreme Court — and have successfully argued pivotal cases that changed the law.

A Mission to Provide a Safe Space

One of the firm’s driving missions is to provide a safe space and competent legal representation to LGBTQ+ immigrants, who often face extreme risks in their home countries. Gonzalez recounted case after case where LGBTQ+ individuals were misunderstood or mistreated by the legal system — from clients being advised to “find a lawyer within their species” to others being denied asylum simply because their attorneys failed to present the cultural context of persecution.

In one case, the firm helped reopen removal proceedings for a gay man from Mexico after three initial denials — a rare and difficult legal feat. The man had entered the U.S. legally, was now married to a U.S. citizen, and eventually became a legal permanent resident. In another, they successfully argued that a rape and torture survivor should be granted asylum despite missing the one-year filing deadline due to trauma.

For Gonzalez, these are more than legal wins — they are victories of humanity over bureaucracy.

A Force for Good

Beyond individual cases, the firm plays an active role in community engagement, participating in events like the Houston Business Expo, working with organizations such as the Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, and supporting continuing legal education. Gonzalez is also involved in broader advocacy efforts, challenging unjust immigration policies and educating the Hispanic community on political misinformation.

“In the last election, many Spanish-speaking communities were flooded with one-sided political messaging,” he explained. “We have to do a better job educating and showing up.”

Despite challenges — from systemic discrimination to shifting political landscapes — Gonzalez remains hopeful and driven. “We are fighting for those who don’t have a voice,” he said. “We’ve survived tough times before. We can do it again.”

In an era where fear and division often dominate the national conversation, Gonzalez Olivieri stands as a beacon of justice, dignity, and relentless advocacy — proving that the law can still be a force for good.

Raed and his husband are also the proud dads of two beautiful baby girls. 

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Learn more about the firm.

Website: https://www.gonzalezolivierillc.com/attorneys/raed-gonzalez/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raed.gonzalez