Preparation
You must first acknowledge your legal boundary before choosing an immigration lawyer. Consider all factors which may cause you to be deported. This is crucial to choosing the right immigration lawyer because each lawyer will require immediate communication about your current legal situation within the United States. Remember to be prepared to know right away if your lawyer suits your needs.
Understanding Immigration Law
Immigration law in the United States protects the rights of immigrants who are legally permitted to reside in the United States. If the immigrant is not permitted to legally reside in the United States, then they will be deported immediately upon discovery.
Creating a List of Immigration Lawyers
Search for a lawyer online, in your area, or through any other means. Your main objective is to find a handful of lawyers with a long history of successfully handling similar immigration cases. A general rule of thumb for searching for an immigration lawyer should be prioritizing lawyers who are trustworthy and reputable for cases involving protection of immigrants’ rights.
Pursuing your Immigration Case
Before hiring an immigration lawyer, verify their credentials. They should be licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction and be a member of a recognized legal association, such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Experience is another crucial factor—an attorney who has handled cases similar to yours is more likely to understand the nuances of immigration law and provide sound legal guidance.
There are lawyers who practice general law, but it is preferable to select one who specializes in immigration law. Immigration cases can be complex, involving extensive knowledge of policies and procedures that are not widely known outside of this area. A specialist lawyer is more likely to remain current with changes in immigration laws and deliver effective representation.
Client reviews and referrals are the best indications of whether an attorney is professional, competent, and successful. Look at the lawyer’s reviews on legal portals, Google, and social media. Also, ask the attorney for the referrals of previous clients with similar cases. A good lawyer will have a roll of happy clients and positive case outcomes.
Good communication is important when dealing with an immigration attorney. During your first consultation, evaluate their responsiveness, clarity in explaining legal issues, and openness to answering your questions. An attorney who is hard to get in touch with or fails to give clear responses might not be the ideal person to handle your case.
Immigration law services may be expensive, and thus it is advisable to learn how much the lawyer charges before he is hired. Some lawyers have a flat rate for certain services, while others charge per hour. Request a detailed breakdown of payments and whether payment plans are acceptable if necessary. Be wary of attorneys who ask for huge deposits before offering a full service contract.
Dishearteningly, there are immigration scams. Be wary of individuals who claim to be able to promise a visa or citizenship. Real lawyers can’t promise anything, since immigration decisions are up to government agencies. Avoid “notarios” or unaccredited advisors claiming to provide legal advice without proper accreditation.
Ask potential lawyers how many comparable cases they have successfully won. A good success record is a great indicator of their ability and reliability. Further, ask them what they would do with your case and what risks you can expect. A trustworthy lawyer will be honest about the risks and provide you with a realistic hope of your winning chances.
Most immigration lawyers offer an initial consultation, either free or at a minimal fee. Use this session to determine their level of expertise, professionalism, and approach. Prepare a list of questions about your case, and observe how they answer your queries. This consultation will allow you to determine whether the lawyer is right for your needs.
Common Myths about Immigration Cases
- Immigrants from other countries bring unwanted behavior such as violence and serious crimes.
- Statistics show that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than Americans born in the United States. This is most likely due to the fact that immigrants immigrate to the United States primarily for work, family, or even as refugees.
- The United States is significantly controlled by immigrants.
- Since the 2008 recession in the Unites States, the total amount of illegal immigrants were decreased drastically. Throughout American history, immigrants in the United States have always been a minority.