Immigration Lawyers
What does an immigration lawyer do?
Immigration attorneys assist people who are trying to come to the United States, remain in the United States, or change their immigration status or citizenship. The immigration process is lengthy and convoluted, and even a minor paperwork mistake can lead to significant delays. An immigration lawyer’s job is to protect their client’s rights and move the process forward as efficiently as possible.
Some of the matters an immigration lawyer may handle include:
- Citizenship: applying for naturalized citizenship, acquiring citizenship for children and obtaining proof of citizenship.
- Visas: getting permission to come to the United States legally for work, school or travel.
- Lawful permanent residence (green cards): applying for a green card and gathering the necessary evidence.
- Asylum: helping people facing persecution in their home countries find safety in the United States.
- Obtaining legal status: assisting people who have overstayed a visa or are in the United States without documentation.
- Removal (deportation) defense.
Immigration law changes rapidly, so an effective immigration attorney is responsible for staying abreast of the law and informing their clients of their options. Immigration attorneys know how to prepare paperwork, coach their clients through interviews and hearings, and resolve issues with documentation to keep the process moving forward.
Often, immigration lawyers specialize in one subsection of immigration law, such as family immigration, asylum or business immigration.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost?
Many immigration attorneys charge flat fees for certain kinds of routine matters (for instance, preparing a specific document with no complicating factors, such as a criminal record). Otherwise, most immigration work is billed by the hour, with fees ranging from $150 to $300 per hour depending on the complexity of the matter. It’s important to get a sense of what representation will cost and how many hours your case is likely to take before hiring an attorney.
How do I find the right immigration lawyer?
Again, immigration law is complex and changes frequently, so it’s important to get an attorney who focuses on immigration cases, and particularly on your type of immigration matter. Make sure you are comfortable sharing personal information and having candid discussions about tough decisions. If English is not your first language, you may want to hire a lawyer who speaks your language in order to better communicate.
Your immigration case is about your future. Look for experience and a strong track record to ensure you have the right representation. Take the time to look for an attorney in your area who has the right kind of experience and schedule a consultation before deciding whether to hire them.
