Is it worth it to hire an immigration lawyer?

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm / Unsplash

Immigration processes and proceedings are legally binding matters that hold people's lives in the balance. While the federal government does not ever require the involvement of an immigration lawyer, having expert counsel can be a game-changer for many individuals and businesses. In this article, we explore the benefits of hiring an immigration attorney and provide tips for selecting the right one.

When to Consult an Immigration Lawyer

Understanding Your Options

An immigration lawyer can help you understand the different pathways available based on your circumstances, such as your nationality, your country of origin, you immigration history, and your eligibility for the immigration benefits you seek.

Hiring Foreign Nationals as an Employer

Immigration lawyers can assist employers in navigating the complex immigration system and ensuring compliance with employment laws when hiring foreign nationals. Whether the company has a particular candidate in mind for a specific position or is considering using immigration as a staffing solution, an immigration attorney with the right expertise can be vital in planning and executing your corporate immigration program.

Dealing with Immigration Court Proceedings

If you're already in the midst of immigration court proceedings, such as removal, it's extremely helpful to have an immigration attorney by your side to assert your options and defend your case. Sadly, most immigrants facing deportation face their proceedings alone with no attorney, which results in a significantly lower chance of success.

Immigration attorneys can help in situations where another professional may not have the expertise or resources to address complex immigration matters alone. For example, immigration attorneys speak to compliance during corporate change; immigration attorneys help when companies move employees across borders; and immigration attorneys can help individuals and businesses avoid costly mistakes in hiring, moving, or firing workers.

Why Hiring an Immigration Attorney Is Worth the Expense

The peace of mind provided by having an immigration attorney on your side can be invaluable. They can help you succeed on the first try, connect you with valuable resources, and resolve labor bottlenecks for businesses.

How to Select an Excellent Immigration Attorney

Verify their bar licensure and their experience with immigration law.
Be cautious of attorneys who promise miracles or extraordinarily fast results.
Avoid and report unscrupulous attorneys and people pretending to be attorneys, such as notarios.

For world-class communication and responsiveness, contact Locke Immigration Law today.

FAQs

Do I need an immigration lawyer for my case? While using a licensed attorney is never a legal requirement in an immigration case, hiring competent legal representation can significantly increase your chances of success and shorten the time you will wait to receive the immigration results you seek.
What can an immigration lawyer help me with? Immigration lawyers can help individuals understand their options to come to the United States or remain here, deal with immigration court proceedings, and address immigration-related needs that you can't handle successfully on your own. For businesses, an immigration attorney can advise on the corporate immigration program, help the company remain compliant with U.S. law, and assist with hiring foreign workers and maintaining their lawful status after hire.
How much does it cost to hire an immigration attorney? The cost of hiring an immigration attorney varies depending on the complexity of your case and the attorney's experience. It's best to consult with a few attorneys to get a better understanding of their fees, and whether the attorney bills based on time spent or on a flat-fee basis.
Can an immigration lawyer guarantee success? No one can guarantee the outcome of an immigration case.
How do I verify an immigration attorney's experience? Check for membership in professional organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, check their bar licensure, look for their name on professional publications, and visit their website to gauge their expertise.
What should I do if my attorney recommends unethical behavior? Avoid and report any attorneys who suggest unethical or dishonest practices in your immigration case.
Can an immigration consultant provide legal advice? No, immigration consultants cannot provide legal advice, represent you in court, or offer any form of legal guidance.
What are some common immigration issues businesses face? Businesses often need assistance with hiring foreign nationals and maintaining their lawful status, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and creating policies for their corporate immigration program.
How can an immigration attorney help me save money? Immigration attorneys can help you have success on your first try, which may result in achieving your immigration goals sooner.
How can I contact Locke Immigration Law for assistance? To get in touch with Locke Immigration Law, visit our website or call our office to discuss your immigration needs.
What if I have a criminal record and need to apply for an immigration benefit? While your criminal case is still active, an immigration attorney can work closely with you and your criminal attorney to help you navigate the fallout to your immigration status. If your crime is in the past, your immigration attorney can help you determine your eligibility for immigration benefits and can help you make the strongest case for your eligibility. It’s important not to hide your criminal record from your attorney, because then your attorney cannot advise you appropriately.
How can an immigration lawyer assist in family-based immigration cases? Immigration attorneys can help you understand the different family-based immigration options available, such as spouse, fiancé, and other family member visas, and guide you through the application process.
What should I look for when selecting an immigration attorney? Look for an attorney with verified experience in immigration law, a professional demeanor, and a track record of success in handling cases similar to yours. Most immigration attorneys and immigration law firms specialize in only certain areas of immigration law, such as business immigration, family-based immigration, removal defense, or humanitarian immigration.
How can an immigration attorney help me if my application was denied? An immigration attorney can review your case, identify the reasons for the denial, and advise on the best course of action, such as appealing the decision, suing the government, or filing a new case.