How to Find an Immigration Lawyer

Whether you have lived in America for 20 years as a "green card" holder and would like to become a U.S. citizen, are currently a citizen who would like to bring a loved one to the U.S., or are a foreign national living abroad who seeks to come to America for employment, legal issues in the field of immigration and citizenship can be diverse and complex.

Especially in cases where deportation is possible or admission to the U.S. may be denied if things go wrong, having an immigration attorney on your side is an important step you can take to protect your legal rights and ensure the best possible outcome.

Finding an experienced immigration attorney is important to a successful outcome in any immigration case. When it comes to finding the right lawyer, there are many important factors to consider. This article will go over those factors as well as help you determine the questions you ask your potential immigration attorney.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

No matter what type of issue you are facing, an immigration attorney can take action on your behalf, including:

• Collecting necessary records
• Preparing documents
• Researching the law
• Planning legal strategy
• Explaining your legal rights and legal status
• Conferring with government agencies
• Attending any hearings or immigration court proceedings in your immigration case

Your attorney will be on your side to represent your best interests and address your concerns at every step of your case, and to ensure that your rights are fully assessed and protected. All while focused upon meeting your immigration and citizenship goals.

Using an immigration attorney can also ensure that the application contains no errors and has all required evidence, which can prevent delays and requests for evidence.

Initial Consultations

During the initial consultation, you have an opportunity to determine if the lawyer makes you feel comfortable and supported. If the lawyer is unwelcoming or disinterested, it could be a red flag that they are not a good fit for your particular situation.

When working with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you really want someone who makes you feel comfortable, welcomed, and informed.

Do They Have Experience In Your Type of Case?

The first question you should ask your potential attorney is if they have experience with your case type. If you are facing deportation or removal proceedings, you need an attorney experienced in immigration court proceedings and a proven track record of success.

Immigration attorneys often specialize in areas of immigration law. For example, a family law immigration attorney may handle naturalization, U.S. citizen petitions, lawful permanent residency, immigrant visas, and other green card matters. An employment focus would provide legal services foreign nationals in employment-based immigration.

If you're applying for a visa, make sure they know the visaapplication process. Whether it's family based or employment, they need to be able to answer your questions. This is true for any case.

Translation Services

Additionally, if you or your family members do not speak English, you will want an attorney who can communicate with you. You may even need a translator with working with USCIS, so an attorney experienced in this area would be best equipped to help.

Fees

The initial consultation is also a great time to ask about fees and costs. Most immigration attorneys operate on a flat fee basis, but some may charge by the hour. Fees vary based on experience, geographical location, and the type of case. If you are speaking with a nonprofit firm, they may not charge a fee at all.

No matter where you are looking for legal representation, you will want to get this information before you sign on to work with the firm.

Read Online Reviews

In addition to checking to make sure your potential attorney understands your case, it is a good idea to check all ratings and reviews online. Here you can see where clients are expressing their concerns or their great experience with that attorney.

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

It can be helpful to check if your potential attorney is a member of AILA. AILA is an organization specifically for immigration attorneys. It is a fantastic tool that keeps them informed and up-to-date on the Department of Homeland Security and immigration matters.

Need Help Finding an Immigration Attorney?

Attorneys cannot guarantee an outcome in your case, and should never make promises of success. But talking to an attorney about their experience can help you feel confident you've chosen the right person to represent you.

FindLaw's immigration attorney directory can help you get started. Just choose your state from the map or drop down list to find a lawyer or law firm to help with your citizenship or immigration issue. You can also filter by city, read reviews, and find contact information for experienced attorneys near you and schedule an initial consultation.