Does the thought of all the paperwork, regulations, and bureaucratic matters you’ll have to face on your path to living the American Dream give you nightmares? You’re not alone. Navigating the U.S. immigration system is not for the faint of heart, and it makes almost everyone going through it feel uneasy at some point. The good thing is you don’t have to navigate the system alone.
With the right guidance and support of an experienced immigration lawyer, you can get that visa or a green card with confidence and peace of mind. The only question that remains is: How do you choose the right immigration lawyer for your case?
In this article, we’ll tell you exactly that. Stay tuned!
1. Overview of the U.S. Immigration System
The U.S. immigration system comprises multiple laws and procedures that govern the entry, stay, and citizenship of foreign nationals.
These regulations concern:
- Visas
- Green cards
- Immigration quotas
- Asylum policies
- Naturalization processes
- Deportation procedures
- Various administrative protocols overseen by federal agencies such as the USCIS and ICE
Understanding these laws and procedures is essential if you’re a student, a skilled worker, or just seeking refuge.
And, because the system is dynamic and subject to frequent change, it’s best that you seek guidance from a qualified immigration attorney such as Spar & Bernstein when making decisions about your immigration process.
2. Why Choosing the Right Immigration Lawyer Matters
Each step of the visa application, green card application, and citizenship process has its own complexities and nuances. There’s no way of knowing all of these unless you’ve spent countless years specializing and working in the field of immigration law.
And that’s not all!
Just think about all the government forms you’ll encounter and have to decipher, and all the bureaucracy you’ll have to deal with. Each form comes with its own set of instructions, jargon, and requirements, making it easy to get lost in the sea of paperwork. And then comes the most important part: the stakes.
The stakes are high in immigration matters, and a single error on a form or misunderstanding of a procedure can have significant consequences, potentially jeopardizing your chances of obtaining a visa, green card, or citizenship. All of this highlights the necessity of entrusting your case to a skilled immigration lawyer who can provide tailored advice, advocate for your rights, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
3. Factors to Consider When Selecting an Immigration Attorney
1. Credentials and Licensing
Since each jurisdiction has its own set of rules governing the practice of law, you should first check that your chosen immigration lawyer is licensed in your jurisdiction. Other than that, you should check whether your chosen immigration lawyer has any memberships in associations related to immigration matters. For example, in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
This is important because of the ever-changing nature of immigration policies, and it is an indicator that your lawyer is actively engaged in the field. Membership also shows that your lawyer stays updated on immigration law developments and has access to resources and networking opportunities that can benefit your case.
Pretty important, wouldn’t you agree?
2. Specialization in Immigration Law
When you’re dealing with procedures with as many intricacies and different eligibility requirements as those found in immigration law, having a specialized immigration lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
While generalist lawyers may have broad legal knowledge, ultimately, you’ll want to hire someone with in-depth knowledge and experience specific to this field. This specialized knowledge enables immigration lawyers to anticipate issues, develop effective strategies, and provide personalized guidance to clients.
3. Experience
An amazing immigration lawyer has years of experience in immigration law and has dealt with numerous immigration issues.
This suggests that they’ve encountered a variety of distinct challenges and unexpected hurdles throughout their career. Consequently, they’ve likely sharpened their problem-solving abilities, allowing them to spot innovative solutions and adeptly handle any issues that might emerge during the immigration process.
Oh, and let’s not forget the part about how experienced immigration lawyers have developed professional relationships with immigration officials, judges, and prosecutors, which could be invaluable in advocating for favorable outcomes.
4. References and Reviews
Talk to an immigration lawyer’s previous client, whenever you can. If that’s not an option, read online reviews and testimonials.There’s no one better to provide insights into that lawyer’s ability to address your concerns, provide you with timely updates, communicate responsively, and ultimately achieve a positive outcome for you.
This firsthand perspective will also help you learn about the lawyer’s work ethic, professionalism, and, most importantly, success rate. If you hear a positive reference, they’re likely a dedicated and competent immigration attorney.
Conversely, if your immigration lawyer:
- Lacks empathy
- Doesn’t genuinely care about your case or well-being
- Doesn’t have attention to detail
- Isn’t able to explain complex issues in plain language
- Isn’t persuasive
- Practices in way too many areas of law
- Makes unrealistic guarantees
You might want to think about hiring a new one.
Either way, take your time, do thorough research, and then choose. Wisely.
Conclusion
Choosing the right immigration lawyer in the U.S. is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your journey toward a new life in the United States. Don’t leave it to chance; make it a deliberate and well-researched decision with the help of our pointers.
