The application process to apply for entry to the United States or to gain U.S. citizenship or permanent residency can be a scary one when you’re not sure what you’re doing. Even when you’re well-educated on the topic, situations may arise where you need the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney. When you find that you need legal representation when dealing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), do yourself a favor and choose a lawyer that knows the law.
Whether you simply need help to complete the necessary forms, or are facing something as serious as the possibility of deportation, the proper legal representation can give you peace of mind and prevent you from spending sleepless nights pondering your case. The question is, how do you choose an immigration lawyer who has the experience that your situation requires?
First and foremost, you must select an attorney that is licensed to practice in the United States and is admitted to the bar of the state where you reside. Once you’ve located an attorney who you are interested in hiring, check with your state bar association to ensure that the lawyer is in good standing and whose license is not under suspension for any reason.
Once you’ve determined that the attorney is able to practice law, make an appointment for a consultation to discuss the particulars of your case. Many immigration lawyers offer free consultations to help you determine your need for legal representation. Bring all paperwork that you have regarding your immigration case to this meeting. Ensure that this includes copies of any forms you’ve filed and copies or originals of any correspondence received from the USCIS. Most times, the attorney will be able to assess your legal needs by speaking with you and assessing your paperwork.
If you’re not sure where to start when hiring an immigration attorney, consult friends and family members who’ve also had the need for an immigration lawyer. They may be able to give you the name and contact number of an attorney they used previously with success or advise you on avoiding attorneys with whom they had an unsatisfactory experience.
According to the USCIS, an experienced immigration attorney can advise you as to which immigration forms to submit and where and when to submit them, explain the options that are available to you and communicate with USCIS officials about your case on your behalf. Having a professional to speak on your behalf will save you needless headaches. When navigating a system as complicated as immigration, it’s always wise to have a qualified professional working on your behalf.
When looking for an experienced attorney, watch for red flags that may indicate the individual is less than honest. Beware of an attorney who promises to achieve a particular outcome in your case, or who says they have special connections that will assure your entry to the country or approval of citizenship or permanent residency. Goodin Law P.A. says that, “Another significant warning sign is a lawyer who promises to locate a sponsor for you. This is strictly illegal.”
An experienced attorney who’s fit to handle the intricacies of your case will have handled similar matters previously. Preferably, the individual will have been in practice for several years with the focus of their work centered on immigration work. Feel free to ask a prospective attorney how many cases he or she has handled that have involved immigrants from your country of origin.
While choosing an experienced immigration attorney to represent you isn’t easy, it can be done and it’s the best thing you can do to help your case.
