Working as an immigration attorney can be a rewarding experience for those who are interested in human rights and want to help people from different countries. However, the job can be emotionally taxing and stressful at times.
It is important to have an immigration attorney on your side if you want to become a U.S citizen or obtain a visa. Here are a few reasons why you should hire an immigration lawyer.
Understand the Process
Immigration attorneys interpret the law and help clients analyze their own rights, possibilities, and strategies. They can assist with employment-based visas and green cards, humanitarian relief (for example, if you are a victim of domestic violence or human trafficking), and immigration defense.
A reputable attorney will be honest about whether or not you have a chance of winning your case. For example, the approval rate for asylum cases that go forward without attorneys is extremely low – near zero in some areas and in front of certain judges.
Additionally, many immigrants qualify for programs that provide special immigration status. Unfortunately, such programs are vulnerable to changes in government priorities and policies. An experienced immigration attorney can help you understand your options and make sure you are taking all possible steps to achieve your goals. This is particularly important if you are trying to avoid deportation. This is because deportation proceedings can be very costly and stressful for individuals.
Avoid Deportation
Immigration attorneys can help you avoid deportation from the United States. Whether you were arrested for a crime, found to be in the country illegally, or if your visa is about to expire, immigration lawyers can find ways to protect you from being removed.
They can research the law to find every avenue of defense; prepare you and any witnesses for court appearances; deal with arcane court procedural requirements; write briefs arguing on your behalf; and spend hours in hearings representing you and helping you present your case. They can also help you determine if there are programs available that can allow you to return to the country, such as asylum or a waiver of deportation.
When evaluating potential immigration lawyers, it is important to read reviews and check websites for information about their experience and success rates. Look for information about the attorney’s disciplinary record, too — each state’s supreme court typically makes this information public.
Help You Get a Green Card
Immigration attorneys have a wide range of experience helping people apply for and obtain green cards. They have both the knowledge and streamlined systems to prepare applications quickly and accurately. If you try to navigate the complicated process on your own, you risk making even the smallest mistake that could throw off your entire application.
Immigration laws are constantly changing, and you need to have an attorney that stays up-to-date on current practices. Fortunately, most immigration lawyers are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and have access to colleagues, information, and liaison committees that allow them to stay on top of changes.
A green card allows you to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. Your immigration lawyer can help you determine if you qualify for this status as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, based on your employment or through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). If you are seeking asylum because of persecution in your home country, they can assist you with that process as well.
Become a U.S. Citizen
A skilled immigration attorney can help you become a U.S. citizen, whether you’re trying to get one for yourself or to bring a family member here with you. To qualify for citizenship, you must have been a legal permanent resident (green card holder) for five years and have stayed present in the United States during at least two and a half of those years. You must also pass a naturalization test.
Before you hire an immigration lawyer, be sure to check the Executive Office of Immigration Review’s list of disbarred practitioners. This can help you avoid hiring someone who has been suspended or disbarred from practicing law. You should also look for attorneys that offer low-cost or free legal services. These attorneys may work for nonprofits or private practices that specialize in helping clients navigate complex immigration laws. They may also offer pro bono services for those who cannot afford full legal representation. This helps them build their client base and reputation.
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