Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States, so it’s no surprise that the greater Los Angeles area offers a large number of immigration attorneys to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an attorney specializing in family-based immigration, green cards, citizenship, or deportation defense, there are hundreds of attorneys ready to serve you. However, choosing the right one can be difficult with so many to choose from and myriad options available – from free consultations to flat fees and hourly rates, finding your ideal lawyer can be time-consuming and confusing.
What is an immigration attorney?
An immigration attorney is a lawyer that specializes in helping foreign citizens gain legal entry into another country. Immigration law firms deal specifically with immigration issues and can assist people with a variety of different immigration concerns. Hiring an immigration attorney can be expensive, but it’s usually cheaper than hiring your own lawyer in a foreign country. There are hundreds of qualified immigration attorneys out there, so it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. Here are some things you should consider when searching for an immigration lawyer: Does he or she have prior experience working with immigrants? Where does his or her office practice? Are there positive online reviews? Is he or she easy to communicate with? What languages does he or she speak fluently?
When do you need one?
Immigration attorneys can help with a variety of issues: family visas, employer-sponsored visas, permanent residency, and naturalization. The type of case you have determines when you need an immigration attorney. If you are applying for a family visa or permanent residency in California or elsewhere in the United States, it’s important to consult an immigration attorney early on; chances are that your application will require significant personal information and paperwork before you even meet with your lawyer.
Where to find your immigration attorney
Finding a competent immigration attorney for legal advice and services can be hard. However, it is not impossible. The first step is finding one that has experience with your type of case. Secondly, make sure you find an immigration lawyer that specializes in cases like yours as opposed to a lawyer who may work at an immigration law firm but has little experience with your specific case.
Free consultations
For many immigrants, finding an immigration attorney can be overwhelming. Firms are everywhere, and some of them look awfully sketchy. To begin your search for an immigration law firm, Google immigration law firm + your area code. This will pull up a list of firms with offices near you. For example, try searching: immigration lawyers + New York City. Then, call each one and ask if they provide free consultations or charge by-the-hour rates only.
Get everything in writing
Even if you don’t plan on using an immigration attorney, it’s important to get all your information in writing. When dealing with complicated matters, it’s easy for confusion or miscommunication to arise. If you’re unsure about something, ask for clarification. It’s better for you and your family that things are clear from the start than a costly misunderstanding later on. Keep in mind, however, that not all immigration attorneys are certified by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), which is required for any attorney who wants to represent clients in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
