The U.S. handles over a million immigration cases each year. However, over the last couple of years, the backlog has almost crossed 10 million cases. More importantly, unless you have a good immigration lawyer, it becomes impossible to make a good case for your cause.
Form I-130, officially known as the “Petition for Alien Relative,” is a form used by United States citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to establish the qualifying relationship with a foreign national relative who wishes to immigrate to the United States.
When you are in a situation where you need to find an immigration lawyer, you must take the time to find the right one. Hiring an immigration lawyer can be a confusing and overwhelming process. There are many things you should consider before making your decision. So, here are a few tips that will come in handy when hiring an immigration lawyer.
Always Look for Trusted Referrals
Many people are looking for immigration lawyers, but they have no idea where to start. If you are in this position, it is important to remember that there are many ways that you can find a great lawyer. One of the best ways is by getting a referral from someone who has experience with an immigration lawyer.
Look for someone who has actually worked with this particular lawyer before, or at least someone who knows them well enough to vouch for their work. If you have a friend or family member who has hired an immigration lawyer, ask them about their experience. They may be able to provide valuable insight into how well the lawyer handled their case, how quickly they responded to questions and concerns, and whether or not they were able to resolve the issue on time.
Avoid Hiring a General Practitioner
There are over 1.3 million licensed lawyers in the USA, but not all of them can help with your case. When you’re hiring an immigration lawyer, avoid hiring a general practitioner. General practitioners are not experts in immigration law. They can’t tell you if your case is eligible for asylum or if it’s being handled correctly. Hiring a general practitioner without much experience in immigration law could cost you tens of thousands of dollars and many years of waiting for your green card.
Instead, seek out an experienced immigration lawyer who has handled cases like yours before and ask them to review your case.
Another thing you need to remember is that your case is unique. As such, you must find an immigration lawyer who can specialize in your area of concern. For instance, if your case involves a business owner who wants to start a business in the U.S., you should find an immigration lawyer who specializes in this area.
Communicate Directly with the Lawyer
It’s vital for clients to communicate directly with their immigration lawyers since each client’s situation is different. They all have their stories to tell and, more importantly, emotions to share. This is not possible to communicate via email or through secretary meetings. Thus, lawyers must sit with their clients face-to-face.
Many immigration lawyers and law firms across the U.S. also offer a free consultation before you decide whether or not you want them to handle your case. Suppose you need assistance with asylum or citizenship in Wichita, KS. You will find at least one immigration lawyer in Wichita, KS, who will offer you this free consultation. Talking to them freely about your concerns and the case itself is a great way to communicate with your lawyer. After the initial consultation and hearing what the lawyer has to say, you can decide whether you want them to handle the case.
Look at Their Past Experience and Portfolio
When hiring an immigration lawyer, it is important to make sure that they have experience with the type of case you need help with. You should also ask them about their background and education. An experienced immigration lawyer will know what resources are available for your case, including whether there are any free legal clinics or pro bono programs in your area.
If you are looking for a specific type of case, such as asylum or citizenship, it would be best to hire an attorney who specializes in those areas rather than someone who doesn’t have that experience.
Inquire About the Costs First
Immigration law is complex, and it takes a lot of time and effort to understand the laws that apply to your situation. If you are not able to afford the fees, you may have trouble finding an attorney who will work with your budget. These fees can cost anything between $1,500 and $10,000, depending on the case. Those who charge by the hour will take between $100 to $350.
The costs will vary depending on what type of case you have, so it’s best to know this before you start your search. You can also ask whether or not the lawyer will charge by the hour or by the case. Some do both, while others only charge by the hour.
Look For an Online Presence or Reviews
The internet is a great place to start your search because it allows you to find out more about the lawyer’s experience and qualifications. You can also see if they have any reviews from clients or other lawyers.
You should also try to find out if the person you are considering hiring is a member of any professional organizations, such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) or the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (NIPNLG). Membership in these organizations indicates that your attorney has gone through training and passed certain professional exams, which means they will be able to provide you with high-quality service.
Hiring an immigration lawyer is one of the wisest decisions you can make when dealing with such a case. Immigration law can be complex and confusing, and it’s important to have someone on your side who knows how to navigate those challenges. So, remember these tips before you hire an immigration lawyer if you want to get quality service from them.
