what to discuss with my immigration lawyer

by Dr. Emmanuel Quitzon 5 min read

Ask the lawyer about their experience handling immigration cases in general and specifically handling cases like yours.

Here's a quick look at ten questions you should ask every immigration attorney you speak with about your case.
  • Do You Specialize in Visas and Family Immigration Law? ...
  • Are You A Member Of The American Immigration Lawyers Association? ...
  • Have You Ever Been Reprimanded Or Disciplined For Dishonesty?
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Dec 12, 2020

Full Answer

How do I Ask an immigration lawyer a question?

Apr 18, 2022 · An experienced immigration lawyer will usually provide this information even without you asking but make sure you ask questions to fully understand the process and what the lawyer will do to help you successfully navigate it. Ask about costs related to your case and how they will be billed and paid. Speak with a Trusted Immigration Attorney

How can an immigration lawyer help me?

Nov 10, 2018 · This includes asking about the lawyer’s experience and success rate with immigration cases. This first meeting is also the right time to let the lawyer know your expectations regarding the services he provides. You should also discuss his payment methods and the fees involved.

How can I get a visa with an immigration lawyer?

Mar 15, 2019 · Call 800-528-4044 for a FREE consultation to discuss how you can get a visa with an Immigration Lawyer at Dunham & Jones. U-Visa If you have been the victim of certain crimes in the United States and assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, you and your family may be eligible for lawful status in the United States.

Where can I talk to an immigration lawyer for free?

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How do I prepare for immigration Consultation?

5 Tips to Make the Most of your Immigration ConsultationAsk the Prospective Attorney Questions about His or Her Experience. ... Tell the Lawyer if Your Case Involves an Emergency. ... Bring the Necessary Immigration Documents to Your Appointment. ... Bring Copies of Criminal Records, if Applicable. ... Take Good Notes.Jan 14, 2021

What should I ask an immigration consultant?

10 Questions to Ask an Immigration ConsultantWhich is the right immigration program for me and why?What are my chances of success through this program?Do you specialise in visas and family immigration law?How long you have been practising immigration law?How long does our retainer/contract lasts?More items...•Sep 3, 2021

Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?

Immigration services can be just as complex, and it is likely worth the expense to hire an immigration lawyer for immigration questions and processes to avoid unnecessary staffing and legal employment compliance hurdles.Apr 30, 2021

What questions should I ask my lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What are the immigration questions?

Officers can ask a vast range of questions, but here are some examples:How, where, and when did you meet your spouse?Where did your first date take place?How long did were you with your spouse before getting married?When and where were you married?Did you go on a honeymoon? ... What is your spouse's current job?More items...•Jan 31, 2022

What do immigration lawyers do?

Immigration lawyers represent individual and business clients before the USCIS, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and in Immigration Courts and the federal circuit courts on issues dealing with immigration, emigration, visas, green cards, adjustment of status, political asylum, and other important immigration and ...

Can immigration lawyer speed up process?

An immigration lawyer cannot magically speed up your applications process once it has been submitted, however by hiring an immigration lawyer you can greatly decrease your chances of unnecessary delays caused by mistakes in your application.

How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?

This can be anywhere from $150 to $500+ per hour. However, some immigration lawyers charge a set fee for a specific service. For example, for filing a specific immigration form, an immigration lawyer may charge a flat rate between $350 to $1,500.Mar 4, 2021

How much do immigration lawyers make?

The salaries of Immigration Lawyers in the US range from $55,870 to $187,200 , with a median salary of $115,820 . The middle 60% of Immigration Lawyers makes between $115,820 and $120,480, with the top 80% making $187,200.

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•Apr 13, 2018

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•Feb 6, 2020

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

What is an immigration lawyer?

Immigration Lawyer. Immigration is the act of entering a foreign country to take permanent residence. To become a citizen of another country however, certain guidelines set forth by immigration laws must be followed. Immigration lawyers help individuals from other countries take the steps needed to legally reside in the U.S.

What is the employment rate of lawyers?

For lawyers, the employment rate is projected to grow at a rate of about 8% according to the BLS. This is average for all U.S. occupations. Career prospects involving immigration law are excepted to continue increasing.

What is a temporary visa?

Temporary visas expire and are issued to people for various reasons, but most commonly to workers and students . Permanent visas, also referred to as “green cards,” allow a person to live in the country permanently, unless of course, they commit a crime and become deportable.

Is immigration law complicated?

Immigration laws are so complex that perhaps U.S. tax laws are the only body of laws more complicated. In addition, even a minor mistake on paperwork can lead to serious consequences, such as a delay in the case or deportation. Immigration lawyers guide individuals through every step of the immigration process.

What is the LSAT test?

The standardized exam assesses a person’s reading comprehension, logical, and verbal reasoning proficiency. When admitting students, law schools use the LSAT score as one of their determining factors.

Is immigration a business?

Immigration is serious business and the outcome of the case can significantly impact individuals. The process is also extremely complex, as is the procedure of hiring an immigration lawyer. Even if you have a recommendation from a close source, it is still pertinent to ask the right questions at the initial consultation.

What is family based immigration?

The family-based immigration process typically has two or more family members involved. The family member requesting the visa, known as the petitioner; and the non-citizen family member is seeking legal immigration status, known as the beneficiary. The Petitioner must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident. In certain cases the beneficiary may also have a spouse or children that can use the family-based immigration process as derivative beneficiaries of the primary beneficiary.

What is a green card?

A Green Card is officially known as a Permanent Resident Card. A green card allows a non-U.S. citizen to become a permanent residence of the United States. Most people want a green card because it allows them to legally live and work anywhere in the United States.

What is Dream Act?

The “Dream Act”, or DACA / Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is an Executive Action program that gives undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children a path towards legal status, including the opportunity to obtain a work permit, Driver’s License, Social Security card, and a safeguard against deportation from the United States. If you came to the United States before the age of 16, it is highly recommended that you speak with one of our attorneys to learn more about these programs great benefits and rules.

How to contact Dunham and Jones?

Dunham & Jones believes experienced and quality legal representation should be affordable. Call 800-528-4044 day or night and on the weekends to schedule your FREE consultation. Call now for a FREE consultation with an Immigration Lawyer and find out how you can live and work legally in the United States.

When was the Cuban Adjustment Act passed?

The Cuban Adjustment Act was enacted by the United States Congress on November 2, 1996 and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This law applies to Cuban citizens who have been admitted or paroled into the United States after January 1, 1959, that have been in the U.S. for at least one year and are eligible to receive permanent resident status. The law allows Cubans, their spouses and their children to become permanent residents through adjustment of status. The law was enacted after Fidel Castro’s revolution when anti-communist Cubans received preferential immigration conditions because they came from a neighbor and ally of the US.

Can you be a victim of a crime in the United States?

If you have been the victim of certain crimes in the United States and assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, you and your family may be eligible for lawful status in the United States.

What is an EAD form?

An EAD application is a five-page form, and you attach your supporting documentation and submit to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Work permits are typically granted to people who are in the process of getting a green card or adjustment of status and who have a legal right to be in the U.S.

What to do if you are experiencing immigration problems?

If you're experiencing immigration problems, it can be helpful to have the assistance of an immigration lawyer to make sense of US immigration laws, whether you're just trying to fill out your immigration forms correctly or need to know if your rights have been violated .

Why is immigration law so complex?

Affordable answers to your immigration law questions. Immigration law is a complex topic because of its politically-charged nature. Immigration policy is one of the biggest area of contention between states' rights and federal regulation, with individual states passing laws that are later struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

What to do if you are a non-citizen?

If you are a non-citizen: Ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal conviction or plea on your immigration status. Don’t discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer. While you are in jail, an immigration agent may visit you. Do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer.

How to protect yourself from police?

Stay calm. Don’t run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated . Keep your hands where police can see them. Don’t lie about your status or provide false documents.

Why can't a pilot fly a passenger?

A pilot may not, however, question you or refuse to allow you on a flight because of bias based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

What do you need to show when you are pulled over?

If you are driving and are pulled over, the officer can require you to show your license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance, but you don’t have to answer questions about your immigration status. Customs officers can ask about your immigration status when entering or leaving the country.

What to do if you are arrested by the police?

If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer. If you have been detained by ICE, you have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your detention.

How to prepare for a police arrest?

Prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Memorize the phone numbers of your family and your lawyer. Make emergency plans if you have children or take medication.

Can an immigration agent search you?

If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no . Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause. If you’re over 18, carry your papers with you at all times.

What are some immigration questions?

Set #1: Immigration Questions 1 Why do people immigrate to other countries? 2 Do you know any immigrants? 3 Do you think that immigrants are treated well in in most countries? 4 Do you think there is a relation between immigration and crime? 5 What should be done with the illegal immigrants entering a country? 6 Should the country of origin of illegal immigrants be held responsible? 7 Should employers who employ illegal immigrants be penalized? 8 Should illegal immigrants be deported?

What is an asylum seeker?

Asylum seeker – A person who seeks safety from persecution or serious harm in a country other than his or her own and awaits a decision on the application for refugee status under relevant international and national instruments.

What is a refugee?

Refugee – A person who, “owing to a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinions, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.

What will happen at the hearing?

If you are applying for one of the defenses to deportation, the Immigration Judge will give you time to fill out the application. Then the judge will give you another hearing date where you will have several hours to explain your case.

What questions will Immigration ask?

The Immigration Judge may ask you many questions. You must tell the truth and answer the question asked. It is important to accept responsibility for your mistakes and show that you have changed. If you do not understand a question, tell the Immigration Judge.

What can an immigration attorney do?

A lawyer can help fill out your application or look it over before you submit it, making sure you have all the required documentation. This can help you avoid the extra time and expense of having to redo all of your work.

What to do if you don't have a visa?

Obtain legal status: If you do not have documentation or have overstayed a temporary visa, an attorney can advise you on your next step. If you are legally entitled to citizenship via the 14th amendment to the constitution then a lawyer can also help to prepare those papers.

Can a lawyer help you get a green card?

Green card: A lawyer can help you file an immigrant petition and apply for adjustment of status to get a green card. If you are filing for a marriage-based green card, your lawyer can help you prepare evidence to prove your marriage is authentic. Visa: A lawyer can help you apply to live in the United States for work, school, or travel.

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