6 Tips When Choosing An Immigration Attorney

When you’re trying to immigrate in order to live and work in the United States of America, you need to know that you’re going to need all the support you can get to be successful in your quest. And here, we’re not only thinking of moral support from your family and close friends, but you’re going to need to have solid legal support, as the immigration process in the United States can be difficult, confusing, and time-consuming for newcomers.

Nevertheless, having an experienced immigration lawyer on your side can make all the difference in your case. For that reason, researching immigration attorneys and law firms is the best approach to get started with the immigration process for both you and your family. When choosing an immigration attorney, you cannot just pick whoever comes to mind, so you might be wondering what criteria you should keep in mind while you go through the process of hiring immigration attorneys.

Keep these pointers in mind as you decide which attorney would best assist you in achieving your immigration goals.

Don’t Settle For A Bargain

Don’t hire an immigration lawyer based on a whim, as there are many unprofessional and average immigration lawyers out there. Moreover, some lawyers may be handling too many cases at once, making it difficult for them to devote adequate time to your case. In contrast, others lack relevant experience in particular areas of immigration law, or they’re only interested in getting as much money as they can from their current client base.

Just because you want to save money, it’s not worth risking months of a delayed or rejected procedure. So, do your homework and thoroughly investigate the reputations of all the lawyers you’re considering. Then, don’t be scared to spend a few thousand dollars on a good, specialized immigration attorney, especially on one that uses the latest immigration software for a safer and smoother immigration case management process. 

Hire An Attorney Who Speaks Your Language

Immigration law is complex, and the laws and procedures change often. To help you communicate effectively with your lawyer, they must speak your language.

Since many people in the United States speak at least one language other than English, and the U.S. Census Bureau reports that more than 60 million people in the United States speak a non-English language fluently, you should start asking about the languages your potential attorney speaks.

Hiring an attorney who speaks your language will make it easier to understand legal terms and processes. You’ll also be better able to share the facts of your case, which can help your lawyer craft a strong defense for you.

Negotiate Fees With Your Immigration Attorney

Immigration attorneys are expensive, and most people don’t have the money to pay them, so if you’re going through a difficult financial situation, it’s essential, to be honest with your attorney about that. 

Negotiating fees with your attorney may be complicated because you are dealing with a professional who knows the value of their time and is more knowledgeable about your case than you are. However, it is possible to negotiate a fee if you and your attorney consider each other as valuable negotiating partners. In other words, find an attorney that genuinely cares about your case and your success in getting legal status for yourself or a loved one.

Try To Get Some Referrals

One of the best ways to find an experienced attorney is through word of mouth. Ask friends and family if they know someone they would trust with their case, and even if they don’t know someone personally, they might be able to refer you to a service that screens attorneys. 

Perhaps some have worked with an immigration attorney to obtain a green card or residency visa. Ultimately, if that doesn’t work, try contacting a law school or a local bar association, since often, these organizations will refer people to local attorneys who specialize in immigration law.

Look At Their Online Presence And Reviews

Examining an immigration lawyer’s online presence before employing them is pretty essential. For instance, if a lawyer has been in practice for a long time, they should have a webpage with numerous client evaluations and positive client reviews. On the other hand, if you can’t find anything about them online, you might want to proceed with caution and be very careful.

Check Whether They Provide A Written Contract

You should always have a written contract signed by both parties because it gives you the required guarantee about your immigration case. Signing this contract will shield you from selecting an immigration attorney who overpromises and, yet, underdelivers. The written agreement is crucial because it specifies the legal services you’ve been promised as well as the cost of those services.

Final Thoughts

Above all, it’s important to remember that you are hiring a professional service provider. It is a long and complex process that will likely take a lot of your time, so take the time to do your research, ask for referrals, and never be afraid to look around for the best fit for you. An immigration attorney’s help is invaluable when dealing with the government and finding the best solutions to your needs.