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3rd Jan 2025
Immigration to the United States is a complex process that can involve many legal nuances, bureaucratic procedures, and potential risks. Insufficient documents, underestimation of the value of legal advice, or a lack of strategy can lead to refusal or long delays in the process. That's why finding a professional and experienced immigration attorney is a critical step toward success.
To choose the best specialist, it is important to ask the right questions that will help evaluate their skills, experience, and approach. In this article, we have gathered 15 questions you should ask the best immigration attorney in the United States to help you choose a professional and get qualified assistance.
Immigration law covers a wide range of matters, including work visas, family immigration, asylum, deportation, naturalization, and more. Make sure the attorney has experience working with situations similar to yours.
For example, if you are applying for an H-1B visa, an attorney who specializes in deportation cases may not be the ideal choice. By asking this question, you can understand how deeply the specialist knows the details of your case.
Why it's important: Experience in a specific area allows the lawyer to anticipate possible difficulties, effectively plan the strategy, and avoid common mistakes.
Ask an immigration lawyer about success statistics. While no lawyer can guarantee a 100% result (that would be unethical), knowing your results will help gauge your level of expertise.
Example: If a lawyer claims to have handled 95% of work visa cases, it inspires confidence. However, don’t forget that each case is unique.
Legal services in the US can be expensive. Find out in advance how much a lawyer's work costs, how the services are paid (hourly rate or fixed amount), and what additional costs may arise (state taxes, translation of documents, etc.).
Why is it important? Transparency regarding payments will protect you from unpleasant surprises. This question will also show how open and honest the lawyer is in their work with clients.
Immigration processes can take months or even years. Ask your immigration attorney how long it usually takes for your type of case to be solved and what factors may affect the time period.
Advise: Be wary of lawyers who promise unrealistically fast results; this can be a sign of bad faith.
A good lawyer will immediately outline the list of necessary documents and explain how to prepare them correctly. For example, an H-1B visa may include an employment contract, CV, proof of qualifications, and other documents. When applying for asylum, you may need proof of persecution in your country.
Why it's important: A manageable list of documents saves time and avoids mistakes that can slow down the process.
Effective communication is an important part of a lawyer's work. Find out how often they will provide updates, whether they will be available for questions, and whether they prefer communication by phone, email, or in person.
Example question: "Can you respond to my emails within one business day?"
Rejection is always an unpleasant event, but it is important to know in advance how the lawyer intends to act in this matter. Will they appeal, develop a new strategy, or look for other solutions?
Why it's important: A lawyer's professionalism manifests not only in successes but also in the ability to cope with difficulties.
Only certified attorneys are authorized to represent you in immigration courts or before agencies such as USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Advise: Check your lawyer’s license through your state's bar association or a national database.
Some lawyers work with assistants who can handle document processing and other administrative work. Find out exactly who will work on your case and how the responsibility is distributed.
Why it's important: Understanding the structure of the job will help you know who to contact if you have questions.
Reviews from previous clients can tell a lot about a lawyer's working style. Ask for contacts who are willing to share their experiences or look for reviews on the Internet. If you search for the "best immigration lawyer near me," be sure that you choose an experienced and qualified specialist.
Advise: Beware of lawyers with a bad reputation or no references.
A good lawyer will not make guarantees but will be able to honestly and fairly assess your options and point out possible risks. If a lawyer promises 100% success, this may be a sign of their dishonesty.
Why it's important: A realistic assessment helps you avoid unreasonable expectations and prepare in advance for possible difficulties.
Sometimes, the basic strategy may not be appropriate. For example, if you don’t fall into a visa category, there may be other options, such as study, investment, or family reunification. A professional immigration lawyer must be able to offer alternative solutions.
Example: If your application for an L-1 visa (intra-company transfer visa) is denied, you can consider an H-1B or O-1 visa (for individuals with exceptional ability).
Immigration cases are often complex and require creativity. Learn how an attorney handles unique issues such as missing documents, application errors, or difficult circumstances related to your status.
Example question: "Have you encountered situations where the client failed to provide a complete package of documents? How did you solve this problem?"
Immigration law is a complex field that uses terms and concepts that only specialists can understand. An immigration lawyer should be able to explain complex things in simple, understandable language.
Why it's important: Understanding the process will help you feel more confident and avoid mistakes due to misunderstandings.
Find out if the lawyer belongs to professional associations such as the American Bar Association (ABA) or the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). These organizations regulate professional standards and help monitor the qualifications of specialists.
Advise: Ask the lawyer about their membership in such organizations or whether they have published articles, participated in seminars, or attended important conferences.
In summary, the best immigration lawyer is not the one who guarantees success or who receives the highest fee. A professional is a lawyer who:
By asking the above questions, you will be able to find a professional immigration lawyer Brooklyn who can help you navigate the immigration process effectively and avoid unnecessary complications. Remember that choosing the right lawyer is an investment in your future.
