Method

The First Step

The first step for many people interested in living or working in the USA is consulting with an immigration attorney.  Can they get in?

Six Factors in Choosing an Immigration Attorney

(1)  Make sure you are dealing with an immigration attorney.

There are many consultants and notaries who claim to be attorneys or who work as middlemen with attorneys, yet advise people on immigration laws.

(2)  Immigration is a specialized field of law.

Most attorneys who seriously practice in this area will be members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.  It costs them $450.00 per year, but if they want excellent resources, they will be prepared to pay the membership.

(3)  Choose someone with a good reputation and ability.

While some applications merely involve completing forms, other applications and petitions require good writing skills.  Competent immigration attorneys are creative.  They present their client’s case and facts in the best light possible.

A knowledgeable attorney can sometimes evaluate two or more options for building your case.  You want to discuss the various options and be clear on your best path.

(4)  Communication.

It is essential that your attorney is able to explain the law to you.  Unfortunately, many professionals (doctors are the worst) explain issues in a way that you are guaranteed not to understand them.

(5)  Cost.

This is always important, but selection on price alone can lead to a poor choice.  Inexperienced attorneys wishing to gain experience will always offer a better deal.  Also, a bad start may prejudice your chances later.

(6)  Certified Specialists.

While immigration law is federal law (the same law applies throughout all 50 states), each state is responsible for the licensing of its own attorneys.

Some states will certify attorneys as “specialists” in different fields, e.g., criminal, tax, immigration law, etc.  “Certified specialists”, are often required to complete a certain number of cases in different fields of that area of law; prove that they have completed a minimum number of hours of continuing education and pass a written exam.  The requirements for certification differ from state to state.