Do I need an immigration attorney?
People often ask me if they really need an immigration attorney to
represent them in their immigration case. This is my answer.
First, it is important to understand that there is more to your
immigration case than filling out the right forms. The question of whether or not you are eligible for a particular benefit can be very confusing. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS) denies applications for even minor errors or omissions – and they make mistakes all the time. Documents and information that become part of your immigration case never go away, and those documents may have long lasting and unexpected repercussions. It is always a good idea to have an immigration attorney on your side.
But do you need an immigration attorney?
If you are petitioning to bring a family member into the United States from abroad, the potential risk is relatively small. If your petition is denied, all you have lost is the filing fee and some time. You can make the needed corrections and apply again. It is a good idea to hire an immigration attorney to help you, and many people do – I handle many of these cases. But you do not need an immigration attorney.
If you are petitioning for someone who has overstayed a visa, is about to become an overstay, or who entered the United States without permission, the stakes are extremely high. If your case is denied, it is likely that the USCIS will begin removal proceedings, – the legal process in which the government tries to send the alien back to their home country. Aliens who are removed after overstaying a visa are banned from returning to the United States for up to 10 years. The potential risk in these cases is enormous, and no one should make this type of application without an immigration attorney’s help. If this is your situation, you need an immigration attorney .
Like all attorneys, immigration attorneys are expensive. I can understand why people hesitate to spend so much money. But the work we do is very important. Your interaction with the USCIS will have an enormous impact on your life. It should not be taken lightly. Immigration law is incredibly complex, and the USCIS itself has said that those who understand it “are worth their weight in gold.”
Immigration attorneys are not miracle workers. I do not have any magic potions to get people immigration benefits for which they are not eligible. I can’t make the USCIS move your case faster. I don’t have any inside connections to bend the rules. You should be highly suspect of anyone who makes such claims.
What I do have is knowledge, access to legal resources and experience. I can identify potential problems in your case, and advise you how to avoid or address those problems. I can argue with USCIS on your behalf if necessary. In addition, because my office has processed hundreds of cases, we are much less likely to make a mistake that could delay your application or even cause it to be denied.
My office has helped hundreds of people begin or continue their lives in the United States. If you hire us, we will do our best for you.