Frequently Asked Questions
My case is very simple, should I hire someone other than a lawyer to save money?
Immigration matters are often extremely complex and the consequences of failure are often catastrophic. Hiring a non-lawyer to handle your case may be one of the worst decisions you ever make. Some non-lawyers who claim expertise in immigration may be well meaning, such as those who work at a nonprofit organization. However, they typically do not have the knowledge and training of an immigration lawyer. With the exception of organizations authorized by the Board of Immigration Appeals, these organizations may be operating in violation of federal and—depending upon the state in which you reside—state laws. Others who profess to have the knowledge and ability to assist immigrants may be confidence men or common crooks.
My case is very simple, should I handle it by myself?
Though a case might seem simple, it might actually be far more complex than you realize. Most cases are best handled with the assistance of a qualified immigration lawyer.
There are, however, some instances in which most people do not need the help of a lawyer. For example, most do not need the assistance of a lawyer to apply for the visa lottery. If you are selected in the visa lottery, there is no guarantee that you will ultimately obtain permanent residence in the United States. You should call an immigration lawyer immediately to maximize your chances of success.
Why do you charge a consultation fee? Many of the lawyers on TV offer free consultations.
Most immigration lawyers charge a consultation fee. Unlike other areas of law in which there is often a case to pursue after the consultation, immigration consultations sometimes result in the lawyer discovering that it is in the prospective client’s best interest to avoid pursuing immigration relief. Charging a consultation fee allows the immigration lawyer to earn some money for carefully evaluating whether a foreign national should pursue immigration relief at all. This is often a valuable service since applying for immigration relief when one is not eligible often results in disastrous consequences.
There are no good immigration lawyers in my area. Can I hire a lawyer who has an office far away?
Yes, in many cases you can even hire an immigration lawyer who is in a different state. This is because the immigration process is governed by federal law.
