Immigration Attorney Job Description

An Immigration attorney should be licensed to practice law legally. Immigration attorneys can specialize in different areas, such as employment-based petitions, family-based petitions, visa applications, and representation in immigration court. Attorneys can work as solo practitioners, in a mid-size or large firm, as well as at a nonprofit organization. Filing fees for USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) petitions are standard nationwide, though attorney fees vary greatly based on location, the attorney's experience, and the complexity of the case.

Removal or Deportation

Immigration court does not provide defendants with an attorney. If your case is before an immigration judge because you are in removal or deportation proceedings, then you must obtain an immigration attorney on your own.

Notarios

People that establish businesses as "notarios" and offer immigration services usually are not qualified and are running some type of scam. Avoid discussing or opening a case with a notario, as his many mistakes will undoubtedly create future obstacles with USCIS.

Employment-Based

Employment-based immigration attorneys might prepare petitions involving H-1B, L-1, TN, and E-2 visas. Immigration attorneys usually conduct consultations with clients, prepare petitions, file petitions, and assist in addressing issues that may arise, such as processing delays because the government limits the number of employment-based immigrant visas issued annually.

Family-Based

Immigration attorneys who prepare family-based petitions should be familiar with concepts such as consular processing, adjustment of status, immediate relative, and priority date. Attorneys may have experience in presenting cases in immigration court. Some attorneys also help prepare citizenship applications and understand the ways in which children can acquire or derive U.S. citizenship.

AILA

Be wary of immigration attorneys who are not members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the national professional organization for immigration attorneys that provides immigration advocates resources, training, and connections to their communities.

References

• AILA
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services