What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?
Immigration lawyer A lawyer who specializes in immigration law guides clients through the complex process of obtaining a visa, green card, or citizenship. They use their verbal communication skills to communicate with clients, legal assistants, paralegals, and those working in government agencies as they work to resolve issues related to the legalization process.
Most immigration attorneys are members of professional organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which provides networking opportunities, continuing education programs, and resources to assist their practice. These organizations help them stay abreast of evolving laws, agency policy, and case law.
Immigration lawyers are found in many different legal settings, including private law firms that specialize in immigration law, government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and nonprofit organizations. Some are even in-house counsel at global companies, helping employees navigate the complex legal landscape of employment-based immigration matters.
For individuals who are in removal proceedings, it’s critical to hire an attorney immediately. The judge presiding over your case won’t steer you in the right direction and will likely want to deport you, so it’s vital that you have an immigration attorney to represent you. These professionals also work with individuals who are applying to become a naturalized citizen of the United States or who qualify for an EB-1 visa for extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. They can also guide individuals through the deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) process.