In this ever-changing and interconnected world, immigration has become an increasingly complex and sensitive issue. Within the U.S., immigration lawyers can play a critical role in assisting individuals, families and even businesses to navigate the intricacies of immigration law.
To be confident hiring an immigration lawyer is the right fit for you, in this article, we'll explore the day-to-day role of an immigration lawyer throughout the process, along with the services they provide to those seeking to enter or remain in the U.S.
Client Consultations, Research and Document Preparation
For most immigration lawyers, a typical workday begins with new or recurring client consultations. In these consultation meetings, immigration lawyers can understand their client's unique situations, assess all viable options and construct a legal strategy best suited to their circumstances. With this information, lawyers can deduce their client's eligibility level for visas, green cards and other immigration benefits.
Once an initial consultation is complete, immigration lawyers can begin research and case preparation. By studying or familiarizing themselves with current immigration laws, regulations and policies, as well as monitoring recent changes, immigration lawyers can identify potential challenges and develop a set of structured arguments to best represent their client’s case in court.
Additionally, immigration lawyers are responsible for completing immigration applications, which usually involve a significant amount of paperwork. From gathering the required documents to confirming their authenticity, immigration lawyers will work with their clients to ensure all applicable paperwork is complete and deadlines are met.
Communicating with Government Agencies
Another critical aspect of an immigration lawyer's day-to-day often requires them to communicate with various government agencies directly involved in the immigration process, including the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the state department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In some, if not all, cases, an immigration lawyer must represent their client in a court setting, arguing before an immigration judge. Immigration lawyers must be skilled in compiling and presenting evidence, witness cross-examination and building a compelling argument to support their client’s position. Similarly, to lawyers in many other practice areas, immigration lawyers must be able to adapt to changes in their client’s cases quickly.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer for Immigration?
While it may not be a mandatory step in the immigration process, hiring an immigration lawyer allows clients to have an experienced legal representative. Since immigration policies are constantly changing, hiring an immigration lawyer can only benefit all clients involved. Although not guaranteed, having a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer by your side can significantly increase your chances of approval, making for a successful immigration process overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, the day-to-day life of an immigration lawyer can be demanding but highly rewarding when a successful outcome is within reach. From client consultations and research to document preparation and representing clients in court, immigration lawyers can play a vital role in helping clients achieve their immigration goals as they navigate the intricate landscape of U.S. immigration law.
