Best Lawyers in America for Immigration Law

Practice Area Overview

Immigration law governs how people enter, reside in and become citizens of the United States. It spans family-based immigration, employment-based pathways, humanitarian protections and enforcement actions.

Because the U.S. immigration system is primarily federal, policies apply nationwide but are carried out through local offices, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices and immigration courts.

Multiple federal agencies shape the system. USCIS processes applications for visas, green cards and naturalization. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) handles enforcement and detention.

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) oversees immigration court proceedings. The Department of State manages visa issuance abroad. With evolving policies, procedural backlogs and high-stakes consequences, navigating immigration law without legal help can lead to critical errors. Skilled immigration attorneys help clients manage risk and protect their rights.

What Do Immigration Lawyers Do?

Immigration lawyers provide vital services to individuals and families seeking legal status or protection in the U.S. Their work often includes:

  • Assisting with visa applications, including family, student and employment-based categories
  • Guiding green card and permanent residency applications
  • Defending clients in deportation or removal proceedings
  • Supporting naturalization and citizenship efforts
  • Preparing asylum and refugee claims
  • Securing waivers for inadmissibility issues Filing for DACATemporary Protected Status (TPS) and other forms of humanitarian relief

Beyond filling out forms, attorneys strategize, ensure legal accuracy, prepare clients for interviews and represent them in court or before USCIS officers. Their work can mean the difference between approval and denial.

When Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

While not every case requires legal counsel, many benefit from it. You should strongly consider hiring an immigration lawyer if you:

  • Were previously denied a visa or have past immigration violations
  • Are in removal proceedings or fear deportation
  • Are navigating complex family sponsorships or employment-based categories
  • Are unsure about eligibility or documentation requirements
  • Have concerns about inadmissibility due to prior unlawful presence or a criminal record

How to Find a Good Immigration Lawyer

Choosing the right legal representative matters. To find a trustworthy immigration lawyer:

  • Use peer-reviewed directories like Best Lawyers for credible listings
  • Review the attorney's experience with the specific immigration issue you're facing
  • Read client reviews and check their bar standing
  • Get referrals from immigrant support organizations or advocacy groups

Best Lawyers provides a directory of attorneys who have been vetted by peers and recognized for their skill, integrity and client service in immigration law.

Can an Immigration Lawyer Help You Get a U.S. Visa?

Yes. An experienced immigration lawyer is instrumental in securing the right visa and avoiding delays. They help:

  • Determine the best visa type based on your goals and background
  • Complete and submit accurate, thorough documentation
  • Prepare for interviews at U.S. embassies or USCIS offices
  • Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or appeals when needed

Whether you're applying for a student visa, employment visa or family-based visa, a lawyer can help reduce risk and improve your chances of success.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File for U.S. Citizenship?

While it is not legally required to hire an attorney for naturalization, doing so can be beneficial in many cases. A lawyer is especially helpful if you:

  • Have a history of immigration complications or denials
  • Have a criminal record or past legal trouble
  • Are unsure whether your past actions may affect eligibility

Attorneys ensure your N-400 application is complete and accurate, help you gather supporting documents and prepare you for the citizenship interview and civics test.

Immigration Attorney vs. Immigration Lawyer

In the U.S., the terms "immigration attorney" and "immigration lawyer" are interchangeable. Both refer to licensed professionals authorized to give legal advice, represent clients and appear in court or before immigration agencies.

This is not the case with immigration consultants or notaries, who are often not attorneys and may not be licensed to provide legal advice. Using unlicensed providers can lead to misinformation or even legal harm. Always ensure your representative is a licensed immigration attorney or lawyer.

Frequently Asked Immigration Law Questions

What do immigration lawyers do exactly?

They provide legal strategy, prepare and file immigration paperwork, represent clients in interviews and hearings and guide individuals through complex U.S. immigration laws.

What’s the difference between an immigration lawyer and a consultant?

An immigration lawyer is licensed to practice law and can represent you in legal proceedings. A consultant may offer limited help but is not authorized to provide legal advice or appear in court.

What does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer?

Fees vary widely based on the complexity of the case, region and attorney experience. Many lawyers offer consultations to help determine scope and cost.

What types of visas can an attorney assist with?

Attorneys help with a broad range of visas including family-based, employment-based, student, fiancé and investor visas.

How long does the immigration process take with an attorney’s help?

Timelines vary. However, working with a lawyer can help you avoid delays caused by mistakes, missing documents or misunderstood requirements.

Ethical Representation and Common Mistakes

Immigration law is rife with pitfalls and unfortunately, not every service provider is legitimate. Unlicensed consultants, often called notarios, may promise fast results but lack the qualifications to offer legal advice. This can lead to incorrect filings, delays or denials.

Hiring a licensed immigration attorney is critical to protecting your rights. Every lawyer listed in the Best Lawyers directory is peer-nominated, vetted and in good standing. When your legal status and future are at stake, don't take chances on shortcuts.

Whether you’re applying for a visa, facing removal proceedings or preparing for citizenship, an experienced immigration lawyer can make a critical difference. Explore our directory of peer-reviewed immigration attorneys and choose a lawyer recognized for their legal skill and professionalism.

 

 

 

Immigration Law Legal Guide 2025

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Our Methodology


Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

The Process

Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.