Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

Immigrating to the United States can be exciting, yet daunting. In the land of opportunity, there are laws that must be followed. One cannot simply move here and live here without proper documentation. This is where an immigration lawyer can become your greatest asset. He can be your friend, your confidant and your biggest cheerleader as you work to live legally in the United States of America.

Laws regarding immigrants can be confusing and the process can be frustrating. An immigration lawyer understands the nuances of the law and can help you navigate the seemingly endless waters. While you are welcome to represent yourself, it is foolish to believe that you can do as well as a trained attorney would. Laws are specific (yet sometimes vague) and neglecting to follow the law will certainly cause you to be deported and banned from the country.

Filing documents in a timely manner is a large part of the process of becoming an American citizen. Hiring an immigration lawyer would remove the anxiety that comes with the filing process. Did I fill everything out correctly? Did I send it to the right office? How long do I have to wait for an answer? All of these questions, as well as others that arise, can be answered by an attorney who is working your case.

If the English language is a problem, understanding documents and procedures in English can be frustrating and almost debilitating. You will want to begin learning English as soon as you can. However, if your immigration lawyer does not speak your language, he will have the resources to find and utilize a translator that can help you understand what is going on in your case. Likewise, a translator can help you communicate more effectively with your attorney until you’ve become more familiar with English.

Hiring an immigration lawyer is going to cost you financially. While America is the Land of the Free, legal services are not. However, without one you will be hard pressed to make sense of the legal system and work through your case successfully. Many attorneys will work with you and make financial arrangements that are easier for you to afford.

Finding an attorney you can trust is imperative. Ask your friends and family for any recommendations that they have. Feel free to ask for references for any of the attorneys that you are considering. You must be comfortable with the one that you choose, as you will be working closely with them for a considerable amount of time. In the end, you will surely find the process rewarding as you take the oath to become an American citizen!