Immigration Lawyer - Providing Guidance and Representation

When an individual receives their law degree as an immigration lawyer, it is recommended that they join what is known as the AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association), although this is not mandatory. The AILA is a network that helps lawyers connect with experts and peers in addition to helping them find clients or jobs and keeps them updated on the latest changes in immigration laws.

The job of an immigration attorney can be very complex, and to get an understanding of their job description, it best to start with knowing exactly what the term “immigration” means. The word immigration refers to the permanent move of a non-citizen from their country to another country. The role of an immigration lawyer is to provide their client with guidance and legal advice. There are several types of immigrants which include:

• Illegal aliens-individuals that migrated into a foreign country with no proper documentation
• Refugees-Individuals who have left their country due to violence, war, or additional threats to their lives which are based on religious convictions or political affiliations

The job of an immigration attorney is regulated by state law. These lawyers are required by law to keep lawyer-client confidentiality regardless of the information obtained from their client. A professional and knowledgeable immigration lawyer focuses on providing their clients with how the laws of the state will affect them and always provide direction and guidance on relevant procedures to individuals who desire to apply for citizenship.

Non citizens who have committed or have been charged with a crime also seek the services of an immigration attorney to help determine whether the crime or charges might lead to deportation. These lawyers will also advise their clients as to the reasons why their past attempts at applying for citizenship may have been turned down.

Immigration lawyers are involved in the resolution of immigration law issues such as visa renewal and naturalization. These attorneys enable immigrants to work and live in the United States by helping them obtain a visa or green card, be granted political asylum or grain lawful permanent status. An immigration attorney also helps non citizens become naturalized citizens in addition to defending their rights. The duties of professional and well trained immigration lawyers involve researching cases, meeting and interviewing clients, arguing cases in a court of law and writing motions. In order to practice as an immigration attorney, individuals must have a bachelor’s and doctorate degree and have a state issued license. 

A successful immigration attorney enjoys working with people and develops a relationship with their clients based on a trustworthy reputation, a friendly and responsive demeanor, and a strong level of dedication and commitment to the cases they are involved in. Whether and individual is seeking to hire an immigration lawyer for a naturalization and citizenship issue, family based immigration, a criminal case, visa renewal, employment or business based immigration and more, finding the right lawyer is essential to the outcome of the case. An immigration attorney that has extensive knowledge in aspects dealing with all areas of immigration laws is the best weapon to ensure their client’s rights are protected.