How to Find and Hire a Great Immigration Lawyer in Orlando & Miami
In today’s day and age, the United States is still a beacon of hope, stability, and prosperity for many intending immigrants. Whether the intending immigrant is escaping rampant pollution in China, political instability in Central or South America, or a rigid class structure in a society like India the United States offers hard working people the chance to start a new life for themselves and their family. While this opportunity is available it is subject to a complex set of immigration laws that, if improperly navigated, can delay or prevent the individual from securing permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship. Furthermore, while there may be a number of paths to secure a visa to immigrate to the United States, not all paths are equal. Some methods of immigration, such as those where there is a limited allotment of visas, can be subject to lengthy waits.
At Colombo & Hurd our experienced immigration team is based out of Orlando and Miami. Over the years we have built our practice providing immigration solutions for individuals and businesses. If you have immigration questions or concerns our experienced team of immigration attorneys can provide well-researched and strategic guidance. To schedule a confidential initial consultation please call our offices at 800-659-7142 today or contact us online.
Why Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer?
Many people and business owners wonder as to why they would even need to retain the services of an attorney. The truth is that immigration law is a particularly complex area of law where filings must conform to certain rules and set forth evidence proving certain legal requirements have been met. Consider, for instance, the process one would face regarding an immigration petition through the EB-5 immigrant investor program.
First, the immigrant must prepare and file Form I-526. Form I-526 must contain certain information relating to the immigrant investor’s business plan. The information must set forth how the immigrant investor will or expects to satisfy the job creation fulfillment criteria. An array of relevant documents and financials should be included with the I-526 filing including relevant tax records and I-9 filings. Furthermore, individuals entering into the EB-5 program must also show that their investment funds were lawfully obtained and meet other requirements. After dutifully running the business the two year period, a I-829 petition must be filed at least 90 days before the two-year anniversary of one’s conditional green card status. Failure to make a sufficient filing can result in the loss of the immigration benefit that would otherwise be derived through the EB-5 program.
Finding an Immigration Attorney
Some people have difficulty getting started when seeking an immigration attorney. However, if you have landed on this page perhaps you’ve already figured out that Google and other search engines are a useful resource. Aside from a search engine, there are many well-known websites where users can type in their zip code or city to locate a lawyer. Another good way to get a recommendation for an attorney is to contact local bar associations and civil associations. Associations that may provide a list of attorneys to interested members of the public includes:
- Florida Bar
- Florida Supreme Court
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
- Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida
What Questions Should I Ask an Immigration Attorney Before I Make a Hiring Decision?
When a potential immigrant or a business is seeking immigration advice and guidance there are certain questions that should be asked. Of course, the exact questions you ask should be tailored to address many of the unique features or particularities involved. This will require the individual to think critically about their matter and perform some research. The following questions are a good starting point when interviewing a potential immigration attorney:
- How many years have you practiced immigration law?
- Will I work with you directly? Will my matter be assigned to an associate or will it be outsourced?
- How many family-based immigration matters have you successfully handled?
- How many occupation-based immigration matters have you successfully handled?
- Have you handed matters involving only temporary work authorization or have you helped people secure legal permanent residence status and a pathway to citizenship?
- Have you handled an EB-5 matter in the past? Are you associated with any regional centers?
- Have you ever worked with a client with a conviction for possession of marijuana or other crimes? What are my odds of securing citizenship?
- What languages do you speak? Do you speak Spanish?
These questions offer a sample of the type of things you should try to ask any potential immigration lawyer. However, be sure to expand on these questions and tailor them to the particulars of your matter. Furthermore, ask the attorney questions about how he or she prefers to work to determine if you will be able to work together. In other words, don’t find out two months into your matter that your attorney loathes e-mail and avoids using it if that is your preferred method of communication.
The Immigration Attorneys of Colombo & Hurd Provide Experienced Guidance for individuals and Businesses
If you are seeking experienced and strategic immigration guidance, the attorneys of Colombo & Hurd can work with you or your business to craft an array of immigration solutions or to challenge an order for removal or other unfavorable immigration action. To schedule a consultation where we can discuss whether our services are a good fit for your immigration concerns or needs call 800-659-7142 today or contact us online.
