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19 May, 2023 by Seda
Lauren helped my husband and me during my permanent residency application process. She made everything much easier for us, we couldn’t handle it on our own. Lauren was a great attorney to work with. She kept us updated on our progress, and she was always there for us to help and answer questions. Lauren was so professional; she filed everything on time, provided everything they needed, completed each stage without an issue, and brought us success in receiving my green card. We didn’t have to worry about anything because we were so confident in her representation in our case. Thank you, Lauren, for being a great person! I appreciate your dedication to helping and guiding immigrants in the United States.
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08 May, 2023 by Laura
Lauren is the best lawyer hands down! She took my case since day one, answered all my questions, guided me through the immigration process, very responsible, honest and reliable. I have nothing, but good things to say. If you are looking for someone to handle your case, she is the one! Thank you thank you :)
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28 Mar, 2023 by Jim
What a God-send Lauren McGee was to our process. She was always in communication, very attentive, didn't waste our time, worked through the difficult moments, and took a case that others had turned down. I was a little uneasy since she was in Colorado and we were needing to cross at Tijuana. However, that never became a problem. She even came to the final interview scheduled in San Diego for very little expense. In the end, SUCCESS which equals a green card, was my husband's reward!! Thank you for your understanding of the process, your encouragement over every hurdle, being honest when needed, and not giving up on us even to the bitter end! If you're looking for a great immigration attorney, be sure to see if Lauren has an open space for you! I promise, you won't regret it!!
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16 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
By far, this is the best law firm I have ever used in my legal experiences. Amanda's professionalism and ability to navigate through very complicated civil issues was above and beyond. This attorney is tough, and dedicated to her clients; I absolutely recommend you choose this firm.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Kurt
Working with Law Offices of Said Sharbini, has been pleasant from start to finish. I live in Florida had a couple of warrants that needed to be taken care of and Contacted a few lawyers there; a couple were a bit cheaper. Called Mr. Sharbini and we had a nice conversation. I was concerned he was a little bit more expensive than the others, but like he said, "You pay for what you get". I took the chance; I'm glad I did he got Amanda Borsman on my case she was able to get one settled the next day and took about two months to get the second one handled. During that time, her or the office, never left me waiting responded quickly and explained the law where I understood she was patient and listened to my concerns. I loved the results from both cases; even got a portion of my trust fund back. Very honest firm and Highly Recommend them.
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19 May, 2022 by Brandon
Honestly, hiring Said was a better experience than I even hoped for. Not only did he keep my desired solution in mind when he took on my case, but he kept me informed of the process, timeline, and gave me post resolution factors to consider. Without hiring Said, I’m beyond certain that I would have been treated unfairly throughout my complaint process and I would not have been made whole.
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30 Sep, 2022 by Jordan
​Big thank you to Kristi from the Meyer Law Office! After a long road I am officially an American citizen. Kristi was very kind & she really helped me through this whole process & made me feel confident. Hans' whole team is knowledgeable, thorough & they genuinely care about their clients. Today marks a big day for me & my family & I couldn't have done it without this amazing group of individuals. ​
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09 Jun, 2022 by Alfredo
You are an excellent lawyer and thank you for helping us win our case after 13 yrs trying to win. You helped us stay together as a family
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11 Mar, 2022 by David
Kristi was phenomenal as my lawyer. She kept me prepared for each step and communicated with me via email, phone, zoom, and in person meetings to make sure I knew everything that was going on throughout the process. Kristi was professional, and knowledgeable, and personable. We had many hurdles to jump through and Kristi made seem easy. If you are in need of any immigration help, you would be lucky to get Kristi as your lawyer. 10 out of 10.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony rich
Claire helped me when my ex tried to use false DV claims during our divorce case. Claire was very knowledgeable about the law, helped me get the charges dismissed and was exceptionally easy to communicate with! She is definitely one of the best lawyers in the area!
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03 Jul, 2024 by Salem steppig
Claire is a fantastic lawyer that helped us during a very challenging time. She is smart as a whip, extremely easy to communicate with and works tirelessly for her clients.
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07 Jun, 2024 by Jordan rich
If you’re looking for a corrupt law firm, look no further. Claire and her husband Daniel, are in cahoots to work to get domestic violence criminals off the hook. I am a survivor of DV from a multiple-time offender ex who left bruises on me in front of our 3 year old and newborn baby. Justice was not served to my ex- which is wrong on so many levels. Daniel left cryptic notes on my apartment door at a time where retaliation was a high risk. Luckily, I was seeking shelter elsewhere. I cannot imagine another woman who makes money off of working to silence battered women and children. Utterly horrifying.
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What an Immigration Lawyer Can Do for You

An immigration lawyer specializes in helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complex immigration process. These lawyers provide legal guidance on various immigration matters, such as obtaining visas, gaining permanent residency (green cards), applying for citizenship, and defending clients in deportation or removal proceedings. Immigration lawyers also assist with employment-based immigration, asylum applications, and resolving issues related to visas or immigration status.

Whether you're trying to immigrate to the U.S., facing deportation, or sponsoring an employee or family member for a visa, an immigration lawyer can help you understand your legal options and navigate the often complicated legal system.

When Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

Hiring an immigration lawyer is beneficial in many situations where you are dealing with U.S. immigration laws, whether for personal or business reasons. Common reasons to hire an immigration lawyer include:

  • Visa applications: If you need assistance applying for a visa, whether it's a work visa (H-1B), student visa (F-1), or tourist visa (B-1/B-2), a lawyer can help ensure the application is properly completed and submitted.
  • Green card applications: If you're seeking permanent residency, an immigration lawyer can guide you through the process, whether through family sponsorship, employment, or the Diversity Visa (lottery) program.
  • Deportation or removal defense: If you’re facing deportation or removal from the U.S., a lawyer can defend your case in immigration court and seek to prevent removal.
  • Asylum applications: If you’re seeking asylum due to persecution or fear of persecution in your home country, a lawyer can help you prepare a strong case and file for asylum.
  • Family reunification: If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident looking to bring family members to the U.S., a lawyer can assist with the family sponsorship process.
  • Citizenship and naturalization: If you're ready to apply for U.S. citizenship, a lawyer can help you navigate the naturalization process and ensure you meet all the requirements.
  • Business immigration: If you're an employer seeking to hire foreign workers, a lawyer can assist with employment-based visas, labor certification, and compliance with immigration regulations.
  • Special immigration categories: Immigration lawyers also handle complex cases, such as visas for victims of human trafficking (T visa), crime victims (U visa), or those seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Hiring an immigration lawyer early in the process can help you avoid delays, errors, and possible denials due to incomplete or incorrect applications.

What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

An immigration lawyer provides a wide range of services to help clients with their immigration needs, whether personal or business-related. Their tasks often include:

  • Assisting with visa applications: Helping clients fill out and submit visa applications, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Filing for green cards and permanent residency: Guiding clients through the process of applying for a green card, including family-based, employment-based, or other forms of residency.
  • Defending against deportation or removal: Representing clients in immigration court who are facing deportation and working to prevent removal from the U.S.
  • Preparing asylum cases: Assisting clients in applying for asylum based on fear of persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
  • Handling citizenship applications: Helping lawful permanent residents apply for naturalization and ensuring they meet all the legal requirements for U.S. citizenship.
  • Employment-based immigration: Assisting employers with the process of sponsoring foreign workers for temporary or permanent visas, including H-1B, L-1, and EB-1 through EB-5 visas.
  • Representation in immigration interviews: Preparing clients for immigration interviews and attending interviews at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices.
  • Appealing denied applications: If a visa, green card, or citizenship application is denied, a lawyer can file appeals or motions to reopen or reconsider the case.

How Are Immigration Lawyers Paid?

Immigration lawyers generally charge for their services based on the type of immigration case and the complexity of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

  • Flat fee: Many immigration lawyers charge a flat fee for specific services, such as preparing a visa application, green card petition, or citizenship application. Flat fees help clients know upfront what the legal costs will be for a particular service.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex cases, such as deportation defense or appeals, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates vary depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Retainer: For ongoing immigration matters, some clients may need to pay a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as the lawyer works on the case.
  • Pro bono or sliding scale: Some immigration lawyers or nonprofit organizations may offer free or low-cost services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in asylum or humanitarian cases.

It’s essential to discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the costs and payment arrangements.

How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer varies based on the type of legal service required, the lawyer's experience, and the complexity of the case. General cost estimates include:

  • Visa applications: For help with visa applications (e.g., H-1B, L-1, F-1), legal fees may range from $2,000 to $7,500, depending on the complexity and the type of visa.
  • Green card applications: Fees for family-based or employment-based green card applications typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the case.
  • Deportation defense: For defending clients in removal proceedings, costs can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and how long the case takes.
  • Asylum cases: Asylum applications may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on whether the case is defensive (in removal proceedings) or affirmative (not in removal proceedings).
  • Citizenship applications: Legal fees for filing a naturalization application usually range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s immigration history.
  • Business immigration services: Fees for assisting businesses with employment-based visas (such as H-1B or EB-5 visas) often range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of costs and fee arrangements before proceeding with legal services.

Top Questions to Ask an Immigration Lawyer

Before hiring an immigration lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your case effectively. Important questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with immigration cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s family-based immigration, employment visas, or asylum.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case and the potential outcomes, including any challenges you might face.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Immigration cases can take time, so ask how long it may take to process your application or resolve your legal issue.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of your case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly.
  6. What documents do I need to provide?
    Ask the lawyer about the documentation required to support your case, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or employment contracts.

How to Check the Credibility of an Immigration Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable immigration lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:

  • Check their state bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no disciplinary actions against them.
  • Look for specific immigration law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in immigration law and have experience handling cases like yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their ability to handle immigration cases.
  • Check for industry affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can indicate the lawyer’s expertise and commitment to immigration law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with an immigration lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Passport and immigration documents: Bring your passport, visa, and any documents related to your current immigration status.
  • Family documents: If you're applying for a family-based visa or green card, bring marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of family relationships.
  • Employment information: For employment-based visas, provide your employment contract, offer letter, or other documentation of your job.
  • Criminal records (if applicable): If you have any criminal history, bring copies of court records and other relevant documents.
  • Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any prior immigration applications, visas, or issues with immigration authorities.
  • List of questions: Prepare any questions you have about your immigration case, the process, costs, and the likelihood of success.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer understand your case more effectively and get the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.

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