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03 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
This lawyer takes money, does nothing with your case, and then withdraws from your case. Have your money work for you and go with a different lawyer.
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18 May, 2019 by Dorian
Worked with Kristin Regal in 2017. Took my retainer and did nothing after but show up to court unprepared, and misinformed me to meet all the demands requested of me in the suit. Then had the nerve to tell me she would fight harder if she knew I had more money.
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03 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I had retained Thu Nguyen of Nguyen Immigration located at 17330 Preston Road, Dallas for a green card application last year. In the beginning Ms. Nguyen seemed adequate, although I did find her along with her assistant to be a little scattered, disorganized, and unclear in their dealings with me. I paid a large sum of money at different times (in the thousands of dollars) for the various applications I required. Unfortunately after my last payment was submitted to Ms. Nguyen in full, I noticed a significant decline in her services. I was left with no proper responses in regards to a very important issue dealing with my intermittent travel. Due to Ms. Nguyen’s lack of response I ended up cancelling an international ticket and losing money and also postponing another trip (all to find out almost a year later that I never had to cancel any of these and was permitted to travel the entire time!) This was extremely inconvenient and disappointing. I also found throughout that Ms. Nguyen would constantly say more money was needed to be added as the retainer had been “absorbed.” I never once received receipts for ANY of my monies paid, or a breakdown of charges. I just trusted her word in good faith. However this money related issue became very concerning when I had paid Ms. Nguyen $618.00 for a renewal application that was not needed to be submitted after all. The application was cancelled and never submitted, nor did I even receive a draft copy of any documents prepared. Ms. Nguyen literally charged me the full $618.00 for an unsent application. I would not give my recommendation for Ms. Nguyen to anybody at all. I am taking this matter up with her governing authority formally, as it a matter of principle. It was a horrible experience for me, and I was left with no recourse.
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13 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Very disappointed with Steve, I paid him and he did nothing to even attempt to win a divorce case for me. He never returned calls or stated that he never got messages from me at all. Unless he was receiving money he would simply sit on it and do nothing. This WILL be reported to the State Bar Association POSSIBLLY have him return all of our money paid to him to apply towards another attorney.
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19 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I want to ensure that everyone is aware of the awful situation the lawyer Elsa T. Gonzales put me through. My case involved me requesting a change of status from TPS (El Salvador) to Resident (green card) due to marriage. I found her through a CLC referral and got to receive a free consultation. During our initial consultation she seemed more than capable and willing to handle my case. After our first meeting which she was an hour late to (should’ve noticed the red flag but ignored it, due to it was free). I went home to locate all the documents she had requested. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate certain documents. The documents would be needed to prove my eligibility despite my parents previous lie on the initial TPS application. Elsa stated it should be fine and we agreed to meet again to sign a contract and begin the process. During our second meeting I explained to her the situation again and the missing documents and she reassured me everything should still be fine and I should still be able to request the change of status. I signed the contract and paid $1,000 upfront as a retainer. A month later I still had not heard anything and emailed her to request a date when the paperwork would be done so I could sign and submit. She told me I would hear back in a week. A week passed and still nothing. At this point, I emailed asking for an exact date. I was given a date by an assistant and then Elsa chooses at this point to tell me that since I don’t have documents to prove my situation I should’ve never received TPS and without TPS I am unable to request a change of status. (Which is what I paid her to do, and signed the contract for) I immediately told her I did not appreciate being led on and lied to and asked her to terminate the contract and refund me the money. She replied stating she did not understand what I was saying and that the paperwork was done. The emails escalated from there. At one point she stated she had put so many hours into it, that I was not due a refund. Her assistant then asked me for my address in Mexico.. (I’m not from Mexico and never have been. My TPS is from El Salvador). All this led to me having an anxiety attack and my husband took over emailing her. When my husband pointed out, how she never kept track of time, the lawyer rebutted with it’s based on reasonable time. My husband asked her to terminate the contract and the lawyer told him that I had never told her to terminate and that all I did was refuse to provide my Mexico address. (Further showing how little time she spent on my case). She offered to mail or have us pick up the termination paperwork. My husband asked her to mail since she’s about a 45 minute drive. That was two weeks ago and the paperwork never arrived. Elsa will scam you. She pretended she cared and wanted to help just long enough to get my money. She lies just to get your money and once she has it, she will not give it back. If she actually spent any time on my case, she would at least know the right country. Do not hire her.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
This is the worst law attorney/ car accident attorney ever. After getting into a car accident almost two years ago. Nothing has been done , excuse after excuse. Never calls me back and the other attorney always comes up with excuse as to why this isn't over. I would call and Valencia and she would say oh your case is going to court, next few weeks they have gave my case to another law's office without me agreeing to letting another attorney taking my case. They knew after a few weeks of taking my case if this was going to be harder. I guess I can say Shaun Naidoo runs when things get hard , this was my first accident, and the experience with someone hitting me head on and the attorney running too as been frustrating. I will be talking to the bar Association because they gave my case to someone else without contacting me to even ask me if i wanted somone else. I've never even had a sit down with Shaun Naidoo. Run before he bells out on you.
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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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
