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11 Sep, 2024 by Estanislao cayetano
Está vien
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10 Sep, 2024 by Viivid media
Alvarado Law is excellent. They helped me through hard financial times with my bankruptcy case and were quick, responsive and knowledgeable. I very much recommend them.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Sonia quinonez
Buenos abogados te dan lo máximo en accidentes de auto me quedé muy conforme después de un accidente que tuve de auto
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05 Oct, 2024 by The of king
Gracias por la oportunidad que me dio de tener mi permiso de trabajo y mi seguro social muy confiables y efectivo gracias 🙏 dios me los Bendiga
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13 Jul, 2024 by Benjamin moreno
Primeramente le quiero agradecer a la abogada Francis por ayudar a mi esposa y mi hijo por obtener la residencia. El camino fue largo pero ya gracias a dios ellos ya son residentes y juntos podemos construir un futuro aqui junto con todos mis hijos y mi esposa.Gracias a la persona que me recomendó a la abogada Francis es muy eficiente en su trabajó y lo que mase gusta de su ella y su oficina es que es honesta y le gusta ayudar a la comunidad. Abogada muchas gracias una vez mas. Y si recomiendo a la abogada Francis ella es honesta y eficiente .
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13 Jul, 2024 by Nancy prieto
My name is Nancy prieto, thanks to the lawyer Francis enrique we have accomplished to receive my green card this year. my experiences with lawyer francis enrique i highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to get a green card. shes very professional and organized in the process. shes always been there all the way from the start of the casa to the end.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Frank luna
It was ok. Not great
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21 Dec, 2021 by Tatiana muro
Mr. Arenivar was a great lawyer who helped with everything I needed in my family court case. He made sure to double check everything with me and answered any and all questions I had.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Jenny ortiz
Mr. Arenivar was very clear about my case from the beginning, he explain in accordance in accordance with the Law the rights and benefits that I could acquire. I would recommended with a full security and confidence
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05 Jun, 2023 by Frank luna
It was ok. Not great
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21 Dec, 2021 by Tatiana muro
Mr. Arenivar was a great lawyer who helped with everything I needed in my family court case. He made sure to double check everything with me and answered any and all questions I had.
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09 Oct, 2020 by Jenny ortiz
Mr. Arenivar was very clear about my case from the beginning, he explain in accordance in accordance with the Law the rights and benefits that I could acquire. I would recommended with a full security and confidence
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13 May, 2014 by Anonymous
He is a good attorney. One of the best in my opinion. He is busy and but if you call and make an appointment to meet with him specifically, he will try. He is in high demand and most good lawyers are. I recommend meeting him during the week and not on Saturdays. If he can't meet with you in person, he will usually speak to you over the phone personally and answer any questions. It is important for him to make sure his clients are satisfied with his work.
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06 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I made an appointment to see Mr. Espinoza on April 5,2014 for a consultation. My friend recommended me to him and she told me that the consultation is free. The day before my appointment , they called from his office to confirm my appointment. I left work early on Saturday and went to see him. After waiting for half an hour, I was called in. There was a lady who came in to the office to inform me there is a $80 fee. I questioned it but ended up paying. It was then that I was informed that Mr. Espinoza was not in on that day. I was furious. They had this other lady look over my case and wasn't able to assist me since my case is a bit complicated. Then I was told to make another appointment to return back and see Mr. Espinoza. A month later, I was given another appointment. I drove all the way from Glendale and after waiting in the office for one hr., I was introduced to Mr. Espinoza for a quick second and he informed me that he had to leave the office and could do a phone consultation in about 15 minutes. Bottom line, I wasted two Saturdays and I didn't get my free face to face consultation with him. I would not recommend him to anyone.
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30 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Great Lawyer! My dad was arrested and charged with hit and run. My mom and him were not married and he was on an immigration hold. We interviewed 9 lawyers before we decided to hire Mr. Espinoza. In the consultation he let us know what our chances were and said he had worked with worse cases before. He stopped my dad from being deported and always kept us informed. My dad was only in the immigration hold for 1 week and Mr. Espinoza kept his word. I am so grateful to him and his staff. Trust me he knows the law and will get you the results you want. Prices are reasonable too.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Lauren
She was retained for a case but she was overwhelmed with vacation and other cases as she verbalized when she removed herself from my husbands case less than 2 weeks before he had to attend court leaving him with no lawyer to appear in court for a nasty custody battle. He was unable to find a new attorney last minute due to the severity of his case. In the end he lost joint custody of his son and Attorney Carina Reyna knew how crucial her appearance was. This company is unprofessional, the attorney didn't really have any time to fight the case and she spreads herself too thin. She definitely should work on the quality of work and not the quantity of retainer fees she obtains, because the first time and only time she attended court for the case she was kinda lost and unprepared. Hopefully in the future this never happens to anyone else as she sharpens her skills and becomes more knowledgeable in her craft.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
People of Whittier! Just because she's in Whittier, doesn't mean you need to hire her. Yes, we're all desperate for resolution and advice but PLEASE! Stay away from this lawyer! She's terrible at her job. Her service is way below average. The amount of money she charges for her so called services, you can get yourself a way better attorney in DTLA. Please message me directly, I'd be more than happy to give you more information. She should be disbarred. Paralegals do better paperwork than she does, and they charge waaaay less! Also, all the so called positive reviews are more than likely friends and family she has to burry negative posts. She also has a response / excuse for everything.
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29 Jun, 2022 by Nava
Contrate a Karina porque necesitaba un abogado que hablara español pero realmente el día de mi audiencia mostró interés únicamente por terminar rápido sin preocuparse porque venía después .. ese día le comenté que necesitaba un abogado para mi divorcio y por su actitud mostró poco interés y hoy confirmó que ella quiere ganar dinero fácil porque la contacte para que me explicara que podía hacer ante lo que firme como ella me dijo y hasta el día de hoy no tuvo la educación de regresarme la llamada .. No la recomiendo desde su actitud deja mucho que desear.
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Questions? We have answers

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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