As a Miami immigration lawyer, I sometimes come across clients who want to know why they should hire an immigration lawyer. The benefits to hiring a lawyer, versus preparing an immigration application yourself, are tremendous. Here are some benefits:
- Immigration law is notoriously complex.
Next to tax law, immigration law is considered among the most complex, and it is becoming increasingly so. Hiring a Miami immigration lawyer greatly decreases the chances of your making a fatal mistake on your immigration application. - Immigration law changes frequently.
Immigration regulations are always changing. When you combine this with the fact that immigration laws are becoming more complex, handling your own immigration case with a Miami immigration lawyer becomes more of a perilous task. - Immigration fraud is rampant.
This is a sad story that I see, over and over again. It bears repeating that a “notario” is NOT a licensed attorney in the United States, and cannot represent you before the USCIS or the Board of Immigration Appeals. The individuals who claim to be “notarios” in the U.S. without also having a license to practice law are in fact committing immigration fraud. Their bad advice can derail your immigration case. Sadly, I have seen this with my own eyes, one too many times. - Immigration lawyers know the system well, saving you time.
There are a myriad of forms and documents that go along with every immigration application and/or petition. A Miami immigration lawyer who has had experience with your specific kind of case will be able to access his/her research quicker and easier, thus saving you time. - If you are in immigration court (deportation/removal) proceedings, hiring an attorney is highly advisable.
If you are in deportation/removal proceedings, make no mistake – your situation is precarious. Your entire future rides on the whether you are removed from the United States or not. If you are in currently in deportation proceedings, I highly recommend that you hire a Miami immigration attorney. If the deportation proceedings have been concluded, you should still ask a lawyer whether the outcome affects your current application. - An immigration lawyer is the only person who can represent you.
Only a licensed attorney can represent you before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the National Visa Center, the Board of Immigration Appeals, or at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you require representation, you should contact a Miami immigration lawyer. A “notario” cannot represent you in these proceedings. - You may be inadmissible, and not know it.
Being deemed “inadmissible” to the United States means that the USCIS or the consulate has a good reason to keep you out of the United States. Reasons for your inadmissibility may include having committed a crime, or if you previously defrauded the U.S. government. If you think you may be inadmissible to the United States for any reason, I would highly suggest that you consult a Miami immigration lawyer before even beginning the application process. - USCIS information officers do not work for you. Immigration lawyers do.
USCIS information officers do not have to take any responsibility if they give you wrong advice. As such, it is highly unsafe to ask a USCIS officer as to how to proceed with your case. Remember – the USCIS officer is not your advocate. The only way to ensure that you reecive sound and accurate representation is by hiring a Miami immigration lawyer who is currently licensed to practice in his/her respective state. - You may make a fatal mistake on your application.
U.S. immigration applications involve filling out forms,with extremely detailed instructions about gathering and including other paperwork and fees. One small mistake, and your application may returned, delayed, or even rejected. This could result in wasted filing fees. Avoid this by hiring a Miami immigration lawyer.
If you would like more information on why you hire a Miami immigration attorney, please contact Miami immigration lawyer Michael G. Murray, Esq. at (305) 895-2500 or visit our website at murraysilva.com.