A reputable lawyer specializing in immigration matters can help you navigate the process of becoming an American citizen. He or she will be honest with you about the chances of your case being successful and can offer advice on how to increase your chances.
Checking an attorney’s website and online directories for client reviews can provide insights into their skills and reputation. Also, consider the length of time the attorney has been practicing law.
ICE or Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is an investigative division of the Department of Homeland Security. Its mission is to protect the public by identifying and eradicating terrorists, criminals, and others who try to enter, move through, or exit the United States illegally.
The agency has four operational directorates. The best-known is Enforcement and Removal Operations, which arrests and deports unauthorized immigrants already inside the country. It works closely with Customs and Border Protection, which enforces laws at the borders and ports of entry.
The agency also operates a network of immigration courts, including the Los Angeles-Van Nuys Boulevard Immigration Court. Local authorities often limit their cooperation with ICE agents, and some have declared themselves sanctuary cities or adopted guidelines to that effect. Human rights advocates argue that when local police act as federal agents, noncitizens are less likely to report crimes or come forward as witnesses, making everyone less safe. The Justice Department has threatened to withhold funding from municipalities that refuse to assist ICE.
The Los Angeles Bar Association
The Los Angeles Bar Association is a group of lawyers that represent clients in immigration matters. The organization also provides members with a variety of benefits, such as CLE and professional networking opportunities. The organization also works with the judicial community to improve the quality of justice.
Eileen Chun-Fruto is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, recognized by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. She represents individuals and corporate clients in a wide range of employment-based cases, including O-1s, EB-1s, PERM, LC-140, and TN visas. Her clients are from a broad range of industries, such as social media, finance, high tech, and entertainment.
The LSBA has several awards that recognize pro bono efforts in the community. These include the Harrison Tweed Award and a Pro Bono Publico Program. The LSBA also offers scholarships and a CLE cruise on the Danube River with Vacations at Sea Travel in November 2024. For more information, visit the LSBA website.
Pro-Bono Services
Immigration attorneys are expensive because they go to school for a long time and specialize in a complicated area of law. However, there are many pro bono (free of cost) services that can help people with immigration matters. These services are run by legal aid organizations and law firms.
These organizations assist with civil cases involving family law (divorce, custody, adoption, name change, and guardianship), welfare and income assistance, veterans’ benefits, employment, health care, consumer issues, housing, neighborhood issues, and public education. They can also assist with civil rights and environmental cases.
Pro bono work levels the playing field for clients who can’t afford capable representation. It can also be an excellent way for new lawyers to gain valuable experience and boost their professional profiles, and seasoned attorneys to re-energize their love of the law. Volunteers are expected to be respectful and dependable, and they should keep scheduled appointments or phone conferences and let the organization know as soon as possible when they cannot.
Experience
Immigration is a complex area of law that can become overwhelming without the help of an experienced lawyer. Whether you’re trying to obtain citizenship, or defending yourself against deportation proceedings, finding the best immigration attorney is essential. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an immigration lawyer, but you should avoid lawyers who advertise at checkpoints or in other public places. These lawyers may be scam artists who take advantage of desperate immigrants.
You should also choose an immigration lawyer who speaks your language. This will make it easier for you to communicate with your lawyer and ensure that all of your concerns are being addressed. Additionally, many immigration lawyers specialize in multiple areas of the law and can handle a variety of situations. They can also handle appeals with immigration courts and boards. Some even work pro bono for individuals who can’t afford an attorney. Their experience will help them better understand your situation and fight for you.