I get this question all the time – why should I hire a Miami immigration lawyer? After all, doesn’t everyone have access to the same forms and information to enable them to handle their own case? My answer has always been the same – you should err on the side of caution, and seriously consider hiring a Miami immigration lawyer. Why? I discuss some of the reasons below.
- The growing complexity of immigration law.
Immigration law has grown so complex that it is considered by many to be more complex than the tax code. To complicate matters, immigration law changes frequently. What may be standard legal practice today may not be acceptable in the future. Only practicing attorneys who are admitted to Florida Bar, and who specialize in immigration law can call themselves “proficient” in immigration law. Note: This excludes “notarios”, who are not attorneys, and who cannot represent individuals for their immigration cases. In fact, “notarios” who claim to practice immigration law are, in fact, committing legal malpractice and perpetuating fraud. If you have any questions in regard to this, you may want to consult with a Miami immigration lawyer.
2. Reduce your wait time.
Hiring a Miami immigration lawyer to complete your immigrant or non-immigrant visa application can save you four to eight weeks in processing time. An immigration lawyer knows exactly what types of visas or relief are available to you and can help you compile a valid and complete application the first time around. I have personally worked on cases wherein clients have tried to tackle their own immigration case the first time around, resulting in a rejection of their application and jeopardizing their immigration status. Any of these mistakes can result in a request for evidence, which leads to delays in the case, or a denial. If the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines that you have committed serious misrepresentation, you may become permanently inadmissible for a green-card. Even if you do receive a green-card, you may face serious problems, including potential deportation, later on, for example when you apply for U.S. citizenship. You do not want to take risks with your immigration status, and risk detention, separation from your family, or deportation! A Miami immigration lawyer may well save you time and money in the long run, and plenty of stress and heartache.
3.Peace of mind.
It is not uncommon to get calls from people whose cases have been pending for a year or more because a form was filled out wrong or mailed to a wrong USCIS address. It is equally as common to meet with people whose cases have been denied, sometimes on serious fraud charges, because of a misunderstanding during the final interview. Hiring a Miami immigration lawyer to handle the process for you is investment. The return is freed up time and peace of mind.
4.Mistakes that you make may be costly.
For purposes of illustration, let’s use a marriage adjustment case. For a marriage adjustment case that is relatively straightforward, with little to no complications, even the process of family-based petition involves extensive collection of information and supporting documentation. An applicant needs to know how to collect the relevant verifications for his/her applications, file the proper forms with proper authorities. Minor mistakes can lead to delays, extra costs, and unfavorable consequences. Any of these mistakes can result in a request for evidence. This means: delays in the case, or a denial. Worse, if the immigration authoriries determine that you have committed serious misrepresentation, you may become permanently inadmissible for a green-card. Even if you do receive a green-card, you may face serious problems, including potential deportation, later on, for example when you apply for U.S. citizenship. This is yet another reason for hiring a Miami immigration lawyer.
If you would like more information on why you should hire an immigration lawyer, please contact Miami immigration lawyer Michael G. Murray, Esq. at (305) 895-2500 or visit our website at www.mmurraylaw.com.