Immigrating to the United States is a complex and multifaceted process involving numerous legal aspects, bureaucratic procedures, and various risks. Many people are considering contacting immigration lawyers for help, but unfortunately, many myths and stereotypes surround this profession. Because of this, people can make poor decisions and lose time, money, and even the chance of legalization. In this article, we have gathered the seven most common myths about immigration lawyers in the US and explained the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Immigration lawyers can "buy" a green card or expedite the process
Many people mistakenly believe that a good lawyer is someone who has "connections" and "relationships" with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can solve the problem "through connections." It is assumed that if a lawyer charges a higher fee, they are supposedly negotiating with the authorities, thus accelerating the process of obtaining a visa or green card.
The truth is that immigration lawyers are licensed professionals who are strictly bound by U.S. law and professional ethics. No honest and qualified lawyer has the right to "negotiate" with immigration authorities over money. All immigration processes are subject to strict federal law, and attempts to influence a decision through bribery are subject to criminal prosecution.
An immigration lawyer Brooklyn can competently prepare a case, draft documents accurately, and consider all details, thus minimizing the risk of rejection. However, no one can or should influence the timing or outcome by breaking the law.
Myth 2: If a lawyer charges a high fee, it means they will definitely solve your problem
Some people believe that the more expensive the services of an immigration lawyer, the greater the chances of success. This logic is reminiscent of the "the more expensive, the better" approach, but it doesn't always work in legal practice.
In fact, a high fee doesn't guarantee a positive outcome. The price of services can depend on many factors – the reputation of the firm, the popularity of the attorney, the location of the office (for example, Manhattan or Los Angeles is more expensive than smaller cities), and the complexity of the case.
Instead of chasing expensive services, focus on the attorney's experience in your case type (asylum, visa, family law, etc.), their reputation, genuine client reviews, and the transparency of the contract.
Myth 3: The services of an immigration attorney can be easily replaced by the internet
With the rise of websites and forums offering step-by-step guides for applying for a visa or asylum, many people believe that an attorney is merely an unnecessary expense because you can download the forms from the USCIS website and do everything yourself.
Indeed, forms can be downloaded, but the success of a case depends not on completing the forms but on legal reasoning and strategy. U.S. immigration law is very complex, and the outcome often depends on how you explain your circumstances, what evidence you present, how you format your documents, and whether they meet applicable legal requirements.
Mistakes in the application process can result in a year-long wait, denial, or deportation. Therefore, an experienced attorney is not just a "form filler" but an attorney who knows the nuances, pitfalls, and tactics to achieve your goal. You can search for ”immigration lawyer near me" to find an experienced and qualified specialist in your area.
Myth 4: If you are denied, a lawyer can "refute" the denial
Some people believe that if you are denied, a good lawyer can "refute" the denial or "negotiate" with the official. The truth is that dismissal is a legal action that can't simply be changed upon a lawyer's motion. However, a lawyer can appeal, present new evidence, file a motion for rehearing (a request to have the case heard again), or contest the proceedings. This is a complex process that requires time, justification, and valid arguments. Therefore, it is important to consult a lawyer before the first denial to avoid escalating the situation.
Myth 5: All immigration lawyers are the same, so it's pointless to choose
There's a common misconception that "Why bother looking for a good lawyer since they all submit the same documents?" so you can just go with the first one you find. The truth is that immigration lawyers, like doctors, specialize in different areas: some are better at handling asylum cases, others in work visas, and others in marriage or deportation cases.
Experience is also important because practical experience with real hearings, appeals, and working with specific officials can greatly influence the outcome. A professional lawyer not only submits documents but also analyzes risks, anticipates scenarios, and prepares for interviews. Finally, personal connection also plays an important role. You need to feel comfortable working with this person and confide in them about your personal story.
Myth 6: A lawyer can give a 100% guarantee of success
If an immigration lawyer assures you, "I guarantee you a green card/asylum/visa," many people believe this. A professional should be certain of the outcome. However, no honest immigration lawyer will give a 100% guarantee of success. A USCIS officer or judge makes every decision, and even a perfectly prepared case can be rejected for subjective reasons (e.g., due to insufficient evidence in the opinion of a particular officer). A lawyer must be honest with their client, explaining all the risks, prospects, and weaknesses of the case and not promising the impossible.
Myth 7: If a lawyer says "no," then there's no chance
In some cases, people contact a lawyer, receive a rejection or a pessimistic prognosis, and give up on their case. However, you should understand that immigration law is a complex field, and lawyers can have differing opinions. Just because one specialist doesn't see any prospects doesn't mean there's no other way.
For example, a lawyer may not specialize in certain cases (e.g., humanitarian visas or cases requiring protection from deportation) and may not be familiar with all possible solutions. Another specialist may offer an alternative: a different type of visa, family reunification, humanitarian parole, DACA, etc. Therefore, it's always worth getting a second opinion and not giving up after a rejection.
How to choose the right immigration lawyer
Now that we've debunked the main myths about immigration lawyers in the United States, it's important to understand how to go about choosing a specialist. Here are some practical tips:
- Check the license. All lawyers must be licensed by the state and authorized to practice law.
- Check the reviews. It's better to search not only on the firm's website but also on independent websites (Google, Yelp, etc.)
- Choose a specialization. The attorney must have experience with your specific case type.
- Personal communication. During the initial consultation, pay attention to whether the attorney answers clearly, is honest about the risks, and promises real results.
- Transparency regarding contracts and payments. All terms and conditions must be disclosed in writing, with no "hidden" payments.
Immigration is a complex process, and a professional attorney will not only guide you through it but also become your ally and advocate. Choosing the best immigration lawyer can help you achieve the desired results without unnecessary worry and failure.
I am Amelia Grant, journalist, and blogger. I think that information is a great force that is able to change people’s lives for the better. That is why I feel a strong intention to share useful and important things about health self-care, wellness and other advice that may be helpful for people. Being an enthusiast of a healthy lifestyle that keeps improving my life, I wish the same for everyone.
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