Should I Hire an Immigration Attorney for My Immigration Case?

There is no easy answer to this question. Some immigration processes are simple, but there are many that are extremely complex. Instructions on how to complete immigration applications are available through USCIS and the Department of State, but often these instructions are confusing and overwhelming. Hiring an immigration attorney to assist you with your immigration case can alleviate a great deal of stress. It can also ensure that you are pursuing the appropriate action with immigration for yourself or for your family member. Asking yourself the following questions can help you decide if hiring an immigration attorney is in your best interest.

Does the attorney offer a free consultation? What is discussed during the consultation?

Most immigration attorneys offer a free consultation. During the consultation, the attorney should review your immigration history and your current immigration situation. If you have paperwork relevant to your immigration matter, ask if you can send these items to the attorney prior to the consultation for review. Once you and the attorney have thoroughly discussed your immigration history and situation, the attorney should be able to offer options and go over the process/processes available to you. [Caruso Law Group offers free consultations in our Pittsburgh office, and we also offer free consultations by phone. We are happy to review your documents prior to the consultation so we are prepared to discuss your unique situation.]

Can I afford to hire an attorney?

It is no secret that immigration applications and processes are expensive. The filing fees for most applications are hundred of dollars. On top of that, most immigration attorneys will charge legal fees in order to prepare and submit your application. During the consultation, the immigration attorney should be able to provide you with the cost of both the legal fees and filing fees for the case. The attorney should also be able to explain when payments for legal fees and filings must be made as the case progresses. [Caruso Law Group charges flat fees for our legal services, which means you will know from the very beginning of the process how much it will cost to work with our office. We also provide a breakdown of the filing fees involved in each case.]

Will I be working directly with an attorney, or will the attorney give my case to a paralegal?

Many immigration attorneys have paralegals assisting them in preparing applications. It is important for you to find out who will be managing the day-to-day aspects of your case. If a paralegal will be assisting with your case, you should be able to ask about the paralegal’s experience or credentials. More importantly, a paralegal’s work should always be supervised by a licensed attorney. [Caruso Law Group is a team of two individuals: Vanessa Caruso, the firm’s primary attorney, and Allison Rowland, the firm’s senior paralegal. Attorney Vanessa Caruso is responsible for overseeing all work prepared by Caruso Law Group and ensuring every application filed is in compliance with the federal immigration laws. More information about Vanessa and Allison and their experience in immigration can be found on Caruso Law Group's profile page.

Will I be able to speak to the attorney when I have questions or concerns about my case?

This is an extremely important question to ask during your consultation. When you hire an attorney, you need to feel confident that the attorney will be available to you when you have questions or concerns. So often we hear from people who have hired attorneys to represent them in immigration cases who are frustrated by the lack of communication. Ask if the attorney has a policy in place regarding responding to calls and emails. [Caruso Law Group strives to answer all calls and emails placed to our office within 24 hours. We encourage our clients to ask questions about their cases so they can better understand the process and feel confident in our representation.]

Other important things to consider when you are considering hiring an attorney for your immigration case:

• Does the attorney practice only immigration?
• Does the attorney have a good reputation?
• Does the attorney have experience with the type of case I need to file?
• Why does the attorney choose to practice immigration law?

Caruso Law Group encourages you to schedule a free consultation with our office to go over your immigration matter. We are driven by our desire to help immigrants. We believe that immigrants add to the vibrant fabric of the United States. To Caruso Law Group – you are not just a client – you are a vital member of your family and community. We never lose sight of that. Allow us the opportunity to discuss your unique situation with you, so we can help you feel comfortable and confident engaging with our office to provide you with top-notch legal services.