How much you need to pay for hiring immigration lawyer?
Immigration is one of the most significant issues today not only in the United States but in different parts of the world as well. As several parts of the world endure economic strife and political conflicts, some citizens seek a better future outside their native country. While some countries are opening their borders to accommodate further immigrants, a handful of countries choose to impose new and stricter regulations regarding immigrants. Some countries even decided to close their border to curb the growing problem of illegal immigrants crossing into their country.
Immigration is a tedious process. There are tons of paperwork to fill up and check. There are also several screening stages; each requires a keen eye and mind and your undivided attention. As some countries adopt new regulations, these stages and screening methods intensify daily. Rules followed today may not be valid the next month, and new and stricter rules and regulations are in place.
It is hard to keep track of these new regulations. This is why there are specialized lawyers and legal assistants who can assist migrants in navigating through the convoluted world of the immigration process. Some volunteers can offer their time and assistance for free. However, due to an overwhelming number of people who come to take advantage of their free services, you might end up waiting in a long queue before you can get them. Some government institutions can help you through these strict immigration rules, but due to bureaucracy, they can only do so much. Nevertheless, if these options are less viable to you and you are looking for an easier time navigating through the immigration process, hiring a private lawyer might be the right option.
Immigration lawyers.
Immigration lawyers, as the name implies, are lawyers who are experts in the field of immigration laws and practices. They advise how to properly tackle immigration laws and guidance regarding citizenship applications, green cards, visa applications, employment for non-citizens, and deportation issues.
The primary role of an immigration lawyer is to guide and counsel immigrants or foreign citizens in dealing with immigration-related issues. These lawyers spend most of their time outside the court and civil disputes. They usually act as a judge or mediator between their clients and immigration authorities like the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS.
While most migrants can handle the whole migration process by themselves, there are several cases wherein they would need the guidance and counsel of a lawyer. One prime example of these possible cases is when previous applications have been denied. It is almost certain that someone will be deprived of their immigration application. This happens all the time and happens for many different reasons. Nevertheless, if your application has been denied, you can always hire an immigration lawyer.
Should your application be denied, the lawyer can walk you through the possible causes. They can also help you appeal these decisions to the proper authorities. The most viable solution in case your application is denied is to apply again, but this time, you should heed the counsel of your lawyer. They know how to navigate this complicated field, and once you hire them, they must work toward resolving your case.
Cost.
This is perhaps one of the most essential and critical factors when picking a lawyer. There are several options for dealing with the cost of hiring their services. For one, most lawyers charge an hourly rate. In cases like this, they usually charge around $100 to $300 an hour. Some professionals offer a flat fee for a particular service. Some lawyers also charge less when a client only seeks consultation. Additional costs will be charged if they have to go further than that.
An easier option is to pay a fee for a lawyer to do an entire package immigration case. This means the lawyer will be there when you fill up your first documents to when you get your visa or resolve your issue. This option is not cheap and might cost upwards of $2000. Depending on the complexity of the client’s case, the cost could reach as much as $10000. While this is not exactly a cheap approach, it is an excellent option if you want to have your case resolved immediately.
There is also an option to have your lawyer on retainer. This means that you will have to pay an upfront fee, and then every time you need their counsel or they are required to stand on your behalf, you will only be charged a discounted price. Furthermore, once the case is resolved, you must also pay an additional fee.
A person can navigate the complex immigration system on their own. There are several available manuals and journals that you can find to help you through it, and it only costs around $10 to $20.