What to Expect From a Consultation With an Immigrant Attorney?

An immigration lawyer will ask you a number of questions when you call them for a consultation. You will also be able to describe your circumstances to the lawyer you call, regardless of whether you require deportation defense, aid in moving your family to the United States from another nation, or any other kind of immigration assistance.

The lawyer you speak with should be able to provide you with potential outcomes, even though no lawyer can foresee how a court will decide or what conclusion U.S. immigration officials will make about your case. For instance, if you call because you received a letter from the government stating that you are subject to removal proceedings, your lawyer will inquire about the contents of the letter, determine whether it has any merit, and inform you of the potential outcomes of your case.

You will also have the opportunity to ask the lawyer a number of questions during your free consultation. You can utilize your time to receive legal counsel regarding your case and to see if you and the lawyer are a suitable fit.

Discussing Case-Specific Matters

Talking about your case is something you can and should do at your immigration lawyer consultation. The major goal of your free consultation is to receive some answers (and perhaps some reassurance) regarding your issue, but probably you'll want to make sure that you're talking to someone who is knowledgeable and who speaks in a way that you feel comfortable with.

Before you end the phone call or videoconference, tell your lawyer as much as you can about your circumstances. If required, describe the beginning of your case (for example, when you are facing deportation) and all that you know about it. Inquire about what is feasible in a situation similar to yours, mention any documents you have already obtained, and specify how many persons you would like to sponsor or bring to the United States.

Is All the Information You Share Confidential?

In most cases, the information you provide to a lawyer during a free consultation is kept private. Your session is "privileged" if you are looking for legal advice or representation and you have a reasonable expectation that the lawyer would keep your communications private. This implies that your lawyer won't share information about your case or circumstances with those who shouldn't know. 

Even if you decide not to hire the lawyer, this is still the case. (It also holds true in situations other than immigration.)

Can You Be Turned In to Immigration Officials by an Immigration Attorney?

If you are in the United States illegally, your immigration lawyer will not turn you over to immigration authorities. Everyone in this place is entitled to legal representation, and the lawyer would face repercussions for "turning you in." You can receive legal guidance by calling and speaking with an attorney without worrying about being reported to immigration authorities. 

It's another matter entirely whether the lawyer can truly assist you. People who are in the United States illegally often have no choice but to depart; there might not be a way to stay in the country legally. Nonetheless, your attorney will pursue every option to help you achieve your desired result. They will provide you with situation-specific legal guidance so you are fully aware of the application of U.S. immigration law.

Please be aware that some persons pose as lawyers, specialists, or representatives who may assist you in obtaining legal immigration status in the United States. In particular, be wary of notarios publicos in the United States. Although notarios publicos are professionals with legal practice authorization throughout Latin America, the title and profession are not recognized in the United States. Only licensed attorneys or official representatives approved by the Board of Immigration Appeals should be consulted for legal assistance in the United States.

A paralegal should also not be allowed to "assist" you with your immigration case. Once more, you should only deal with a lawyer who is licensed.

Keep in mind that responses to immigration documents may result in legal repercussions. For this reason, you should either fill out the papers yourself and take ownership of the responses or you should employ a qualified lawyer to do it for you. 

Can Any Outcome Be Guaranteed by a Lawyer?

In any case, no lawyer can ever promise a particular result. This is true whether you're searching for something straightforward or something more intricate, like a deportation defense. Choose a different lawyer if any one of them promises you a certain result.