How can I talk to an immigration lawyer for free in the USA?
Navigating the complex immigration laws of the United States can be challenging for anyone. Although some of the simpler types of immigration applications can be handled on your own if your case presents no complications, it’s not always easy to tell what represents a true complication. Therefore, receiving competent legal advice from a licensed attorney can be important at every step. This is especially true in removal proceedings, when you are not only navigating the immigration laws but dealing with formal courtroom procedures and an opposing attorney who represents the U.S. government, and whose primary aim is seemingly to get you deported.
The expense involved, however, leads many non-citizens to go without an attorney. In this article, we’ll look at what the possibilities are for finding a free (pro bono) or low-cost attorney.
Hiring an experienced immigration attorney is hugely important if you are facing removal from the United States. (You’ll usually know because you’ve been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or “ICE,” or receive a document called a “Notice to Appear” or “NTA.”) Even though you might not be a U.S. citizen, you still have a right to defend your right to remain in the United States.
There are many reasons the U.S. government can attempt to remove a foreign national from the U.S.—some might be based on criminal conduct, others on how they entered the U.S.—but it is important that you understand why you are being removed and whether the reasons for removal are correct.
Even if the government is correct in its allegations and you are removable from the United States, there could be applications you can file to overcome this. Some people in removal proceedings are, for example able to present a case for asylum or for family-based green card—and if successful, emerge from the proceedings with the right to remain in the U.S. and even obtain permanent residence.
See, for example, Possible Defenses to Deportation of an Undocumented Alien.
An experienced immigration attorney will be able to review the allegations against you and identify forms of relief you might be eligible for, and then help you apply and convince the judge to grant it.
Unlike in the U.S. criminal justice system, the U.S. government will not provide an attorney for you at its expense. Therefore, you are on your own in finding and paying for an attorney.
It’s probably worth calling around and consulting with lawyers who have been recommended to you. Although you might need to pay some initial consultation fees (often around $150), that will give you a sense of whether you have a case worth pursuing and how much an attorney is likely to charge you. It could be less than you expect—immigration attorneys tend to charge lower hourly rates than other lawyers, in consideration of their clients’ limited financial resources. And they rarely make clients pay the whole amount up front.
If you definitely do not have the resources to pay for an attorney,
How much do immigration lawyers cost us?
Immigrating to the United States can be a life-changing journey, filled with opportunities and challenges. For many individuals and families, seeking the assistance of an immigration lawyer is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process. However, understanding the costs associated with hiring an immigration lawyer is an essential step in making informed decisions. In this blog post, we will delve into the factors that influence immigration lawyer costs in the USA and provide insights into what you can expect.
While it’s challenging to provide exact figures due to the variability in immigration cases and attorney fees here are general approximations, and actual costs can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier.
It’s crucial to note that these estimates only cover attorney fees and not government filing fees, which are separate and can vary for each application or petition.
On an hourly basis, the cost of an immigration lawyer ranges from $150 to $300.
When consulting with immigration lawyers, inquire about their fee structures, payment plans, and whether additional costs, such as photocopying, courier services, or expert witness fees, are included. Additionally, discuss any potential government filing fees associated with your specific immigration process.
Always remember that hiring an experienced and reputable immigration attorney can significantly impact the success of your case, and the cost should be viewed as an investment in your future.
Send us a message today and our team will reach out to you.
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should not act upon any information presented on this blog without seeking professional legal counsel. The opinions expressed at or through this blog are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney. Please consult with an attorney regarding your specific legal situation.
How do I ask questions about immigration for free?
Our website gives you several ways to track your case and get answers to your immigration questions.
Generally, to ask a question about a specific case using live assistance, you should be:
- If you use live assistance:
Our toll-free number is 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833, VRS 877-709-5797) and we answer live calls and chats Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern.
If you have an expired Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) and believe you need an in-person appointment to receive evidence of your immigration status, please note that USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 36 months for individuals with a newly-filed Form I-90s that are pending decision by USCIS. These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of your continued lawful permanent resident status while you await your renewed Green Card.
If you have requested a replacement Green Card and need evidence of status or need another in-person service, please request an appointment online or call the Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833, VRS 877-709-5797) to request an appointment.
Last Reviewed/Updated: 11/05/2024
How to get immigration advice?
Unfortunately, Liberty is unable to provide legal advice on immigration law. However, there are a number of organisations that provide free initial advice on immigration and asylum law.
Depending on your financial situation and how strong your case is, you may qualify for legal aid for your case, meaning you could get free legal advice or help towards paying for it. Legal aid is available for:
- Immigration solicitor can advise you on whether you qualify for legal aid and the other payment options available. They will also be able to help you apply for legal aid if you do qualify. Use the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association directory or the Law Society’s find a solicitor tool to search for an immigration lawyer near you.
Below is a list of organisations which can provide advice on immigration and asylum and related issues, organised by group or theme.
Law Centres provide free legal advice and representation to local residents on a wide range of issues. Many local Law Centres provide free immigration advice, although services vary from centre to centre. Click on your nearest Law Centre to find out if they provide immigration advice and to find out their contact details and opening hours.
Citizens Advice Bureaus offer advice to local residents on a range of practical and legal matters. Those offering immigration advice can help with the following:
Some Citizens Advice Bureaus have a dedicated immigration specialist, and can assist with more complex cases. To find out if your local Citizens Advice Bureau provides immigration advice, you should contact them directly.
JCWI is an independent national charity, campaigning for justice and combating racism in immigration and asylum law and policy. They provide free immigration advice to undocumented migrants on all immigration, asylum and nationality law matters.
CLC is a non-profit organisation providing legal and other services for Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) in the community. They have a dedicated legal and administrative team to assist refugees and asylum seekers, migrants, unemployed and underprivileged people in the community. They provide legal advice, representation, information, casework, advocacy and counselling services.
Hackney Migrant Centre is a charity providing advice and assistance to migrants on immigration, welfare and health issues. They hold a free weekly drop-in advice surgery every Wednesday where people can access advice on their immigration status, as well as issues relating to homelessness and destitution.
To book an appointment call 07961 014182 between 10:00am and 11:30am, on Mondays only. The appointment for a face-to-face assessment will be in Hackney on Wednesday of the same week. Please note that their phone lines are usually very busy and remain open only until all appointments are booked for that week.
Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre provide holistic legal and practical support to assist and empower refugees and migrants and assist them to rebuild their lives.
How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?
The immigration process is a difficult one. Though the United States is a country of opportunity, many people want the chance to better their lives through U.S. citizenship. This means that the application process is competitive and difficult, which can be a significant barrier to those who want to get their documents in order.
Hiring an immigration attorney can help significantly with the success of a citizenship application. We have the tools and experience to help you through the application process, ensure that your rights are protected, and give you the very best chance at achieving your goals. It is extremely smart to hire an attorney to help you through this process.
Many people want to know how much legal services for the immigration process will cost. Though legal services are extremely helpful, many families have strict budgets and need to know if they can afford an immigration lawyer. We have outlined some of the financial considerations that you may need to address before hiring an attorney.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to say exactly how much an immigration attorney will cost because all attorneys charge differently for legal services. In most cases, immigration attorneys charge hourly, but the hourly wage can depend upon several factors. For a basic consultation, the cost usually ranges from $75 to $150. For general immigration help, the hourly rate is often between $150 and $300.
If you are seeking help filling out and filing forms, the average total cost is between $250 to $800. The total cost of green card assistance usually ranges from $800 to $5,000.
It is important to understand that you may have payment options or other methods of support during your immigration process. It is best to consult with several attorneys to discuss their experience, capabilities, and cost. This will help you to find representation that you can afford, and that will help you to achieve the citizenship status that you are looking for.
It is important to remember that there will be additional fees associated with immigration, aside from the attorney fees. When you file certain paperwork, you will need to pay fees through the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fees range from $460 to $700.
The benefit of having an immigration attorney is the ability to foresee and understand all costs associated with the immigration process. When you do the process on your own, it is easy to feel surprised by the number of costs and fees associated with your application. However, when you have a seasoned professional to assist, you have a clearer view of the process and costs ahead of you.
If you are looking for attorneys for your immigration process, it is important to know what to look for. Though cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you need to look for. All attorneys are different and certain individuals may be better suited to your needs than others. You do not want to waste time and money with an individual who cannot properly help.
How can I talk to an immigration lawyer for free in the USA?
Navigating the complex immigration laws of the United States can be challenging for anyone. Although some of the simpler types of immigration applications can be handled on your own if your case presents no complications, it’s not always easy to tell what represents a true complication. Therefore, receiving competent legal advice from a licensed attorney can be important at every step. This is especially true in removal proceedings, when you are not only navigating the immigration laws but dealing with formal courtroom procedures and an opposing attorney who represents the U.S. government, and whose primary aim is seemingly to get you deported.
The expense involved, however, leads many non-citizens to go without an attorney. In this article, we’ll look at what the possibilities are for finding a free (pro bono) or low-cost attorney.
Hiring an experienced immigration attorney is hugely important if you are facing removal from the United States. (You’ll usually know because you’ve been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or “ICE,” or receive a document called a “Notice to Appear” or “NTA.”) Even though you might not be a U.S. citizen, you still have a right to defend your right to remain in the United States.
There are many reasons the U.S. government can attempt to remove a foreign national from the U.S.—some might be based on criminal conduct, others on how they entered the U.S.—but it is important that you understand why you are being removed and whether the reasons for removal are correct.
Even if the government is correct in its allegations and you are removable from the United States, there could be applications you can file to overcome this. Some people in removal proceedings are, for example able to present a case for asylum or for family-based green card—and if successful, emerge from the proceedings with the right to remain in the U.S. and even obtain permanent residence.
See, for example, Possible Defenses to Deportation of an Undocumented Alien.
An experienced immigration attorney will be able to review the allegations against you and identify forms of relief you might be eligible for, and then help you apply and convince the judge to grant it.
Unlike in the U.S. criminal justice system, the U.S. government will not provide an attorney for you at its expense. Therefore, you are on your own in finding and paying for an attorney.
It’s probably worth calling around and consulting with lawyers who have been recommended to you. Although you might need to pay some initial consultation fees (often around $150), that will give you a sense of whether you have a case worth pursuing and how much an attorney is likely to charge you. It could be less than you expect—immigration attorneys tend to charge lower hourly rates than other lawyers, in consideration of their clients’ limited financial resources. And they rarely make clients pay the whole amount up front.
If you definitely do not have the resources to pay for an attorney.
How do I verify a lawyer in Brazil?
Hiring a lawyer in Brazil can be a challenging task, especially for clients who are unfamiliar with the country’s legal system. Brazil’s legal system is complex and extensive, with federal, state, and municipal laws governing various areas of Brazilian life. Additionally, the Brazilian judiciary has long been criticized for being unpredictable, painful, and sometimes unreasonable. Many cases take years or even decades to be resolved, leading to frustration and disillusionment among litigants.
Despite these challenges, seeking legal representation when facing legal issues is crucial to ensure the protection of your rights and interests. This article aims to provide a step-by-step guide for clients seeking to retain a lawyer in Brazil, along with additional information and insights.
As mentioned earlier, Brazil’s legal system is composed of federal, state, and municipal laws that govern different areas of Brazilian life, including civil, criminal, and commercial matters. The Brazilian legal system is based on civil law, which means that laws are primarily based on written statutes and codes rather than court decisions. The primary source of law in Brazil is the Federal Constitution, which was adopted in 1988 and outlines the fundamental principles of the country’s legal system.
One unique aspect of the Brazilian legal system is its use of oral arguments in court. Brazilian judges are known for being highly active during court proceedings, often asking questions and engaging in discussions with the parties involved. This makes Brazilian court proceedings highly dynamic, with both parties having ample opportunity to argue their case.
- Determine the Type of Legal Issue
The first step in retaining a lawyer in Brazil is to identify the type of legal issue you are facing. As mentioned earlier, Brazil has a complex legal system, and different lawyers specialize in various areas of the law. Some of the common areas of specialization in Brazil include civil law, criminal law, labor law, tax law, and corporate law. Once you have identified the type of legal issue you are facing, you can start looking for a lawyer who specializes in that area of the law.
It is also worth noting that some Brazilian lawyers specialize in specific sub-areas of the law. For example, a civil lawyer may specialize in family law or contract law. As such, it is important to not only identify the general area of law your legal issue falls under but also any specific sub-areas that may be relevant.
- Research Potential Lawyers
Once you have identified the type of legal issue you are facing, the next step is to research potential lawyers who can represent you in your legal matter. There are several ways to find a lawyer in Brazil, including:
- Referrals from friends, family, or colleagues
- Bar associations or legal directories
- Online search engines or legal websites
When researching potential lawyers, it is essential to consider their experience, qualifications, and reputation. Look for lawyers who have experience handling cases similar to yours and who have a good track record of success. You can also check their credentials with the Brazilian Bar Association to ensure they are in good standing.
What are the immigration laws in Brazil?
Brazil’s Ministry of Justice has recently introduced new rules for foreign nationals entering Brazilian territory without a visa, following concerns that the South American country has become a route for human trafficking and a ‘bridge’ for illegal immigrants trying to reach the United States and Canada.
The new rules state that immigrants who arrive in Brazil without an entry visa and with the intention of continuing their journey to another country must continue to their final destination or return to their country of origin immediately.
The measure is part of the new rules for the reception of immigrants that the Ministry of Justice and Public Security announced in August. The new rules apply only to foreign travellers from countries whose citizens need a visa to enter Brazil.
Brazil adopts a visa granting policy based on the principle of reciprocity. That is, it requires an entry visa for people from countries that require the same for Brazilians. Brazil has bilateral agreements with around 90 nations, reciprocally abolishing the visa requirement.
The visa for foreigners is an official document, granted by Brazilian consulates abroad. It allows citizens of other countries to enter and remain temporarily in the national territory, provided that the legal requirements are met.
In force since 2017, the Migration Law (Law No. 13,445) provides for five different types of visas:
- Visit visa
- Temporary visa
- Diplomatic visa
- Official visa
- Courtesy visa
The law establishes that a visit visa is not required from a foreigner whose flight makes a connection or stopover in Brazilian territory, as long as the traveller does not leave the international transit area.
According to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the non-requirement of a visa for cases of connection or stopover sought to reduce bureaucratic procedures and speed up the flow of passengers on international trips. It ended up, however, facilitating the action of criminal organizations involved in human trafficking and the smuggling of immigrants, leading to an increase in the irregular migratory flow.
After investigations, the Federal Police concluded that immigrants without proper documentation are being lured by criminal groups. Most come from Asian countries and are attempting to reach the United States or Canada.
The police investigations found that travellers were instructed to, while still in their home countries, buy tickets for flights to other South American destinations with a connection or stopover in Brazil. Instead of applying for an entry visa in advance, these travellers would request asylum upon arrival in Brazil, giving up on continuing their journey. Many even got rid of their original boarding passes.
Based on the rules in force until then, these travellers were then allowed to remain in the international transit area of the airport whilst waiting for a response to their asylum requests.
The most targeted airport is Guarulhos, in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. Until Wednesday 21 August, there were 481 passengers in transit in the restricted area.