“Immigration tips, no matter where you are in the process.”
Relocating to another country can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when dealing with something as complex as the U.S. immigration system. While it’s possible to go through this process on your own, it can be a lot less painful if you have a trustworthy lawyer to lead you. Having navigated different immigration statuses before becoming a citizen, our founder Clémence Polès curates this guide with advice based on personal experience.
Whether you're a student navigating short-term immigration, someone switching between different work visas, or someone attempting to obtain a green card, hiring a lawyer can alleviate some stress, especially if you’re organized and prepared to do so. Before even embarking upon the legal route (and at each step of the process), Clémence urges that it is essential to keep all of your records (lease, utility bills, credit card statements, health and renter’s insurance, a record of each time you leave the country, etc.) sorted and saved in a place that is easily accessible to you (for her, that’s a Google folder). “Make sure everything is labeled correctly,” she encourages, as having access to this evidence is key when it comes to securing citizenship or renewing visas. Since at various stages in the immigration process you may be required to offer proof that you have established life in the U.S., it’s advisable to also do things that demonstrate that. “They care about your credit score,” for example, so trying to build credit by opening up a credit card or ensuring your name is on your lease and bills can be helpful in the long run. For those looking to get a green card, having a notarized affidavit (which we have a template for) will likely come in handy. Another recommendation from Clémence is to make sure the governmental immigration bodies you’re dealing with have your correct mailing address so that the process doesn’t get derailed. “It might sound like a small thing, but it's so important because they're going to be sending things by mail,” she says. Lastly, no matter what stage of the process you might be in, it can be challenging to go through it alone. Clémence advises that you reach out to your network: “This is the time to ask friends and loved ones to help,” she says. “You might be able to find someone that does pro bono work or meet someone with a similar case that has tips for you.”
At the end of the day, the right immigration lawyer for you really depends on your needs; but it’s important to find someone thorough, concise, and transparent to prevent overspending on hourly fees, which can rake up if you don’t have all of your paperwork in order. Right from the beginning, Clémence advises being aware of lawyer consultation fees and ready to spend $300-$500 on them. She also suggests hiring an attorney that exudes compassion during this stressful endeavor. “You want someone who signals that they'll go above and beyond and shows that you'll be taken care of,'' she says. To help in your search, the Passerbuys community has provided recommendations for U.S. immigration lawyers they know and trust.
Zjantelle Cammisa Markel
Recommended by louis rambert
Zjantelle Cammisa Markel knows that most people don’t like lawyers. But when it comes to immigration, clients are so thankful for the work being done by attorneys like Zjantelle. She and her firm value long-standing connections with clients (some lasting over 20 years) and work to ease their anxieties during the immigration process. Zjantelle says this is the only area of law she has worked in where her clients have given her hugs in appreciation—and she loves that.
Alfred Bridi
Recommended by yotam hadar
Alfred Bridi considers his work in immigration to be a mix of activism, politics, and law: all things he is passionate about. Before working with his current practice, Scale LLP, Alfred was Regional Voter Protection Director in the Georgia recount and general election during President Biden’s winning campaign. Having lived internationally for years, Alfred speaks four languages (German, Spanish, French, and English) and uses his linguistic skills to translate the “incomprehensible language of immigration law” to his diverse group of clients.
Lauren DeBellis Aviv
Recommended by gaby ron
Lauren DeBellis Aviv and her partner Aja Pardini run Daniel Aharoni & Partners LLP, a boutique firm specializing in immigration law for artists and creatives. Their clientele consists of individuals of extraordinary ability, including creative directors, chefs, and tattoo artists. Lauren enjoys forming rich relationships with clients and taking the time to truly understand their work: “You’re helping people achieve their dreams. Being that little part of helping someone achieve that is about as rewarding as the law gets.”
James J Frankie
Recommended by johnson lui
When advising prospective law students, James J Frankie says, “Only do this if you are prepared to do the work.” James has built his business in immigration law on the foundation of hard work and communication. He has helped people who are talented in their fields (like restaurateurs, fine artists, and AI scientists) establish successful careers and businesses in the U.S. In addition to his practice, James currently works with the Safe Passage Project providing pro bono legal services to unaccompanied minors and connecting them with legal guardians.
Maria Saenz
Recommended by zhenya posternak
Maria Saenz strives to be the attorney she wished she’d had. Having experienced a lengthy immigration journey, she gives her clients compassionate support and guidance to ease their fears and result in better outcomes. Her typical clients include newlywed couples, accomplished creatives, and businesses seeking to sponsor employees. Maria says the best part of working in immigration law is meeting people from all walks of life: “Whether it’s getting to live in the United States with a loved one or pursuing a career here, by successfully navigating the immigration arena, I have a hand in helping clients achieve their personal goals.”
Remzi Kulen
Recommended by ahmed khedr
As someone who came to the U.S. 20 years ago, Remzi Kulen relates to his clients because he also went through the same immigration processes. Having a boutique law firm allows him to stay detail-oriented and easily accessible to his firm’s wide range of clients. One of Remzi’s favorite memories as an immigration lawyer was when he reunited a client with their family after 40 years: “At that moment, I thought that this was the best job in the whole world because you are making a difference in people's lives.”
Other recommendations include Eva Jacobsen (recommended by Sarah Nsikak), Eric Chaub (recommended by Annestine Bae), Shai Dayan (recommended by Jayme Cyk), Brown Immigration Law (recommended by Jeremy Fisher), and Dyer Harris LLP (recommended by Marina Sulmona).
Words by Jean Ortiz-Luis