what are the main challenges being an imigration attorney

by Victoria Morar 4 min read

What is challenging about immigration law is that it is always changing. Regulations and policies can evolve at the drop of a hat, or in this political climate, with a tweet. An immigration lawyer must always keep on top of the latest developments.

Full Answer

What are the pros and cons of being an immigration lawyer?

Pros of Being an Immigration Lawyer. Attorneys in general enjoy higher-than-average salaries ($133,000 as of May 2014)*. Fulfillment from helping others attain U.S. citizenship**. Excitement from working in the constantly-evolving and intellectually-demanding legal field**.

What are the challenges of immigration in the US?

Immigration Challenges. Immigration issues often meant that INS was precariously balanced between competing concerns. On the one hand, the United States has built itself on its reputation of welcoming newcomers. On the other hand, that openness has sometimes made it difficult to protect the nation’s interests.

What are the challenges of being a lawyer?

Clearly, practicing law is never a 9-to-5 job. Being a lawyer is a high-stress, plummeting-prestige profession—the work is demanding, the economics of the profession are increasingly challenging, and in the views of some, the psychic or status rewards of working as a lawyer rank below nail technician. Far be it from us to suggest that immigration lawyers are immune to the effects of …

Do you need an immigration lawyer?

Cultural and social issues regarding immigration. Mainly, the integration of diverse people in nations that have existed over many centuries is problematic on the grounds that immigrants are not the foundation. There are deeper cultural and national identity issues at stake.

What are the disadvantages of being an immigration lawyer?

Here are seven cons of being an immigration lawyer:Long path to employment. Becoming a practicing immigration lawyer can take many years. ... Adverse mental health impacts. ... Frequently changing laws. ... More job requirements. ... Stressful work. ... Lower salary. ... Unhealthy work-life balance.Oct 14, 2021

How competitive is immigration law?

Pass rates range from 44 percent (California) to 79 percent (Missouri). If the candidate fails the exam, he can try again — most states offer the bar exam twice a year. The candidate will also have to meet certain other requirements, such as an evaluation of his moral character and fitness, to be licensed as a lawyer.Jan 16, 2022

Is learning immigration law hard?

Immigration laws are typically very complex, and the average person often needs legal assistance to fully understand them. Immigration lawyers work with people regardless of their resident status.Mar 8, 2021

What is the most an immigration lawyer can make?

Salary Ranges for Immigration Lawyers The salaries of Immigration Lawyers in the US range from $55,870 to $187,200 , with a median salary of $115,820 . The middle 60% of Immigration Lawyers makes between $115,820 and $120,480, with the top 80% making $187,200.

What are the pros and cons of immigration?

Immigration can give substantial economic benefits – a more flexible labour market, greater skills base, increased demand and a greater diversity of innovation. However, immigration is also controversial. It is argued immigration can cause issues of overcrowding, congestion, and extra pressure on public services.Nov 14, 2020

What does a immigration lawyer do?

The job of an immigration lawyer is to provide pragmatic and strategic legal advice on immigration in India. Immigration attorneys are primarily associated with the responsibility of assisting their clients on complex issues with regards to settling down as citizens of India.Jan 12, 2021

Do immigration lawyers go to court?

An immigration lawyer usually works in an office environment. He or she may occasionally require to visit courts for legal proceedings or other relevant matters.

Can immigration lawyer speed up process?

An immigration lawyer cannot magically speed up your applications process once it has been submitted, however by hiring an immigration lawyer you can greatly decrease your chances of unnecessary delays caused by mistakes in your application.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Types Of Lawyers That Make The Most MoneyMedical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

Where do immigration lawyers get paid the most?

Massachusetts, New York, California, New Jersey, and Connecticut provide the highest Immigration Attorney salaries.

How much do divorce lawyers make?

The salaries of Divorce Lawyers in the US range from $25,415 to $679,997 , with a median salary of $121,978 . The middle 57% of Divorce Lawyers makes between $121,979 and $306,401, with the top 86% making $679,997.

How long do you have to be in college to be a lawyer?

Study law for four years in a recognized law school The typical law student studies on his own and by the time is called by the professor to answer, already knows the material.

What is the purpose of immigration laws?

Immigration law regulations and processes created by the federal government are for determining who is allowed to enter the country, for how long, and how people can become U.S. permanent residents and citizens.

What happens when a foreigner enters the US without permission?

Also, when foreign nationals enter the United States without permission, overstay their authorized duration of stay, or otherwise lose their legal immigration status, immigration law regulates how they may be detained, deported or barred from the country.

Who is Marcus Yi?

Marcus Yi, Esq is an O1 visa lawyer that provides personalized immigration law representation for both employment and family based immigration matters. He has represented corporations, non-profit organizations and individuals in the process of obtaining temporary visas for work, study and training, lawful permanent residence (a “green card”) and U.S. citizenship. He advises employers and individuals on all phases of immigration applications, from screening prospective hires to identifying visa strategies for new jobs and career transitions, through employment-based paths to permanent residence and naturalization. Mr. Yi graduated from St John’s University School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 2011. He is a member of the New York State Bar and is licensed to practice in State and Federal court. He is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Do immigration lawyers have to keep up with the latest developments?

An immigration lawyer must always keep on top of the latest developments. Unfortunately, not all immigration regulations our set in case law. This means that research is much harder. Sometimes you only discover that USCIS has changed their policies internally after the fact.

What skills do immigration attorneys need?

In a similar vein, compassion and strong interpersonal skills are a must for most immigration attorneys. Attorneys are often encountering people during some of the worst parts of their lives, and this can be particularly true for some of the heartbreaking histories that lead people to immigrate to the United States.

How much do immigration lawyers make?

earn the top of the pay scale at $161,000.

What is immigration law?

Immigration law has always been a contentious field, subject to the political winds fanned by the administration currently in power. But although some immigration lawyers specialize in working with undocumented immigrants and those who have run afoul of official channels, many more specialize in the routine processing of visa, residency, and citizenship applications. They advise would-be immigrants on the official requirements, and assist them in filing the paperwork required. And they help smooth over small, bureaucratic snags in the process, using their familiarity with the system and the codes.

What is the INA?

While the INA is the law of the land when it comes to immigration matters, most of the mechanics of pursuing visas or the coveted Green Card (better known to immigration lawyers as the I-551) for permanent residency and a path to citizenship are set out in regulations and processes set down by the agencies that manage the process.

What is administrative law?

That makes administrative law a significant component of most immigration practice. That includes appearing in front of immigration judges and appellate panels such as the Board of Immigration Appeals as well as filing and pursuing cases in the federal court system.

What is the definition of immigration?

Immigration technically refers to the process of foreign-born individuals seeking to enter the country with the intention of becoming permanent residents, but the scope of immigration law has long since expanded to handle all categories of legal work dealing with any person entering the country who does not have citizenship. That includes students, tourists, businesspersons, and asylum-seekers, along with the traditional group of foreign-born individuals simply seeking better lives in the land of opportunity.

Do universities have immigration lawyers?

Universities may also have immigration lawyers on staff to deal with the complex system of educational visas and to create policy to handle the influx of foreign students—a number that hit an all-time high of more than 1 million in 2019 according to the Institute of International Education.

Why do lawyers feel dissatisfied?

The stress and demands of practicing law have fueled high levels of career dissatisfaction among members of the bar. Depression and suicide are common among lawyers and 44 percent of those recently surveyed by the American Bar Association said they would not recommend the profession to a young person.

Is outsourcing legal work a trend?

It’s not a trend — the outsourcing of legal work to foreign countries is an economic reality. As more legal work is sent to low-wage workforces overseas or to regional delivery centers onshore, many traditional lawyer jobs are being eroded or displaced altogether.

Do lawyers work longer?

Today’s lawyer s work longer and harder and 50-plus hour work weeks are not at all uncommon. A competitive environment has forced lawyers to spend more time on client development and business management activities in addition to billing hours. Many lawyers complain of a lack of work-life balance as a result.

What are the challenges of immigration?

On the one hand, the United States has built itself on its reputation of welcoming newcomers. On the other hand, that openness has sometimes made it difficult to protect the nation’s interests.

What was the purpose of the INS program?

In another example, after the United States entered World War II in 1941, INS initiated a program to document and fingerprint every alien residing in the United States. It was one of several organizations that operated internment camps that housed Japanese-Americans and Japanese who were long-time U.S. residents.

When was the Chinese Exclusion Act passed?

In 1882 , Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act. The law arose out of anti-Chinese sentiment which resulted after a heavy influx of immigrants from China. Originally intended as a temporary measure to limit the number of Chinese immigrants, the act was kept in force until 1943.

Who can represent immigrants in removal proceedings?

This is already the case in many other countries, and in the United States is institutionalized in immigration law practice, where certain non-lawyers accredited by the federal Board of Immigration Appeals are allowed to represent immigrants in removal proceedings or in administrative matters before the Department of Homeland Security.

Is practicing law a 9 to 5 job?

Clearly, practicing law is never a 9-to-5 job. Being a lawyer is a high-stress, plummeting-prestige profession—the work is demanding, the economics of the profession are increasingly challenging, and in the views of some, the psychic or status rewards of working as a lawyer rank below nail technician.

What are the concerns of immigrants from Africa?

Coupled with the fact that there was a major influx of immigrants from Africa after 1970, there are serious concerns in terms of how they are going to get jobs. If immigrants are unable to get jobs, then there is a possibility of other means of getting by, such as: Crime. Corruption.

Why is Germany a challenge to immigrants?

In a similar context, Germany’s apprehension to assimilate to the European Union also reflects a challenge for immigrants because they must deal with attitudes of German nationalism. In its own right, Germany has made strong efforts to become

How does France compare to the United States?

Compared to the United States, France undervalues the economic opportunity of immigrants by limiting their education and access to social benefits. While there are still some cultural issues in the United States with regard to social exclusion, they are much worse in France.

Why is the integration of diverse people in nations that have existed over many centuries problematic?

Mainly, the integration of diverse people in nations that have existed over many centuries is problematic on the grounds that immigrants are not the foundation. There are deeper cultural and national identity issues at stake.

Why is the cultural divide in Germany so destructive?

Such a cultural divide is destructive for Germany’s immigrant population because cultural attitudes require a shift in the way that people think about nation and identity. Consequently, there is no quick fix for this and long term trends may result in a positive feedback loop where more immigrants mean more problems.

What is the overriding challenge for Germany's political institutions?

However, “the overriding challenge for Germany’s political institutions is the assimilation of the five eastern states.”. That is, there is still a strong political disconnect within Germany in terms of how immigrants are treated in a nation with a strong affinity towards national identity and self-sufficiency.

What is the cultural tendency of France?

The cultural tendency to discriminate against immigrant populations makes the nation a hostile and unfriendly place to live. The implications of France’s cultural norms reflect the way in which immigration is a serious problem.

Why do lawyers never argue?

There are some attorneys who will never argue a case in a courtroom because of the clients they choose to take. You will also find that there are trial lawyers who are in court almost every week because they are arguing a new case.

What are the benefits of being an attorney?

There are numerous career options available to you in this field.#N#One of the best benefits of being an attorney is the fact that you can select from a wide variety of career options in the private or public sector. You can choose to represent the law in your community as a criminal prosecutor. There is also the option to become a criminal defense attorney so that you can work to protect innocent lives. You can even choose to become a public defender to help those who might be unable to help themselves.

What is the job of a lawyer?

When you work as a lawyer, then your job is to represent and advise clients in criminal or civil cases. Attorneys will often specialize in a specific area of the law so that they can maximize the impact of their services.

Why do people like to work with multiple clients?

Some people like to work with multiple clients because that structure gives them a lot of social energy to enjoy. Others prefer to work with one client over a long time because the structure offers more job security and work consistency. It is all up to you. 3.

What does it mean to be an attorney?

Being an attorney means that you are afforded certain privileges that come with the prestige of this degree that other vocational opportunities do not have. You can have access to an expense account, set your own hours, and some lawyers even have a decorating budget they can access. 7.

How much does a public defender make?

You will not experience this benefit of being a lawyer if you decide to go into public service with your law degree. Public defenders make about 50% of the median for this career in the United States, while prosecutors can earn about 75% of the national average in most jurisdictions.

Is there flexibility in a lawyer's schedule?

There is a lot of flexibility available in your daily schedule as a lawyer. Even though some attorneys have unpredictable schedules, demanding quotas, and long hours to work each week, there does tend to be more flexibility in this career than in others which are available today.

What do lawyers do when they have a case?

When they have a case, they prepare the necessary documents, gather evidence, analyze probable outcomes and often appear in court to represent their clients. While in court, they present their case to the judge and the jury using logical reasoning and a combination of their persuasiveness and analytical abilities.

Why do lawyers have a decorating budget?

For example, some lawyers can also enjoy a decorating budget to help make their work environment more conducive to their productivity. Other work perks they may be able to take advantage of include plush accommodations, gym memberships and support staff to help minimize their workload.

Why do lawyers help people?

While this profession allows you to seek justice for these parties, it also provides you with emotional rewards. Depending on your perspective, this can be more beneficial than the money you earn in this profession.

How many hours do lawyers work?

This is mostly the case for new lawyers barely starting their careers. While a normal workweek consists of 40 hours, some lawyers put in 60 to 90 hours each week depending on the needs of the case they're working on.

How much do lawyers make?

Lawyers have the ability to earn a generous income. They make a national average salary of $50,979 per year. Though you may not earn this income as a new lawyer, you can work your way toward this salary with enough hard work and experience. However, finding satisfaction in your specific field may be worth more than your annual salary.

What are some examples of intellectual stimulation?

For example, some of your responsibilities may include understanding complex legal theories and determining the possible outcomes for your clients when it comes to a case.

What does a lawyer do?

Lawyers use their knowledge of the law and fair legal practices to provide quality legal advice to their clients. They advise them on the best course of action in both civil and criminal cases. Lawyers also interpret the law and various regulations for individuals and businesses.

Why do undocumented students feel scared?

Kids go through huge life changes including being removed from their childhood home, their old culture, their friends and family. Undocumented students face major stress from fear of family member deportation or from financial struggles. This can cause immigrant children to feel scared, confused and even angry.

How many undocumented children are there in the US?

There are an estimated 1 million undocumented children in the U.S., making up about a third of all immigrant children. These kids face unique challenges that their classmates and teachers might not understand.

Why do parents feel disappointed when their kids are not fluent in English?

This makes parents feel disappointed as their children struggle to keep up in the classroom. It also makes it hard for parents to help their kids with homework. Many parents feel helpless to understand their kid' schoolwork when they are not fluent in English themselves.

What does it mean to move to another country?

Moving to another country means changing your life. You will be in an entire new home, community, surrounded by strange culture and a different language. While you already have a lot to worry about, you will probably worry most about your children. They will face a lot of their own obstacles while doing their best in school.

Can undocumented students get a driver's license?

Undocumented immigrant students will be unable to find afterschool work, get a driver's license, or get financial aid for college. Undocumented children and their family members can seek family-based immigration and deportation defense options with the help of an attorney.

Immigration Lawyers Work with Both Legal and Illegal Immigrants

Immigration Lawyers Pave The Path to Citizenship and Opportunity

  • While the INA is the law of the land when it comes to immigration matters, most of the mechanics of pursuing visas or the coveted Green Card (better known to immigration lawyers as the I-551) for permanent residency and a path to citizenship are set out in regulations and processes set down by the agencies that manage the process. That makes admini...
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How to Prepare For A Position as An Immigration Lawyer

  • There is always a demand for immigration lawyers, so it’s easy to get experience in the field either before or after you graduate from law school. Many successful, practicing immigration attorneys cut their teeth volunteering for organization like the ACLU, LAJC, or ILRC, or with smaller local non-profits that work toward the same ends. Many law schools offer concentrations in immigration l…
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Becoming Certified as An Immigration Lawyer

  • Certification does not play as big a role in the legal field as in some other professional practices, but some states (particularly those along the southern border) are now offering pathways to specialization in immigration law as a way to deepen the expertise in the field and assure clients of your capabilities. These include: 1. The State Bar of California 2. The Florida Bar 3. North Caro…
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Educational Requirements

  • In order to practice law as an immigration lawyer, one must have a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor Law degree. During law school, in order to specialize in immigration law, the course load includes classes in citizenship, advising, interviewing and statutory analysis. Internships and other applicable work experience are vital for job applicants who want to stand a head above the rest. …
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Job Description & Skills Required

  • Immigration lawyers may represent their clients, either individuals or businesses, in court or serve them outside the courtroom by offering legal counsel. However, most rarely frequent the courtroom. They deal with issues such as: 1. employment-based immigrant visas 2. deportation 3. acquiring U.S. citizenship 4. assisting foreign companies to establish themselves legally on Ame…
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Salary & Career Outlook

  • Immigration lawyers may be employed by the government, in partnership or solo practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for lawyers in 2011 was around $130,000. As with other lawyer professions, the salary varies depending on location, experience and education. For example, an entry level solo practionner typically begins his practi…
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