Immigration BestLawyer
We choose to exclusively practice immigration law so we can dedicate 100% of our resources to providing superior immigration services to our clients. Many of our competitors practice numerous areas of law and cannot provide the same level of immigration service
on top-menu bar to view short videos featuring Attorney Gail Seeram. In our busy world, we know you need ImmigrationINFO quickly so watch our short videos on current and popular immigration topics.
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We Win Case Approvals! View Our Success Stories
Client Case Approvals/Wins section of our website (see blue top-menu bar) highlights our client’s success stories and displays actual family & employment visa approvals, winning decisions on waivers, citizenship, PERM approvals, granted orders to terminate removal proceedings, granted orders to administratively close removal proceedings, and much more
Immigration Law Basics
Immigration law encompasses a wide range of situations that involve a person from a foreign country coming to the United States, whether for a temporary visit or with the intent to live permanently in the U.S. (as a citizen or as a legal permanent resident). FindLaw’s Immigration Law Basics section provides a bird’s eye view of the immigration process, including a glossary of immigration terms; an overview of immigration in general; and helpful primers to help you get started with your particular immigration needs. Also provided are links to primers on getting a green card, working in the U.S. as a foreign national, helping a family member adjust his or her status, and more.
Visiting the U.S.
Those who wish to visit the United States for a short time and do not intend to work have a number of “non-immigrant” visa options. Nationals of some countries need not apply for a visa at all and are eligible to enter the U.S. as part of the “Visa Waiver Program.” Others will need to apply with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in their home country in advance of their departure.
There are many different kinds of non-immigrant visas, but the most commonly used are the B1/B2 visitor visas. These visas do not permit study, employment, professional performances, work in the media, or permanent residence in the U.S. There are specific non-immigrant visas and other programs for all of these kinds of activities.
Working in the U.S.
Those wishing to work in the United States may apply for one of several different kinds of employment-based immigrant or non-immigrant visas.
Non-immigrant visas, such as the H-1B and other H visas, permit employment with a specific employer in a specific position. Other employment-authorized visas include the L visa for intra-company transferees and the O, P, and R visas which are used by extraordinary artists, scientists, athletes, educators, and religious workers. Each kind of employment-based visa has challenges that must be overcome. All of them require documentation of the applicant’s qualifications for the position offered.
Immigration Lawyers
Recognized Name
We have helped thousands of people with their immigration, citizenship and refugee matters, with experience dating back over forty years. BLGPC has a well respected and lengthy history with immigration stakeholders. BLGPC is responsible for key decisions that have shaped immigration law. It is one of few remaining law firms that focus exclusively on citizenship, immigration and refugee law.
Expertise
BLGPC has developed a unique expertise in complex immigration appeals and inadmissibility cases for persons applying for temporary and permanent residence. Aside from successfully assisting many individuals and companies each year, many of our clients are other lawyers and consultants. What our Clients Say
Experience & Reputation
We have earned successful results at every level of the citizenship, immigration and refugee process – from application stage to the Supreme Court
key things to know about Trump’s freeze on work visas, according to an immigration lawyer
The new proclamation only applies to people who were outside the US before June 22
Nair told Business Insider that she has received several calls about whether or not Trump’s ban applies to people who are currently in the US. The answer, Nair said, is straightforward: It does not.
It only applies to certain visa categories
Nair told Business Insider that it is also important to note that the ban does not apply to all visa categories. The ban temporarily suspends H-1B, H-2B, H-4, J-1, and L-1 visas.
This means you can still apply for other US visa categories in 2020, including B-1 visas, which are meant for those visiting the US for business purposes; B-2 visas, which are meant for tourists; and F-1 visas, which are meant for students. Per Nair, you can still apply for O-1, E-3, and E-2 visas.
There is still some debate over sections of the new proclamation
Nair said that the proclamation left her with questions to ponder. She said that the proclamation doesn’t clearly state whether or not the ban applies to individuals who previously had visas and are now stuck abroad. For example, she said if someone was in the US on an H-1B visa, departed the country a few months ago, and now needs to secure a new visa, she is unsure if the proclamation applies to those individuals.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Immigration?
The typical scenario runs like this: Someone comes into our office or calls us and describes their situation. It could be a Visa refusal or they want to sponsor their mother from overseas, or apply for a work permit. After listening to their story, we will then try to spot any legal issues that may be relevant to their case and provide some general guidance as to what may be involved in resolving their problem. These consultations are not designed to provide specific legal advice but rather to give people an idea about what is involved in their situation.
After listening to my general overview, the person will usually the ask two follow up questions: 1. How long will it take with an immigration lawyer? and 2. How much will an immigration lawyer cost? Both perfectly reasonable questions. The answer to the first, will of course depend on the nature of the case. Some visa applications take a number of months and some number of days. The answer to the second will of course vary depending on the nature and complexity of the case.
At this point, the person hopefully has a solid understanding of their situation and what is involved in resolving it. And now for the “biggy” . The question that often is asked with some fear and trepidation: “But Sir do I really need an immigration lawyer”?, they say.
“No, you do not need a lawyer for your immigration matter”, I say. I love watching their shocked faces. I let a few second pass to absorb the news. The person, looking like a deer in headlights, will then often and sheepishly ask “Well, why not?. I don’t need a lawyer?” To which my reply is always: “Sir or Madam, your case can be filed, argued and processed without a lawyer or representative and therefore you don’t need an immigration lawyer”. There are no rules or regulations requiring people to have representatives handle their Immigration and Visa applications. Any application can be filed or a hearing can he conducted without legal counsel.
I then go on to tell them the following, often to their relief: “Although you don’t need a lawyer, you definitely should have one. Immigration law is very complex and there are many aspects to a case that require professional assistance despite what you may read or see online. I then add that “many cases we handle are refused applications or failed hearings and appeals from people without lawyers. Such cases are much harder to resolve and more costly. It is always better to get it right the first time. Therefore there is a big difference between needing a lawyer and should you have one.”