Over 18% of Seattle’s population is foreign-born. A port city on the western coast of the US, Seattle in Washington stands on the isthmus between Lake Washington and Puget Sound. It is a prominent gateway for trade with Asia. The trade relations, the footsteps of ancestors who settled here for better opportunities, and political turmoil in certain countries lead several people to migrate to the city over the years. No wonder, today it is the home of people with their origins in Mexico, Italy, India, China, and many more.
If you have immigrated to the city for a prosperous life, contact an immigration attorney in Seattle. Despite the compassionate programs aimed at foreign settlers, the US immigration landscape is quite complicated. So, you need to hire a trustworthy and capable professional to handle your move to the city of new hopes.
Talk to friends and family
Your friends and family members are a great source of information when you try to hire an immigration attorney. They could help you with a lawyer’s name if they benefited from their professional guidance. Coming across legal representatives via word-of-mouth is an excellent way, as you get detailed information about their experiences.
Check the qualifications
Never pick an attorney without checking their credentials. Sometimes, attorneys might misinform or tell people sensitive information, eventually making them uncomfortable or afraid of proceeding with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies. The right attorney will list down all the necessary steps in the immigration procedure and will also guide you properly, if you have put yourself in a problematic situation. So, checking whether the lawyer is qualified and informs you of all your rights ultimately becomes your responsibility.
Here are some points that might help you get a qualified attorney.
- State Bar Association Certification: Contact the State Bar Association to get a list of qualified attorneys to handle immigration matters. It can help you with information about violations, complaints, and disciplinary actions received by a lawyer.
- Immigration Law Specialization: If you wish to get premium service and complete guidance, research lawyers who focus only on laws about foreign settlers. They may also know many enforcement officers and immigration judges from previous cases.
Ask about language services
Find an attorney who can speak your language or has a translator. If you hail from a non-English speaking background, speaking the language fluently or understanding it may be difficult for you. Language services guarantee that you and the lawyer comprehend each other.
Check Accessibility
You should contact a professional who is accessible during an urgent situation, like a detainment or an arrest. Besides, it is essential to ascertain the physical location of the lawyer. You may have to visit his office many times during the case. Can you reach the place quickly? Will it be easy to travel there? If your answers are yes, go ahead with your decision of choosing the attorney you like.
Finally, try to create a good relationship with the immigration attorney in Seattle, as you may have to approach him for green cards and work visas. Knowing a lawyer who understands you and your problems is an excellent way to start your life in the new city of Seattle. Your lasting relation will assist you in any immigration-related problem you face while staying in the city.