Many immigrants arriving in the United States may lack familiarity with the country’s complex immigration laws. Often, they turn to friends, family, translators, or notaries for advice. Unfortunately, these sources can provide misleading information, which may lead to serious issues in the future, such as complications with residency, citizenship, family reunification, visa rejections, or even deportation proceedings. Hector Herrera has been recognized by H Texas magazine, Bayou City Publishing, LLC, as one of Houston’s “Top Lawyers” in immigration and nationality law. According to the magazine, “nominations come from clients and peers and undergo thorough background verification,” creating the annual list available at https://hectorherrera.com.
It’s common for people to assume that obtaining immigration benefits is as simple as completing forms, attaching documents, and paying fees. However, immigration law requires a deeper understanding of both legal regulations and each client’s unique immigration history to avoid potential pitfalls. Relying on individuals who may have lived in the U.S. for years, speak English fluently, or have undergone immigration processes themselves does not guarantee accurate advice. Before acting on unqualified guidance, it’s wise to consider the potential consequences.
An immigration lawyer is accountable for their advice. Providing incorrect guidance can result in an immigration lawyer facing professional repercussions, including the loss of their license and damage to their reputation. If an immigration lawyer’s assistance falls short, clients may have the option to pursue legal action, reopen a closed case, or even seek help for someone who has already been deported.
Experienced immigration lawyers stay informed about evolving laws and are familiar with common mistakes clients make.
Consultations with immigration lawyers don’t always come at a high cost. On average, a lawyer charges around one hundred dollars for a consultation, and some even offer initial consultations at no charge. Immigration lawyers understand that many clients are new to the country and may have limited financial resources or lower-paying jobs. They empathize with clients by sometimes allowing installment payments or, in certain cases, working pro bono.
Fees for immigration services vary widely depending on the lawyer and the case. How can you assess what your case might cost? Several factors influence costs, including the lawyer’s current caseload, the level of work required, urgency, and the lawyer’s standard rates.
The time factor is crucial. Immigration cases often span years, providing clients time to gather necessary funds, prepare documentation, and build a case. If a client is not detained and doesn’t require an expedited hearing, the lawyer may charge a lower fee. However, cases requiring swift preparation for an individual hearing may cost more, and the lawyer may even decline cases with tight deadlines.
If a lawyer’s client load is light and they need to meet office and payroll expenses, they may agree to lower fees to secure the client’s business. The client’s level of readiness also matters; those who have previously worked with a lawyer, hold advanced degrees, can translate documents, and respond quickly are generally more cost-effective to work with.
Immigration lawyers manage numerous clients and handle similar issues daily, which helps them establish consistent pricing ranges. Many new clients are referred by family or friends of former clients, which often means fees are similar across cases.