The ABA also recommends engaging in activities related to public service, promoting justice, building relationships and cooperation. So look for part-time or summer jobs, internships or volunteering if you can. For example, an articling at an immigration law firm can give you first-hand insight into the work at stake and help you improve your relevant workplace skills. Such “real-world” experiences can also help you evaluate the pros and cons of working in the field without committing to a full-time job after law school. It will also provide a knowledge base that you can build on later if you decide to pursue a career in immigration law. President Donald Trump`s controversial immigration regulations, signed in January, initially caused “a lot of confusion” about whether they applied to permanent residents or dual citizens, said Jennifer Hermansky of Greenberg Traurig`s Philadelphia office. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for all lawyers is about $120,000. Average salaries exceed $140,000 for federal government employees, while state and local government salaries range from $85,000 to $93,000 per year. Lawyers employed by large, successful law firms or corporations tend to earn more than those who own their own practice or work for non-profit organizations. If you haven`t entered law school yet (whether you`re a student, professional, or even high school), there are things you can do now to prepare for upcoming legal education and your future career as an immigration lawyer. For me, the day-to-day practice of immigration law was like love at first sight. It was the perfect mix of frequent contact with fascinating clients from all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds that made me feel like I was traveling the world.

and a combination of social work and complex legal puzzles that fascinated me intellectually. As I immersed myself in the field, I became totally captivated by the fascinating stories behind my business, as well as the complex legal strategies that required many cases. Early in my career, I didn`t understand why immigration lawyers generally ranked slightly above ambulance hunters. My experience has allowed me to interact with brilliant lawyers dedicated to supporting their clients, often with little recognition and meager compensation. Immigration law is vast and complex, and it is important for lawyers to have a basic understanding of its key issues, including the federal government`s power over immigration laws and policies. For example, immigration attorneys could help citizens of other countries work in the United States as part of the process of obtaining legal status with the H-1B visa program. This program provides a framework for U.S. employers to hire non-U.S. citizens.

Citizens in jobs where their skills are needed. People hoping to come to the U.S. to fill such positions must get approval through a complex and often intimidating process. They (or often employers hoping to hire them) often turn to immigration lawyers who help them fill out forms and other required steps. Lawyers may also represent clients in their dealings with government officials in matters related to the visa application. Immigrants have extremely little political power in the United States, even though this country was founded on the backs of immigrants. Many are exploited due to lack of information or language skills, and I wanted to stand in the void for these people so that they could have a part of the American dream. Being an immigrant myself, the immigration process is also deeply personal. I had two H-1B visas and received a green card from my father, who is a permanent resident. Throughout the process, I realized that there was a lack of qualified immigration lawyers, so I decided to take the plunge and start my solo practice. What don`t you like about being an immigration lawyer, or do you find it difficult? The same goes for gaining experience in a social awareness organization, a business that relies on non-citizens, or a government office that deals with immigration. If there is no direct link to immigration, any paid or volunteer activity that involves public speaking, writing, research, or other skills valued in the legal profession may be worth pursuing.

In many situations, strong interpersonal skills are also required. During a particular day in immigration practice, a lawyer may work with individuals who have had exceptionally traumatic experiences, including persecution, human trafficking, or torture. The ability to communicate with compassion can be especially important when it comes to immigrants and immigrant families who may need reassurance and technical assistance in dealing with the legal complexities of immigration. The most common visa is H-1B, where the applicant has a job offer with a salary prevailing in that geographic area, holds a bachelor`s degree or higher, or works as a seasonal assistant in a specialized occupation. Business immigration aims to help employers legally recruit and employ migrant workers in the UK. The aim is to guide employers and employees through UK immigration regulations in order to find suitable routes to the UK and to help submit the relevant application to the Home Office. As for choosing Pace Law — “it made sense” and had everything Paul was looking for — from the location in Westchester but close to New York to a top-notch immigration law program with hands-on learning and classroom instruction. During his time at Pace, Paul immersed himself as much as he could.

“I was a member of the Pace Law Advocacy Honor Board as Director of Internal Competitions; I have participated in every oral moot court competition I have ever held, from immigration to criminal law to sports arbitration. I was president and one of the founding members of the Immigration Law Student Organization, vice-president of the Public Interest Law Students` Organization and vice-president of the Latin American Law Students` Association, BARBRI representative and admissions ambassador and mentor, member of the faculty student group, and player of the Pace intramural football team. I looked at every opportunity to broaden my perspective and meet new people. And I was lucky to have so many opportunities. Despite the creation of EOIR and its initial promise that we would enjoy greater equality with those who enforced our country`s immigration laws, we remained “legal Cinderellas,” abused stepchildren who seemed condemned to endless forced labor without sufficient resources or recognition of our efforts. Since becoming an immigration judge, we have never received the resources we needed in a timely or well-considered manner, but for decades we have caught up, had to settle for less, and have been under constant pressure to do our jobs faster and without loss of quality. Immigration judges won a legislative victory when our lobbying codified the position of immigration judge in the mid-1990s, and again in 2003 when, against all odds, we managed to stay out of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforcement umbrella when it was created.