by Martin 4 years ago 
Immigration stands out as a significant socioeconomic element with substantial financial implications. Beyond the customary charges for visa applications and penalties for prolonged stays, the expenses associated with immigration lawyers represent a substantial portion of the overall costs.
Given that immigration lawyers and their respective law firms are essential and have different specialties, each of them also has unique approaches and advice to different matters. Immigration attorneys such as those from Frahman Law Firm and others deal with matters of great importance, which can make or break a person’s life. Although many such firms offer free first meetings and sometimes even work pro bono, they are usually paid per hour with an addition of a 30-minute consultation fee.
One of the most expensive services they provide is the asylum application, and you can guess why. To further know about what is the typical working price of a legitimate immigration asylum lawyer, here are a few things you should be aware of.
How They Price
Immigration lawyers charge an estimated $250 to $800 in legal assistance of basic immigration forms. Most of the time, their rate is paid per hour with an additional consultation fee (estimated less than $150). Some lawyers do offer a fixed set of prices throughout the whole service.
This price range changes depending on the type of assistance the client needs. It usually a lot expensive if it is an application for Green Card or Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR). Asylum application assistance, on the other hand, often ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per hour. This is a case to case basis, given that asylum seekers are one of the most difficult immigration cases aside from deportation defense.
Apart from the consultation fee and hourly rate, there are often United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) filing fees as well. This is for possessing an Immigration Benefit Request Form that ranges from $65 (Records Request) to $3,675 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur) depending on the nature of the case.
Breakdown of Immigration Lawyer Expense
Asylum seekers have the freedom of choice whether to get an attorney or not. However, an immigration process without a legal representative often becomes a bit complex and time-consuming. If the dilemma is whether to get a lawyer or not, it is best to weigh in the variables of the case; violation of rules and regulations, falsification of documents, an extended stay of more than a day or a year, and other hefty out of the protocol reasons are best defended with a legitimate immigration lawyer.
As for those who seek asylum, it is recommended to have a lawyer beside them. These are some of the factors behind the cost of their services:
- Nature of the Case
If assistance is needed, it is advised to seek an attorney – otherwise, it would not be time efficient and worse, might be done incorrectly. For asylum seekers, a lot of personal background would be asked by U.S. officials to prove that the reason for the seeker is plausible. Having no lawyers to guide the process may lead to the rejection of the application.
- The Support Needed
The cost of immigration help depends on how tough the situation is and how much help you need. One example is when people want asylum – if their reasons aren’t very convincing, they need more help from a lawyer. A big part of this is getting proof to support their case. Sometimes, a private investigator — one like Bond Rees — aids with this.
They can find evidence like documents or people who can back up the person’s story. This teamwork between the lawyer and the PI can make the case stronger and more likely to succeed. So, the money you pay for immigration help isn’t only for the lawyer – it might also cover extra things like a PI’s help. The harder the case, the more help you might need, which can affect the cost.
- Level of Experience
Getting a legitimate immigration lawyer is one thing, but having an experienced lawyer is another. This is why the rate does vary per law group or attorney, signifying the value of their experience per case. For instance, immigration lawyers in Vancouver, BC (or similar ones elsewhere), who have extensive experience with complex cases, may charge higher fees but offer a greater likelihood of success, particularly in challenging scenarios like deportation defense or appeals. For asylum immigration lawyers, it is best to get experienced ones so that you would know if they can assist you in court at their very best.
Similarly, if you’re dealing with family reunification or business immigration, experienced lawyers can provide tailored strategies that align with the latest legal developments. However, inexperienced immigration lawyers can also be an option if the budget cannot be stretched, offering more affordable rates while still providing essential legal guidance. So, depending on your budget and your requirements, go with the attorney that fits those needs.
Conclusion
Overall, asylum attorneys and other immigration lawyers do get paid a hefty amount because of their worth. The value of legal representatives in the courtroom cannot deny their line of work and passion. Besides, it is best to settle with quality than mediocre when it comes to life-changing experiences. For more information on asylum law, click here.