What Types of Cases Can Immigration Paralegals Handle?

Immigration law is complex, and the process of navigating through it can be daunting for many individuals seeking to secure their legal rights in a foreign country. While immigration attorneys often oversee the legal strategy, immigration paralegals are crucial members of the legal team, providing valuable support. Immigration paralegals help to streamline case management, ensure proper documentation, and assist clients with various aspects of their immigration processes.

One of the key questions clients often ask is: What types of cases can immigration paralegals handle?

Here’s a breakdown of the most common cases immigration paralegals are involved in:

1. Visa Applications

Visa applications are one of the most common cases that immigration paralegals assist with. These include various types of visas like tourist visas, student visas, work visas, and family-based visas. Paralegals can help gather the necessary documents, complete the application forms, track deadlines, and communicate with clients to ensure everything is in order. While the paralegal cannot provide legal advice, they play a crucial role in the administrative tasks associated with visa applications.

2. Green Card (Permanent Residency) Applications

Green card applications are another major area where immigration paralegals lend their expertise. Paralegals assist clients with the paperwork and forms required to apply for lawful permanent residence, whether through family, employment, asylum, or other eligibility categories. They help ensure that all the supporting documents, such as medical records, financial statements, and affidavits, are collected and submitted correctly.

3. Deportation (Removal) Defense

In cases of deportation or removal proceedings, immigration paralegals play a vital role in supporting attorneys in defending their clients. They help organize case files, manage evidence, prepare legal documents, and assist in gathering affidavits or witness statements. While the attorney handles the legal defense and strategy, paralegals ensure that all the administrative details are properly handled.

4. Naturalization and Citizenship Applications

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is another important area of immigration law. Remote Paralegals help clients by reviewing their eligibility for citizenship, guiding them through the application process, and ensuring all forms are accurately filled out. They assist with preparing for the citizenship interview, gathering required documents, and offering logistical support throughout the process.

5. Asylum and Refugee Applications

Individuals seeking asylum in the U.S. or another country often rely on immigration paralegals to help with their applications. Asylum cases can be highly complex, involving sensitive documentation and interviews with immigration officers. Paralegals help gather evidence of persecution, complete necessary forms, and coordinate the client's interviews. They also ensure that deadlines are met and all the required evidence is properly organized.

6. Work Permits and Employment Authorization

Paralegals also assist clients in obtaining work permits and employment authorization, especially for individuals on temporary visas, those adjusting their status, or those who seek asylum. They ensure that the client’s application is completed correctly and filed on time to allow them to work legally in the country.

7. Family-Based Immigration Cases

Family-based immigration cases involve bringing family members into a country for permanent residence. Paralegals play an essential role in these cases by helping to file the necessary paperwork, prepare petitions, and track the progress of the case. They assist both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents with petitions for spouses, children, parents, or siblings to join them.

8. Immigration Waivers

Some individuals may be ineligible for certain immigration benefits due to past violations or other issues. In these cases, an immigration waiver may be needed. Immigration paralegals help gather supporting evidence and complete waiver applications, ensuring that the clients have the best chance of overcoming legal hurdles and obtaining approval.

9. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

DACA is a program for young immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and meet specific criteria. Paralegals assist with the application process, ensuring that all required information and documentation are submitted. They also help track renewal deadlines and support clients in gathering any required evidence for the application.

10. Investor Visas and Entrepreneur Visas

For foreign nationals seeking to invest in or start a business in another country, immigration paralegals help with applications for investor visas, such as the EB-5 visa in the U.S. Paralegals assist with the completion of the required paperwork and the submission of supporting documents, ensuring that everything is in compliance with immigration laws.

Conclusion

Immigration paralegals play a crucial role in managing a wide range of cases in immigration law. From visa applications and green card petitions to deportation defense and family-based immigration cases, they provide essential support to attorneys and clients throughout the immigration process. While they cannot offer legal advice, their organizational skills, attention to detail, and understanding of immigration laws make them indispensable in ensuring the smooth progression of immigration cases.

If you’re considering a career as an immigration paralegal or need help with an immigration case, it’s essential to understand the scope of services these professionals offer and how they can assist in navigating the often-complex immigration process.