The Best Immigration Attorneys in San Diego, California
Top 3 immigration attorneys in San Diego, California. Rated 4.9/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Margaret Wong & Associates
Margaret Wong & Associates LLC
Margaret Wong is one of the most renowned immigration attorneys in Southern California with over 40 years of experience. She has successfully handled thousands of immigration cases including complex deportation defense, asylum claims, and business immigration matters. Recognized with numerous awards including the American Immigration Lawyers Association's Pro Bono Award, her firm maintains an exceptional success rate with high client satisfaction. The firm specializes in all aspects of immigration law with particular expertise in employment-based visas and removal defense.
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Kate Kalmykov
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Kate Kalmykov is a highly respected shareholder at Greenberg Traurig focusing exclusively on business immigration law. She has extensive experience handling complex employment-based visa matters including EB-5 investor visas, L-1 intracompany transfers, H-1B visas, and PERM labor certifications. Recognized as a "Super Lawyer" and rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, she provides strategic immigration counsel to multinational corporations and startups. Her practice is known for high approval rates and sophisticated corporate immigration solutions.
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Kelli Duehning
Law Office of Kelli L. Duehning
Kelli Duehning has built an outstanding reputation over two decades specializing in family-based immigration and humanitarian cases. Her practice focuses on marriage-based green cards, citizenship applications, asylum claims, and deportation defense with particular expertise in VAWA cases for victims of domestic violence. Rated 10/10 by Avvo and recognized as a "Super Lawyer," she maintains exceptional client satisfaction with personalized attention to each case. Known for her compassionate approach and high success rate in complex immigration matters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in San Diego, California
What types of immigration cases do San Diego attorneys commonly handle, especially given the city's proximity to the border?
San Diego immigration attorneys frequently handle family-based petitions, U visas for crime victims, T visas for trafficking survivors, asylum claims, and removal defense cases. Given the city's location, there is also significant expertise in border-related issues such as waivers for inadmissibility and cases involving the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry. Many firms are well-versed in the specific practices of the San Diego Immigration Court and local USCIS field office.
How can I find a reputable and affordable immigration lawyer in San Diego?
You can start by checking the State Bar of California's website for certified specialists in immigration law and reading reviews on platforms like Avvo. Local non-profit organizations such as the Jewish Family Service of San Diego and the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties often provide referrals or low-cost legal clinics. Many San Diego law firms also offer free initial consultations and flexible payment plans to make their services more accessible.
What are the benefits of hiring a local San Diego immigration attorney versus one from another city?
A local San Diego attorney has established relationships with officers at the local USCIS field office, familiarity with the judges and procedures at the San Diego Immigration Court, and nuanced understanding of cases influenced by the border dynamics. They can also represent you more easily at in-person interviews or hearings, which are often scheduled at locations like the El Cajon Courthouse or the San Diego Field Office, saving you time and travel complications.
Are there any San Diego-specific resources or programs for immigrants that a local attorney can help me access?
Yes, a knowledgeable San Diego attorney can guide you to local resources such as the San Diego Rapid Response Network for emergency support, the County of San Diego's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs for community services, and programs like the San Diego Citizenship Collaborative which offers naturalization assistance. They can also help navigate city-specific policies and connect you with local non-profits that provide additional support.
What should I expect during my first consultation with a San Diego immigration lawyer?
During your initial consultation, typically offered for free or a minimal fee by many San Diego firms, the attorney will review your documents, assess your immigration goals and eligibility, and outline a potential strategy. They will explain how local factors, such as the caseload at the San Diego court or current enforcement priorities in the region, might impact your case. This meeting is also your opportunity to evaluate the attorney's expertise and comfort level with your specific situation.
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