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The Best Immigration Attorneys in Santa Cruz, California

Top 3 immigration attorneys in Santa Cruz, California. Rated 4.9/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.

3
Top Attorneys
4.9/5
Avg Rating
190
Total Reviews
20
Avg Years

Top Immigration Attorneys

Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system

1

Andrew J. Zeltner

Law Office of Andrew J. Zeltner

★★★★★
5/5

Andrew Zeltner is a highly respected immigration attorney based directly in Santa Cruz with over 15 years of dedicated immigration law practice. He specializes in complex removal defense cases, family-based petitions, and asylum applications. Rated 5.0 across multiple platforms, clients consistently praise his meticulous case preparation, compassionate approach, and high success rates in difficult immigration matters. He's known for his expertise in deportation defense and has successfully handled numerous cases before immigration courts.

Experience:15+ years
Reviews:45 reviews
303 Potrero Street #29-203, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Practice Areas:

Family-Based ImmigrationCitizenship & NaturalizationDeportation DefenseAsylumRemoval DefenseVisa Applications
2

Steven A. Morger

Law Offices of Steven A. Morger

★★★★☆
4.9/5

Steven Morger has been practicing immigration law in Santa Cruz for over 25 years, establishing one of the most reputable immigration practices in the Central Coast region. With extensive experience in both family and employment-based immigration, he has successfully handled thousands of cases including H-1B visas, investor visas, and complex family petitions. Clients consistently highlight his thorough understanding of immigration law, personalized attention, and exceptional track record in obtaining approvals for challenging cases.

Experience:25+ years
Reviews:60 reviews
550 Water Street, Suite I-3, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Practice Areas:

Family-Based ImmigrationEmployment VisasBusiness ImmigrationCitizenship & NaturalizationDeportation Defense
3

Christopher K. Stender

Landerholm Immigration, APC

★★★★☆
4.8/5

Christopher Stender of Landerholm Immigration is a highly-regarded immigration attorney whose firm actively serves Santa Cruz clients despite being based in the Bay Area. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in employment-based immigration including H-1B, L-1, O-1, and EB-1 visas, as well as complex business immigration matters. The firm maintains a 4.8+ rating with clients praising their expertise in corporate immigration and successful handling of difficult cases. They regularly represent clients throughout the Central Coast region.

Experience:20+ years
Reviews:85 reviews
125 12th Street, Suite 215, Oakland, CA 94607 (serves Santa Cruz clients)

Practice Areas:

Employment VisasBusiness ImmigrationFamily-Based ImmigrationDeportation DefenseInvestor Visas

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about immigration law services in Santa Cruz, California

What types of immigration cases do Santa Cruz attorneys commonly handle for the local community?

Santa Cruz immigration attorneys frequently handle cases involving DACA renewals, U-Visas for victims of crimes (which can be relevant given the city's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations), family-based petitions for spouses and children, and naturalization applications. They also have experience with employment-based visas for professionals at UC Santa Cruz and local tech companies, as well as asylum cases for individuals fleeing persecution.

How can an immigration lawyer in Santa Cruz help me if I am facing deportation?

An experienced Santa Cruz immigration lawyer can assess your case to identify potential defenses against removal, such as applying for asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status. They can represent you in hearings at the San Francisco Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over Santa Cruz cases, and help you file necessary motions or appeals. Local attorneys are also familiar with community resources that can provide additional support during this stressful process.

Are there any local Santa Cruz resources that work with immigration attorneys to help clients?

Yes, Santa Cruz has several organizations that collaborate with immigration lawyers, including the Santa Cruz County Immigration Project (SCCIP) and Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, which offer legal clinics, know-your-rights workshops, and referral services. The UC Santa Cruz Legal Assistance Program may also provide resources for students. These partnerships can help connect you with affordable legal representation and additional support services specific to our community.

What should I look for when choosing an immigration attorney in Santa Cruz?

When selecting a Santa Cruz immigration attorney, look for someone who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and has specific experience with cases similar to yours. It's beneficial to choose a lawyer familiar with the local immigration court procedures in San Francisco and the specific challenges faced by Santa Cruz residents, such as those related to the agricultural workforce or university community. Reading client reviews and scheduling a consultation can also help you find a trustworthy and competent legal representative.

How does Santa Cruz's location in California affect my immigration case options?

Santa Cruz's location in California provides access to state-specific benefits not available nationwide, such as driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants and state-funded legal services. However, being in the San Francisco Immigration Court jurisdiction means your removal proceedings would be handled there, which has its own procedural nuances. Additionally, proximity to Silicon Valley can be advantageous for employment-based immigration cases, while the agricultural nature of surrounding areas means many attorneys are experienced with H-2A visa cases and related issues.

Nearby Cities

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About Santa Cruz, California

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