The Best Immigration Attorneys in Ames, Iowa
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Ames, Iowa. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
David J. Kessler
Law Office of David J. Kessler
David J. Kessler is a highly respected immigration attorney with over 25 years of exclusive focus on immigration law. He has an exceptional success rate in complex cases, including family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense. Clients consistently praise his meticulous attention to detail, deep knowledge of USCIS procedures, and compassionate client service. He is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and maintains a perfect disciplinary record with the Iowa State Bar. His practice serves clients throughout Iowa, including Ames, with a strong reputation for achieving favorable outcomes in citizenship and asylum cases.
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Luis A. Cortes
Cortes Law Firm
Luis A. Cortes has built a distinguished 18-year career specializing in immigration law, with particular expertise in asylum cases, deportation defense, and family-based immigration. Fluent in Spanish, he is known for his accessible approach and strong advocacy in federal immigration courts. His high client satisfaction stems from a track record of successful naturalization applications and visa approvals. He serves clients across Iowa, including the Ames area, and is recognized for his commitment to immigrant rights and community education. Cortes is a member of AILA and has received numerous accolades for his pro bono work and legal excellence.
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Jennifer L. Haggard
Davis, Brown, Koehn, Shors & Roberts, P.C.
Jennifer L. Haggard is a seasoned immigration attorney at Iowa's prominent Davis Brown law firm, with 16 years of experience focusing on business and employment immigration, including H-1B visas, PERM labor certifications, and investor visas. She has a proven success rate for corporate clients and individuals, complemented by strong skills in family-based cases and deportation defense. Clients value her strategic approach and responsiveness, leading to high satisfaction ratings. Haggard is a member of AILA and serves Ames and surrounding communities, leveraging the firm's extensive resources to handle complex immigration matters efficiently. Her practice is noted for balancing aggressive advocacy with practical solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Ames, Iowa
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Ames, Iowa typically handle?
Immigration attorneys in Ames commonly assist with student and work visas for Iowa State University students and faculty, family-based petitions, employment-based green cards for professionals at local companies like 3M and Barilla, and deportation defense. Given Ames's significant international student population and growing tech industry, attorneys here have particular expertise in F-1/J-1 visa matters, H-1B petitions, and STEM OPT extensions.
How can I find affordable immigration legal help in Ames if I have limited resources?
Several options exist for affordable immigration services in Ames. Iowa State University's Student Legal Services provides low-cost consultations to enrolled students, while the Ames Public Library offers periodic legal clinics with volunteer attorneys. Additionally, the Drake University Legal Clinic in Des Moines (about 30 miles away) provides pro bono immigration services to qualifying individuals in central Iowa, including Story County residents.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration attorney in Ames?
When selecting an immigration attorney in Ames, verify they're members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and licensed to practice in Iowa. Look for experience with cases similar to yours, particularly given Ames's unique demographics involving students, researchers, and agricultural workers. Check reviews from the ISU international community and schedule initial consultations (many Ames attorneys offer free or low-cost first meetings) to assess their familiarity with local USCIS procedures and immigration court practices in the Omaha jurisdiction, which covers Iowa.
Are there any local resources in Ames that work with immigration attorneys to support immigrants?
Yes, several Ames organizations collaborate with immigration attorneys. The Ames International Friendship Committee connects immigrants with legal resources, while the YSS (Youth & Shelter Services) provides support for immigrant youth. The Ames Community School District's English Language Learner program often refers families to trusted immigration attorneys. These local networks can be valuable for finding reputable legal assistance and community support throughout your immigration process.
How does being in a university town like Ames affect immigration case processing?
Ames's status as a university town significantly impacts immigration processing. Attorneys here are experienced with the high volume of student and scholar cases from Iowa State University, which can mean faster processing for certain academic-related petitions due to established relationships with the ISU International Students and Scholars Office. However, the limited number of immigration attorneys serving both the university population and broader community can sometimes lead to longer wait times for consultations during peak academic periods like the start of semesters.
About Ames, Iowa
Ames residents and their families deserve experienced, knowledgeable legal representation when navigating immigration law. Our featured attorneys specialize in immigration law, visa applications, and citizenship services with personalized legal strategies in Iowa.
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