The Best Immigration Attorneys in Portland, Maine
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Portland, Maine. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Bernstein Shur Immigration Practice Group
Bernstein Shur Sawyer & Nelson
Bernstein Shur's immigration practice group is one of Maine's most established and respected immigration law teams. With multiple attorneys specializing exclusively in immigration law, they have successfully handled thousands of immigration cases for businesses, families, and individuals throughout Maine. Their attorneys have exceptional success rates with employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, TN), PERM labor certifications, and investor visas (EB-5). The firm maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards. Their immigration attorneys regularly speak at national immigration conferences and have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for immigration law.
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Petruccelli Law Firm Immigration Practice
Petruccelli, Martin & Haddow, LLP
Petruccelli Law has built a strong reputation for comprehensive immigration services throughout Maine and New England. Their immigration practice handles complex family-based petitions, marriage-based green cards, citizenship applications, and removal defense cases with impressive success rates. The firm's immigration attorneys have particular expertise in waiver applications (I-601, I-601A) and consular processing cases. Client reviews consistently praise their responsive communication, thorough case preparation, and compassionate approach to sensitive immigration matters. The firm has been recognized in New England Super Lawyers for immigration law and maintains excellent standing with the Maine State Bar Association.
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Linda B. Tsie
Tsie Immigration Law, LLC
Linda Tsie operates a highly specialized immigration law practice focused exclusively on humanitarian and family-based immigration matters. With over 15 years of dedicated immigration experience, she has developed exceptional expertise in asylum cases, VAWA petitions, U visas, and removal defense. Her practice boasts remarkable success rates with complex humanitarian cases and family reunification matters. Client testimonials consistently highlight her meticulous case preparation, deep knowledge of immigration law, and personal commitment to each client's success. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and maintains an impeccable record with the Maine Board of Bar Overseers. Her practice is particularly noted for handling difficult cases that other attorneys may decline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Portland, Maine
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Portland, Maine, commonly handle?
Immigration attorneys in Portland frequently assist with family-based petitions, asylum applications, employment-based visas, and deportation defense. Given Maine's status as a refugee resettlement state, many lawyers here have significant experience with humanitarian cases like asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and U-visas. They also help with adjustment of status, naturalization, and navigating the complexities of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and immigration courts, which for Maine residents are typically managed through the Boston Immigration Court.
How does living in Portland, Maine, affect the processing of my immigration application?
While USCIS processing times are generally set federally, your local field office and application support center are crucial. For Portland residents, the primary USCIS field office is in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and the Application Support Center for biometrics is in Portland itself. An experienced local attorney will understand the logistics and timelines associated with these specific offices, as well as any regional trends or policies from the Boston-based immigration court that may impact cases from Maine.
Are there local resources in Portland that immigration attorneys work with to support clients?
Yes, Portland immigration attorneys often collaborate with key local organizations such as the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP), Maine's only statewide immigration legal services nonprofit, and Catholic Charities Maine's Refugee and Immigration Services. These partnerships are vital for providing holistic support, including social services, language assistance, and community integration programs, which can strengthen a client's case and overall well-being during the immigration process.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration lawyer in Portland, ME?
Look for an attorney who is not only licensed and in good standing with the Maine State Bar but also has specific, verifiable experience in immigration law. Given Maine's unique demographic and legal landscape, it's beneficial to find a lawyer familiar with cases common to the region, such as those involving the fishing and agricultural industries or asylum seekers from specific countries. Check for membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and read reviews from other immigrants in the Greater Portland area.
Can a Portland immigration attorney help me if I am detained by ICE in Maine?
Absolutely. If you are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Maine, you will likely be held at the Cumberland County Jail or another facility within the state. A Portland-based attorney can provide urgent legal representation, file for bond, and prepare your defense for hearings at the Boston Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over Maine. They understand the local detention procedures and can work quickly to advocate for your release and build a strong case against removal.
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About Portland, Maine
Portland 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 Maine.
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