The Best Immigration Attorneys in Arlington, Massachusetts
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Arlington, Massachusetts. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Scott T. Watson
Scott T. Watson, P.C.
Scott Watson is a highly respected immigration attorney with over two decades of experience practicing throughout Massachusetts. He specializes in complex immigration matters including family petitions, employment-based visas, and deportation defense. With an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and numerous client testimonials praising his thorough approach, Watson has established himself as one of the top immigration practitioners in the Boston metropolitan area serving Arlington clients. His firm handles cases ranging from straightforward naturalization applications to complex removal proceedings.
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Thomas V. Urmy Jr.
Law Offices of Thomas V. Urmy Jr.
Thomas Urmy has built a formidable reputation in immigration law over 25 years, particularly in deportation defense and complex immigration litigation. Based in Cambridge, he serves clients throughout the Greater Boston area including Arlington. Urmy is known for his aggressive courtroom advocacy and has successfully handled numerous asylum cases and family-based immigration matters. He maintains a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo and is recognized for his expertise in immigration appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and Federal Courts.
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Matthew T. Phillips
Larrabee & Zimmerman LLP
Matthew Phillips of Larrabee & Zimmerman brings over 15 years of dedicated immigration law experience, focusing on business immigration and employment-based visas while also handling family immigration cases. The firm serves corporate clients and individuals throughout Massachusetts including Arlington residents. Phillips is particularly skilled in H-1B visas, L-1 transfers, EB-1 extraordinary ability petitions, and PERM labor certifications. His practice is noted for high approval rates and personalized attention to both corporate and individual immigration needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Arlington, Massachusetts
What types of immigration cases do Arlington, MA attorneys commonly handle for local residents?
Immigration attorneys in Arlington frequently assist with family-based petitions for spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, given the area's many mixed-status families. They also commonly handle employment-based visas for professionals working at the numerous tech and biotech companies along the Route 128 corridor, as well as naturalization applications, renewals of Green Cards, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Given Arlington's proximity to Boston's federal immigration court, representation in removal defense and asylum cases is also a key service area for local practitioners.
How does being in Arlington, MA, specifically benefit someone applying for U.S. citizenship?
Arlington's location within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Boston Field Office is a significant benefit. Applicants will have their biometrics appointments and naturalization interviews scheduled at this nearby office, avoiding long-distance travel. Furthermore, Arlington attorneys are deeply familiar with the specific officers and common procedural practices at the Boston office, which can help in preparing clients effectively. The city also offers accessible English and civics classes through organizations like the Arlington Community Education, which are crucial for the naturalization test.
Are there any local Arlington or state-specific resources that can support my immigration case?
Yes, Massachusetts offers several unique resources. The state-funded Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (MORI) provides support services, and many Arlington attorneys collaborate with local non-profits like the Irish International Immigrant Center in nearby Boston. Crucially, Massachusetts allows undocumented residents to obtain driver's licenses, and Arlington attorneys can guide clients through this process, which is vital for daily life. Additionally, the state offers in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities for certain undocumented students under the Tuition Equity Law, which local lawyers can help navigate.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration lawyer in Arlington, MA?
When selecting an immigration attorney in Arlington, ensure they are in good standing with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers and have specific, extensive experience in immigration law. It is advantageous to choose a lawyer with a physical office in or near Arlington who is familiar with the local USCIS Boston Field Office and the Boston Immigration Court. You should also verify their responsiveness and whether they offer consultations in your preferred language. Many established Arlington practitioners have strong networks with community organizations and understand the demographic-specific challenges faced by immigrants in the Greater Boston area.
Can an Arlington-based immigration attorney help me with employment-based visas if I work in the Boston tech sector?
Absolutely. Arlington immigration lawyers routinely handle employment-based visas for professionals in the thriving Boston-area tech, biotech, and academic sectors. They are highly experienced with H-1B specialty occupation visas, L-1 intracompany transfers, O-1 extraordinary ability visas, and TN status for Canadian and Mexican professionals. Their proximity to major employers along Route 2 and in Kendall Square means they understand the specific documentation and strategic needs of these industries. They can effectively liaise with both your employer's HR department and the relevant USCIS service centers to manage the petition process.
Finding a Family Immigration Lawyer in Arlington, MA: Your Local Guide
Navigating the complex U.S. immigration system for your family can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to build a life right here in Arlington, Massachusetts. A family immigration lawyer is a specialized legal professional who can guide you through processes like spousal visas (I-130 petitions), fiancé(e) K-1 visas, green card applications for parents or children, and citizenship (naturalization). Their expertise is crucial in avoiding costly errors that can lead to delays or denials, ensuring your family can reunite and thrive in the Arlington community.
When searching for a family immigration lawyer in Arlington, proximity matters more than you might think. Having an attorney familiar with the local landscape means they understand the specific procedures at the nearby USCIS field offices, such as the one in Lawrence, which serves many Middlesex County residents. They are also attuned to the unique fabric of Arlington—a diverse suburb with a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and accessible public transit via the MBTA Red Line and bus routes. A local lawyer can provide practical advice on how immigration timelines might interact with local needs, like enrolling children in the Arlington Public Schools system or securing local identification.
To find a reputable attorney, start by checking the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory, which allows you to filter for practitioners in Massachusetts. Look for lawyers with specific, verifiable experience in family-based cases, not just general practice. Reading client reviews and checking with local community organizations, such as The Welcome Project in nearby Somerville, can offer valuable insights. Be prepared for your initial consultation; gather all relevant documents, including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any prior immigration paperwork. A good lawyer will assess your specific family situation—whether you're a U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse, a permanent resident petitioning for a child, or seeking help with a complicated waiver—and outline a clear, strategic path forward.
Remember, immigration law is federal, but your lawyer's local presence in Arlington or the greater Boston area facilitates better communication and understanding of your daily life context. They can meet with you in person if needed, which can be invaluable for building trust and thoroughly preparing sensitive applications. Avoid notarios or unauthorized consultants; the stakes for your family's future are too high. Investing in a qualified family immigration lawyer in Arlington is an investment in stability, helping you navigate the legal pathways with confidence so you can focus on building your life together in this vibrant Massachusetts town.
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About Arlington, Massachusetts
Arlington 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 Massachusetts.
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