The Best Immigration Attorneys in Chilmark, Massachusetts
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Chilmark, Massachusetts. Rated 4.7/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Susan E. Church
Demissie & Church
Susan Church is a highly respected immigration attorney with over 25 years of experience, known for her expertise in complex deportation defense and asylum cases. As a partner at Demissie & Church, she has successfully handled numerous high-profile immigration cases and has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. Her firm serves clients throughout Massachusetts, including Martha's Vineyard communities. Church is particularly noted for her appellate work and has argued before multiple federal courts, including the First Circuit Court of Appeals. She maintains an excellent reputation for client satisfaction and case success rates in family-based petitions, asylum applications, and removal defense.
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John G. Wilborn
Wilborn Law Office
John Wilborn has built a strong reputation over two decades specializing in business and employment immigration law while also handling family-based cases. His Boston-based practice regularly serves clients across Massachusetts, including the Martha's Vineyard region. Wilborn is particularly skilled in H-1B visas, L-1 transfers, EB-1 extraordinary ability petitions, and PERM labor certifications. He maintains a 4.7-star rating from clients who praise his responsiveness, detailed case preparation, and successful outcomes. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) member is known for his strategic approach to complex employment-based immigration matters and naturalization applications.
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Iris Gomez
Iris Gomez, Esq.
Iris Gomez brings over three decades of dedicated immigration law practice, focusing particularly on humanitarian cases including asylum, VAWA petitions, and removal defense. Her Boston-based practice serves clients throughout Massachusetts, including the Cape and Islands region. Gomez is recognized for her extensive experience with complex asylum cases and family-based immigration matters. She has taught immigration law at Boston College Law School and serves as a frequent speaker and trainer for AILA. Clients consistently praise her compassionate approach combined with strong legal advocacy, resulting in high success rates for asylum applications and family reunification cases. Her long-standing practice demonstrates proven reliability and expertise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Chilmark, Massachusetts
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Chilmark, MA, typically handle, given the local economy?
Given Chilmark's seasonal economy and status as a town on Martha's Vineyard, local immigration attorneys frequently assist with employment-based visas for the hospitality, construction, and service industries that support the island's tourism. This includes H-2B visas for seasonal non-agricultural workers and other temporary work visas. They also handle family-based petitions, naturalization, and status adjustments for year-round residents, navigating the unique challenges of island life, such as accessing USCIS offices which are located on the mainland.
How does living on Martha's Vineyard in Chilmark affect the process of attending required USCIS appointments?
Residents of Chilmark face the significant logistical hurdle of traveling off-island for most in-person USCIS appointments, as the nearest Application Support Centers (for biometrics) and field offices are in locations like Providence, RI, or Boston, MA. An experienced local immigration attorney will help you schedule appointments strategically, account for potential ferry delays or weather-related cancellations common to the Vineyard, and prepare thorough documentation to minimize the need for multiple trips. They can also advise on the possibility of requesting alternative arrangements in certain circumstances.
Are there immigration law resources or community organizations specific to Martha's Vineyard that can assist me?
While Chilmark itself is a small town, island-wide resources are available. The Martha's Vineyard Community Services may offer referrals or support, and the Dukes County government can provide certain certified documents. However, specialized non-profit immigration legal services are limited on the island. A knowledgeable Chilmark-based immigration attorney will be your primary resource, connected to a network of mainland organizations and experts, and can guide you to the most efficient channels for your specific needs within the constraints of the island community.
I'm an employer in Chilmark needing seasonal workers. What are the key immigration considerations for hiring?
As a Chilmark employer, your most common path is the H-2B visa program for temporary non-agricultural workers, crucial for the summer season. The process is highly time-sensitive and competitive due to national caps. A local immigration attorney with experience in this area is essential to navigate the strict Department of Labor certification process, prove the temporary nature of the need, and file the petition with USCIS correctly and early. They understand the local job market and can help demonstrate that you cannot find sufficient U.S. workers for these seasonal positions on the Vineyard.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration attorney serving Chilmark and Martha's Vineyard?
You should prioritize an attorney or firm with a proven track record of successfully handling cases for Vineyard residents and businesses. They must have deep familiarity with the logistical challenges of island-based immigration processes and reliable systems for communication and document handling across the ferry line. Look for specific experience with cases common to our area, such as seasonal work visas, family petitions for mixed-status households, and naturalization. A local office or strong virtual practice tailored to island clients is a significant advantage for managing your case effectively.
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About Chilmark, Massachusetts
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