The Best Immigration Attorneys in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Rated 4.7/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
David M. Lick
Miller Johnson P.L.C.
David M. Lick is a highly regarded immigration attorney with over two decades of experience, specializing in business and employment-based immigration. He has a strong track record in H-1B visas, PERM labor certifications, and family-based cases, with high client satisfaction ratings for his responsive communication and successful outcomes. Admitted to the Michigan Bar and various federal courts, he is known for his expertise in complex immigration matters and maintains an excellent standing with professional organizations.
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Jennifer A. Puplava
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Jennifer A. Puplava is an accomplished immigration attorney with 15 years of experience, focusing on family-based immigration, asylum, and deportation defense. She has achieved numerous successful outcomes in naturalization and waiver cases, praised for her compassionate client approach and legal expertise. Her high bar standing and membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) underscore her commitment to excellence in immigration law.
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Matthew A. Miller
Varnum LLP
Matthew A. Miller is a seasoned immigration attorney with 18 years of experience, specializing in employment-based visas and deportation defense. Serving the Kalamazoo area from Grand Rapids, he has a proven success rate in H-1B, L-1, and EB-5 visa cases, with clients highlighting his strategic approach and high satisfaction. His strong legal standing and active role in AILA contribute to his reputation as a top immigration expert in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Kalamazoo, Michigan
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Kalamazoo, MI, commonly handle?
Immigration attorneys in Kalamazoo frequently assist with family-based petitions, employment-based visas, asylum applications, deportation defense, and naturalization. Given Kalamazoo's academic institutions like Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, there is also significant demand for student visa (F-1) support, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and petitions for researchers and professors. Additionally, local attorneys often help with humanitarian cases, such as U visas for crime victims and T visas for trafficking survivors, which are relevant to the broader Southwest Michigan community.
How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer in Kalamazoo, and are there local resources for referrals?
You can start by checking the State Bar of Michigan's lawyer referral service or contacting the Kalamazoo County Bar Association for local immigration attorney listings. Reputable local firms often have strong ties to community organizations like the Kalamazoo Valley Family Center or the Hispanic American Council, which may provide referrals. It's also advisable to verify an attorney's standing with the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission and look for membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which indicates specialization in immigration law.
Are there any unique immigration challenges or opportunities specific to Kalamazoo, Michigan?
Yes, Kalamazoo's economy, driven by healthcare, education, and manufacturing, creates specific opportunities for employment-based visas like H-1B for skilled workers at companies like Stryker or Pfizer, as well as J-1 visas for medical professionals and scholars. A unique challenge is navigating the limited local USCIS field office presence; most in-person interviews or biometrics appointments require travel to Detroit or Grand Rapids, making legal guidance on logistics crucial. Additionally, Kalamazoo's status as a refugee resettlement city means attorneys often work with complex asylum and adjustment of status cases through local resettlement agencies.
What should I expect in terms of costs when hiring an immigration attorney in Kalamazoo?
Costs vary based on case complexity, but in Kalamazoo, flat fees are common for straightforward cases like family-based green cards or naturalization, typically ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 plus USCIS filing fees. More complex cases, such as deportation defense or employment-based petitions, may involve hourly rates from $200 to $400 per hour. Many Kalamazoo attorneys offer payment plans, and low-cost or pro bono options may be available through local nonprofits like the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, which has a Kalamazoo office serving eligible clients.
Can a Kalamazoo immigration attorney help me if I am facing deportation or detention in Michigan?
Absolutely. Kalamazoo immigration attorneys are experienced in deportation defense and can represent you in hearings at the Detroit Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over Michigan cases. They can help file motions, seek bond hearings, and pursue relief such as cancellation of removal or asylum. If you are detained, they can coordinate with local facilities like the Calhoun County Jail or the Monroe County Jail, where ICE often holds detainees in Michigan, and work to secure your release while building your defense case.
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About Kalamazoo, Michigan
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