The Best Immigration Attorneys in Matthews, Missouri
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Matthews, Missouri. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Heather L. Schlozman
Schlozman Law Offices, LLC
Heather Schlozman is a highly respected immigration attorney serving Southeast Missouri, including Matthews. With over 15 years of dedicated immigration law practice, she has built a strong reputation for successful family-based petitions, employment visas, and complex removal defense cases. Formerly with the Missouri State Public Defender System, she brings extensive courtroom experience to her immigration practice. Clients consistently praise her responsiveness, thorough case preparation, and high success rates with USCIS applications. She maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is admitted to practice in Missouri and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
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Mark A. Thornhill
Thornhill Law Firm
Mark Thornhill operates a dedicated immigration law practice serving clients throughout Southeast Missouri, including Matthews and surrounding areas. Specializing exclusively in immigration law since 2012, he has successfully handled hundreds of family-based petitions, naturalization applications, and removal defense cases. His practice is known for personalized attention and strategic case management, with particular expertise in complex marriage-based green card applications and waiver cases. Clients frequently note his compassionate approach and deep understanding of immigration procedures. He maintains membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has built a strong track record of approval rates exceeding 95% for family-based applications.
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Steven R. Fares
The Farese Law Firm
Steven Fares leads a well-established firm that includes comprehensive immigration law services for clients throughout Southeast Missouri. With over two decades of legal experience, his immigration practice has successfully represented clients in complex business immigration matters, family petitions, and removal proceedings. The firm is particularly noted for its expertise in employment-based visas for healthcare professionals and agricultural workers, which are common in the Matthews region. Fares maintains an excellent reputation with both clients and peers, with numerous successful appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals. His practice combines extensive legal knowledge with practical solutions for immigration challenges, earning consistent praise for case preparation and client communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Matthews, Missouri
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Matthews, MO, typically handle for local residents?
Immigration attorneys serving Matthews, Missouri, and the surrounding Bootheel region commonly handle family-based petitions (I-130), adjustment of status, naturalization (N-400), and humanitarian cases like U visas for victims of crime. Given the area's agricultural economy, they also frequently assist with H-2A temporary agricultural worker visas and related compliance issues for local farms. Representation for individuals facing removal proceedings before the Kansas City Immigration Court is another critical service, as cases often originate from across Missouri.
How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer near Matthews, MO, and what should I look for?
In a smaller community like Matthews, seeking referrals from local community organizations or checking the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory for attorneys licensed in Missouri is a good start. Look for an attorney with specific experience in your type of case (e.g., family, employment, defense) and who is accessible for in-person or virtual consultations. It's crucial to verify they are in good standing with the Missouri Bar and have a clear fee structure, as proximity to major cities like St. Louis or Memphis may influence where you find the most specialized counsel.
Are there any unique immigration challenges or resources specific to the Matthews, MO, area?
A primary challenge in Matthews and Mississippi County is the limited number of local, full-time immigration attorneys, often requiring travel to larger cities for specialized services. However, local resources include community action agencies and faith-based organizations that may offer referrals or support. Additionally, the rural nature of the area means immigration issues are often intertwined with agricultural employment, and understanding the specific dynamics of local industries is important for case strategy.
What is the process and timeline for filing for citizenship (naturalization) while living in Matthews, MO?
The process begins by filing Form N-400 with USCIS. For residents of Matthews, MO, your application will be processed through the USCIS National Benefits Center, and your biometrics appointment will likely be at the Application Support Center in Cape Girardeau or Poplar Bluff. The interview and oath ceremony are typically held at the USCIS field office in Kansas City, MO, which involves significant travel. The total timeline can range from 10 to 14 months or longer, depending on USCIS caseloads and your individual circumstances.
If I am detained by ICE in the Matthews, MO, area, what are my rights and how can an attorney help?
If detained, you have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney (at no expense to the government), and the right to a hearing before an immigration judge. In Matthews, detainees are typically transferred to a county jail with an ICE contract or to a dedicated detention facility like the South Texas Detention Complex. An immigration attorney can file for a bond hearing, challenge the grounds for detention, and begin building your defense against removal. Acting quickly is essential, so having contact information for a local or regional immigration lawyer prepared in advance is highly advisable.
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About Matthews, Missouri
Matthews 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 Missouri.
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