The Best Immigration Attorneys in Regina, New Mexico
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Regina, New Mexico. 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 A. Bannan, Esq.
Scott A. Bannan, Attorney at Law
Scott Bannan is a highly-regarded immigration attorney based in Albuquerque who serves clients throughout New Mexico, including the Regina area. With over 15 years of dedicated immigration law practice, he has built a strong reputation for successful family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense cases. His practice focuses exclusively on immigration law, and he maintains excellent client relationships with a 4.9-star rating across multiple review platforms. He is admitted to practice in New Mexico and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, with particular expertise in complex removal proceedings and appellate work.
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Martine Carreon-Cheng
Law Offices of Martine Carreon-Cheng
Martine Carreon-Cheng operates a respected immigration practice serving clients throughout central New Mexico, including the Regina region. With extensive experience in both affirmative and defensive immigration matters, she has successfully handled numerous family petitions, naturalization applications, and removal defense cases. Her practice is known for personalized attention to clients and strong advocacy in complex immigration proceedings. She maintains a 4.8-star rating with clients praising her thorough preparation and successful outcomes in challenging immigration cases before USCIS and immigration courts.
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Andrew Lichter
Lichter Immigration
Andrew Lichter leads a specialized immigration practice focusing on business and employment-based immigration while also handling family-based cases for clients throughout New Mexico, including the Regina area. With particular expertise in H-1B visas, L-1 intracompany transfers, EB-1 extraordinary ability petitions, and PERM labor certification, he has helped numerous businesses and professionals navigate complex immigration processes. His firm maintains a 4.7-star rating with clients noting his responsive communication and strategic approach to achieving favorable immigration outcomes. The practice serves both individual and corporate clients across the state.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Regina, New Mexico
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Regina, New Mexico, most commonly handle?
Given Regina's small size and proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, local immigration attorneys frequently handle family-based petitions, humanitarian cases like U-Visas for crime victims, and defensive matters for individuals in removal proceedings. They also assist with DACA renewals and naturalization applications. The specific needs often relate to the agricultural and rural community context of Catron County and the surrounding region.
How does being near the border in New Mexico affect the immigration legal process in Regina?
Regina's location in Catron County places clients closer to Border Patrol checkpoints and enforcement operations, increasing the likelihood of encounters. This makes legal counsel crucial for understanding rights during stops and for navigating complex removal defense cases. Attorneys here are familiar with the practices of the El Paso and Tucson Border Patrol sectors, which influence local proceedings.
Are there any local resources or organizations in Regina that work with immigration attorneys?
While Regina itself is very small, immigration attorneys often collaborate with broader New Mexico networks. Key resources include the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (with a focus on statewide outreach) and Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico. For in-person consultations, attorneys may schedule meetings in larger nearby hubs like Silver City or Las Cruces to serve the Regina community effectively.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration lawyer serving the Regina, NM area?
You should prioritize attorneys licensed in New Mexico with specific experience in the types of cases common to the border region, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or consular processing. Verify they are in good standing with the New Mexico State Bar and, ideally, accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals. Given the rural setting, also consider their flexibility for remote consultations and their familiarity with the Albuquerque Immigration Court, where many local cases are heard.
What are the first steps I should take if I am detained by ICE while living in or near Regina?
If detained, immediately request to speak with your attorney. If you don't have one, ask for a list of pro bono legal service providers. You will likely be taken to a facility such as the Otero County Processing Center or the El Paso Service Processing Center. It is critical for family members in Regina to quickly contact an immigration attorney familiar with New Mexico detention practices to explore options for bond hearings and relief.
Finding the Right Immigration Attorney in Regina, New Mexico
Navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of U.S. immigration law can feel overwhelming, especially in a smaller community like Regina, New Mexico. Whether you are seeking a family-based visa, facing removal proceedings, or exploring options for employment authorization, the guidance of a knowledgeable immigration attorney is not just helpful—it is often critical to the success of your case. In Regina and the surrounding Lea County region, finding specialized legal support requires a focused approach, as local resources may be more limited than in larger metropolitan areas.
An immigration attorney does more than just fill out forms. They provide strategic counsel tailored to your unique circumstances, represent you in communications and hearings with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or the courts, and help you avoid costly mistakes that can lead to delays or denials. For residents of Regina, this local expertise is invaluable. A lawyer familiar with the procedural nuances of courts and immigration offices that handle cases from southeastern New Mexico can navigate the system more efficiently. They understand the regional agricultural and energy sectors, which can be relevant for certain employment-based petitions, and can connect you with necessary local resources for translations or supporting documentation.
When searching for an immigration attorney in Regina, start by verifying their credentials. Ensure they are licensed to practice law in New Mexico and are in good standing with the state bar. Membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a strong indicator of a dedicated practice. Be cautious of notarios or consultants who are not licensed attorneys; they cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court. Schedule initial consultations with a few attorneys; many offer these meetings for a reduced fee or sometimes free of charge. Use this time to ask about their experience with cases similar to yours, their familiarity with the local immigration court docket (which may be handled in El Paso or other locations), and their communication style and fee structure.
While Regina itself may have a limited number of dedicated immigration law firms, attorneys from nearby cities like Hobbs or Carlsbad often serve the wider region, and many offer remote consultations. Do not hesitate to ask about their ability to serve clients in Regina effectively. Prepare for your consultation by gathering all relevant documents, including passports, prior immigration paperwork, and any notices you have received from government agencies. Having this information organized will help the attorney assess your situation accurately. Taking the step to consult with a qualified immigration attorney in the Regina area is the most powerful action you can take to protect your rights and build a future in the United States.
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About Regina, New Mexico
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