The Best Immigration Attorneys in Chemung, New York
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Chemung, New York. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Robert J. Clougherty
Clougherty Law Firm
Robert Clougherty is a highly respected immigration attorney based in Elmira who actively serves the Chemung County area. With over 15 years of dedicated immigration law practice, he has built a strong reputation for successful family-based petitions, naturalization cases, and deportation defense. His firm maintains a 4.9-star rating across multiple platforms with clients praising his personalized attention, thorough case preparation, and high success rates. Admitted to the New York State Bar and practicing exclusively in immigration law, he has extensive experience with complex cases including asylum applications and employment-based visas.
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Brian J. O'Donnell
Brian J. O'Donnell, Attorney at Law
Brian O'Donnell operates a well-established immigration practice in Elmira that serves clients throughout Chemung County and the Southern Tier region. Specializing exclusively in immigration law for over a decade, he has demonstrated exceptional success with family sponsorship cases, citizenship applications, and removal defense. Clients consistently rate him 4.8 stars for his compassionate approach, detailed legal knowledge, and effective courtroom representation. His practice focuses on comprehensive immigration solutions with particular expertise in marriage-based green cards and naturalization proceedings.
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Christopher J. Karrat
Karrat & Karrat, LLP
Christopher Karrat leads a respected regional law firm that serves Chemung County clients from their Corning office. With over two decades of immigration law experience, he has developed a comprehensive practice covering business immigration, family petitions, and complex deportation cases. His firm maintains a 4.7-star rating with clients highlighting his strategic approach to difficult immigration matters and successful track record with employment-based visas. The practice is known for handling cases from initial consultation through final adjudication with meticulous attention to detail and strong client communication throughout the process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Chemung, New York
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Chemung, NY, typically handle for the local community?
Immigration attorneys in Chemung, NY, commonly assist with family-based petitions (such as for spouses or children), naturalization applications, and renewals or replacements of immigration documents like Green Cards. Given the local presence of employers like Corning Incorporated and the Elmira Correctional Facility, attorneys also frequently handle employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1) and may assist with cases involving detained individuals through the nearby Buffalo Immigration Court's jurisdiction. They are well-versed in navigating the specific procedural requirements of the USCIS field offices and Application Support Centers serving the Southern Tier region.
How can I find a reputable and affordable immigration lawyer in Chemung County?
Start by checking with the Chemung County Bar Association for referrals to local attorneys specializing in immigration law. For more affordable options, consider contacting the nonprofit Justice & Diversity Center's pro bono program, which may serve the region, or the Cornell Law School's immigration law clinic in nearby Ithaca, which sometimes assists eligible residents. It's also advisable to verify an attorney's standing with the New York State Bar Association and their specific experience with cases similar to yours, as local knowledge of the Elmira USCIS Application Support Center's processes is valuable.
Are there any local resources in Chemung for immigrants facing deportation or detention proceedings?
Yes, individuals in Chemung facing deportation can seek immediate legal assistance. While there is no immigration detention center in Chemung County itself, detainees are often held at facilities like the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. Local attorneys can provide representation and may coordinate with the New York Immigration Coalition's network. Additionally, the Erie County Bar Association's Volunteer Lawyers Project offers a deportation defense hotline that serves all of New York State, including Chemung residents, and can provide crucial guidance and referrals.
What should I expect during the citizenship (naturalization) process specific to the Chemung, NY, area?
The naturalization process in Chemung typically involves filing Form N-400, followed by a biometrics appointment at the USCIS Application Support Center in Elmira. Your interview and civics test will likely be scheduled at the USCIS field office in Buffalo, which handles cases for upstate New York. A local immigration attorney can help you prepare thoroughly, focusing on common points of inquiry from the Buffalo office and ensuring all documentation, including proof of continuous residence in the Chemung area, is properly organized to avoid delays or requests for evidence.
Can a Chemung-based immigration attorney help with employment-based visas for jobs at local companies like Corning?
Absolutely. Immigration attorneys in Chemung are familiar with the specific needs of major local employers like Corning Incorporated, which frequently sponsors employees for H-1B, L-1, and TN visas. An attorney can guide both the employer and the employee through the Labor Condition Application (LCA) process with the U.S. Department of Labor and the subsequent petition to USCIS, ensuring compliance with all regulations. Their local presence allows for close coordination with the company's HR departments and an understanding of the regional economic landscape that can strengthen the application.
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About Chemung, New York
Chemung 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 New York.
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