The Best Immigration Attorneys in Elmira, New York
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Elmira, 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
Matthew L. Borowski
Borowski Immigration
Matthew Borowski is a highly respected immigration attorney serving Western New York, including the Elmira area. With over 15 years of dedicated immigration law practice, he has built a strong reputation for handling complex business immigration cases, employment visas, and family-based petitions. His firm consistently receives excellent client reviews for responsive communication and successful case outcomes. Borowski is admitted to practice in New York State and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, with particular expertise in H-1B visas, L-1 transfers, EB-1 extraordinary ability petitions, and removal defense cases.
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Jeffrey A. Michaels
Michaels & Wishart, LLP
Jeffrey Michaels co-founded Michaels & Wishart, one of Upstate New York's premier immigration law firms serving clients throughout the region including Elmira. With over two decades of immigration law experience, he has successfully handled thousands of cases including complex removal proceedings, family petitions, and employment-based immigration. The firm is known for its high success rate in asylum cases and deportation defense. Michaels is recognized for his expertise in federal court immigration litigation and maintains an excellent standing with the New York State Bar Association's Immigration Law Section.
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Matthew J. Kolken
Kolken & Kolken, PLLC
Matthew Kolken is a nationally recognized immigration attorney whose Buffalo-based firm serves clients throughout Western and Central New York, including Elmira. With over 25 years of practice focused exclusively on immigration law, he has developed particular expertise in deportation defense and appellate practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and Federal Courts. Kolken is known for his aggressive litigation style and high success rate in complex removal cases. The firm receives consistently positive client reviews for compassionate representation and thorough case preparation, with special recognition for handling difficult asylum claims and family reunification cases.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Elmira, New York
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Elmira, NY, typically handle?
Immigration attorneys in Elmira and the broader Southern Tier of New York commonly handle family-based petitions (I-130), adjustment of status (I-485), naturalization (N-400), and deportation defense. Given the local agricultural and healthcare industries, they also frequently assist with employment-based visas like H-2A for seasonal farm workers and applications for medical professionals at institutions like Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Additionally, they help with humanitarian cases such as asylum, U visas for crime victims, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), which are relevant to the community's needs.
How does the local immigration court in Buffalo affect my case if I live in Elmira?
If you are placed in removal proceedings, your case will likely be heard at the Buffalo Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over Elmira and all of Western New York. This means your Elmira-based attorney will need to be familiar with that court's procedures, judges, and filing requirements, requiring travel for hearings. Having local counsel who regularly practices in Buffalo is crucial, as they can manage the logistics and provide effective representation, ensuring your case is properly presented despite the distance from Elmira.
Are there any local resources or organizations in Elmira that work with immigration attorneys?
Yes, while Elmira itself has limited dedicated immigration nonprofits, attorneys often collaborate with regional organizations like the Cornell Farmworker Program, which serves the agricultural community in the Southern Tier, and the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Central New York. Local social service agencies, such as Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler (though their direct immigration legal services may vary), and community centers can provide referrals and support services. For more specialized or pro bono help, attorneys may also connect clients with larger organizations in Rochester or Buffalo.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration lawyer in Elmira, NY?
When selecting an immigration attorney in Elmira, ensure they are licensed to practice in New York and have specific, verifiable experience in immigration law. Look for someone with knowledge of local resources and familiarity with the Buffalo Immigration Court. It's also advisable to choose a lawyer who communicates clearly in your preferred language and is transparent about fees, as many Elmira residents may have limited financial means. Checking reviews, seeking referrals from trusted community members, and confirming they are in good standing with the New York State Bar Association are essential steps.
Can an Elmira immigration attorney help with work permits for seasonal agricultural jobs in the Finger Lakes region?
Absolutely. Immigration attorneys in Elmira are well-positioned to assist with H-2A temporary agricultural worker visas and related work permits, which are critical for the local farming economy in the surrounding Chemung County and Finger Lakes region. They can help employers petition for workers and assist employees with the process, ensuring compliance with both federal regulations and New York State labor laws. Given the seasonal nature of this work, timely filing and understanding the specific requirements for agricultural employment in this area are key services a local attorney can provide.
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About Elmira, New York
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