The Best Immigration Attorneys in Florida, New York
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Florida, 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
Michael J. Wildes
Wildes & Weinberg, P.C.
Michael J. Wildes is a highly respected immigration attorney and former federal prosecutor with over 25 years of experience. His firm, Wildes & Weinberg, has a proven track record of success in complex immigration cases, including high-profile family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense. Client reviews consistently praise his expertise, responsiveness, and high approval rates for visas and naturalization. He is admitted to the New York Bar and maintains an excellent standing, with numerous accolades in immigration law.
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Catherine L. Haight
Haight Law Group, P.C.
Catherine L. Haight leads a boutique immigration law firm with nearly two decades of experience, specializing in family-based and business immigration. She is known for her personalized approach and high success rates in visa applications, adjustments of status, and naturalization cases. Client feedback highlights her dedication, clear communication, and ability to navigate complex legal issues. Admitted to the New York Bar, she has built a strong reputation for client satisfaction and ethical practice.
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Joshua L. Goldstein
The Law Offices of Joshua L. Goldstein
Joshua L. Goldstein has over 20 years of immigration law experience, focusing on family-based cases, employment visas, and deportation defense. His practice is noted for high client satisfaction and successful outcomes in naturalization and asylum cases. Reviews often mention his thoroughness, accessibility, and effective representation in challenging immigration matters. He is a member of the New York Bar with a commitment to staying current on immigration laws, ensuring reliable counsel for clients across New York State.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Florida, New York
What are the most common immigration cases handled by attorneys in Florida versus New York?
In Florida, attorneys frequently handle family-based petitions, investor visas (E-2 and EB-5), and humanitarian cases like asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), reflecting the state's large immigrant communities from Latin America and the Caribbean. In New York, attorneys commonly work on employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1), asylum applications, and complex deportation defense cases, leveraging the city's status as a global business and cultural hub. Both states see high volumes of adjustment of status and naturalization applications, but the specific focus areas differ based on local demographics and economic drivers.
How does the immigration court backlog differ between Florida and New York, and how does it affect my case?
The immigration court backlog is severe in both states but manifests differently. In Florida, the Miami Immigration Court has one of the longest wait times in the nation, often stretching hearings for master calendar hearings or individual hearings several years into the future. In New York, the New York City Immigration Court also faces extreme delays, but the volume and diversity of cases can lead to different procedural challenges. An experienced local attorney in either state can navigate these delays by proactively filing motions, seeking administrative closure where appropriate, and ensuring all paperwork is flawless to avoid unnecessary postponements.
Are there specific state or local resources in Florida or New York that can assist with my immigration case?
Yes, both states offer unique resources. In New York, the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) provides free legal consultations and navigation services, and many city-funded organizations offer robust support. In Florida, while there is no statewide equivalent to ONA, non-profit organizations like the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) and several county-specific legal aid societies provide critical assistance. A knowledgeable local attorney will be integrated into these networks and can refer you to trusted community resources for additional support, such as language assistance or social services.
For an employment-based green card, how do the processes differ if my job is in Florida versus New York?
The core federal process (PERM labor certification, I-140 petition, I-485 adjustment) is identical, but local nuances exist. In New York, attorneys often deal with a high concentration of tech, finance, and academic employers, requiring familiarity with specialized industries and potentially higher prevailing wage challenges in the New York City metropolitan area. In Florida, common scenarios involve hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, and real estate development, particularly for EB-5 investor visas. An attorney licensed in the respective state will understand the specific USCIS service center trends and local Department of Labor office procedures that can impact processing times and requests for evidence.
If I am facing deportation, what are the key differences in seeking relief in Florida compared to New York?
The strategic approach can differ based on jurisdictional precedents and judge demographics. In Florida, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals governs, and its rulings on asylum, cancellation of removal, and other forms of relief set the legal landscape; courts may see more cases from Central America and the Caribbean. In New York, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals sets precedent, and its jurisprudence is often considered more favorable for certain asylum claims and prosecutorial discretion. A local deportation defense attorney will have critical knowledge of the tendencies of individual immigration judges in courts like Miami, Orlando, or New York City, which is invaluable for case strategy and preparing clients.
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