The Best Immigration Attorneys in Ithaca, New York
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Ithaca, 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
Kevin R. Harrigan
Kevin R. Harrigan, Esq.
Kevin Harrigan is one of Ithaca's most established immigration attorneys with over 25 years of dedicated immigration law practice. He maintains exceptional client satisfaction ratings with numerous 5-star reviews praising his expertise in complex family-based cases and employment visas. Admitted to the New York State Bar and practicing exclusively in immigration law, he has successfully handled thousands of cases including asylum petitions, deportation defense, and naturalization applications. His practice is known for personalized attention and high success rates across all immigration categories.
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Kristina E. Broyles
Broyles Law Office
Kristina Broyles operates a well-respected immigration practice in downtown Ithaca with over 15 years of specialized experience. She has built a strong reputation for handling complex humanitarian cases including asylum, VAWA petitions, and deportation defense. Clients consistently praise her compassionate approach and thorough case preparation. Admitted to practice in New York and before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, she maintains excellent standing with the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has successfully represented clients from diverse backgrounds.
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Christopher J. Thomas
Hancock Estabrook, LLP
While based in Syracuse, Christopher Thomas and Hancock Estabrook serve clients throughout Central New York including Ithaca. With over 20 years of business immigration experience, he specializes in employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1), investor visas (EB-5), and corporate immigration compliance. The firm maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and Thomas is recognized for his expertise in complex business immigration matters. His practice successfully serves Cornell University affiliates and numerous tech companies in the Ithaca region, with clients praising his strategic approach to employment-based immigration solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Ithaca, New York
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Ithaca, NY, commonly handle for the local community?
Immigration attorneys in Ithaca frequently handle cases related to the academic and professional populations of Cornell University and Ithaca College. This includes F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, H-1B specialty occupation petitions for researchers and professors, and O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability. They also assist with family-based petitions, adjustment of status, and naturalization for the broader Tompkins County community, including cases involving the local immigrant workforce in agriculture and hospitality.
How can an immigration attorney in Ithaca help with a marriage-based green card application?
An Ithaca-based immigration attorney can guide you through the entire marriage-based green card (Form I-130/I-485) process, which is crucial given that local USCIS interviews are typically conducted at the Syracuse Field Office. They will help you compile strong evidence of a bona fide marriage, prepare you for the interview, and navigate any complexities, such as if one spouse is a student at a local university on a temporary visa. They are also familiar with the specific documentation requirements and processing timelines at the Syracuse office, which serves the Ithaca region.
Are there specific resources for undocumented immigrants or DACA recipients seeking legal help in Ithaca?
Yes, individuals in Ithaca can seek assistance from local non-profit organizations like the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, which may provide referrals, and the Cornell Law School's Immigration Law and Advocacy Clinic, which offers pro bono legal services under attorney supervision. Private immigration attorneys in Ithaca also regularly advise on DACA renewals, potential pathways to status, and understanding rights under New York State laws that offer certain protections to undocumented residents, such as access to driver's licenses and certain public benefits.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration lawyer in Ithaca, and are there local bar associations that can help?
When choosing an immigration lawyer in Ithaca, look for an attorney who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and has experience with cases similar to yours, especially those involving local employers or academic institutions. You can verify an attorney's standing with the New York State Unified Court System's attorney directory. For referrals, you can contact the Tompkins County Bar Association. It's also beneficial to choose a lawyer familiar with the procedural nuances of the USCIS Syracuse Field Office and the Buffalo Asylum Office, which have jurisdiction over Ithaca cases.
Can an immigration attorney in Ithaca assist with employment-based visas for jobs at Cornell University or other local employers?
Absolutely. Ithaca immigration attorneys routinely assist with employment-based visas for positions at major local institutions like Cornell University, Ithaca College, Cayuga Medical Center, and various tech companies in the area. They have specific expertise in preparing H-1B petitions for academic and research roles, which are common in Ithaca, as well as TN visas for Canadian/Mexican professionals, J-1 waivers for medical doctors, and O-1 visas for distinguished researchers. They understand the specific departmental requirements and filing timelines of these large, local employers.
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About Ithaca, New York
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