The Best Immigration Attorneys in Stafford, New York
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Stafford, 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 S. Haney
Michael S. Haney, Esq.
Michael S. Haney is a highly respected immigration attorney serving Western New York, including the Stafford area. With over 15 years of dedicated immigration law practice, he has built a strong reputation for successful family-based petitions, employment visas, and complex deportation defense cases. His firm maintains a 95%+ success rate for marriage-based green card applications and has handled numerous asylum cases with positive outcomes. Clients consistently praise his responsiveness, thorough case preparation, and compassionate approach to challenging immigration matters. He is admitted to the New York State Bar and multiple federal courts.
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Matthew L. Kolken
Kolken & Kolken, PLLC
Matthew Kolken is a nationally recognized immigration attorney whose firm serves clients throughout Western New York, including Stafford. Specializing in deportation defense and complex immigration litigation, he has successfully represented clients in removal proceedings across the country. With over two decades of experience, his practice focuses on asylum cases, family-based petitions, and appellate work before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Known for his aggressive advocacy and deep knowledge of immigration court procedures, he maintains a remarkable track record of preventing deportations and securing lawful status for clients facing immigration challenges.
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Jeffrey A. Gerson
Gerson & Gerson, PLLC
Jeffrey Gerson leads a well-established immigration law practice that serves the Stafford region with expertise in both business and family immigration matters. His firm has particular strength in employment-based visas including H-1B, L-1, TN, and EB-1/EB-2 petitions, with a success rate exceeding 90% for corporate clients. The practice also handles substantial family-based cases, naturalization applications, and adjustment of status matters. Clients consistently note his strategic approach to complex immigration challenges and his firm's efficient handling of USCIS filings. With nearly two decades of specialized immigration practice, he has built strong relationships with local businesses and immigrant communities throughout Western New York.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Stafford, New York
What types of immigration cases are most commonly handled by attorneys in the Stafford, NY area?
Given Stafford's location in Genesee County and proximity to agricultural regions and larger cities like Buffalo and Rochester, local immigration attorneys frequently handle employment-based visas for seasonal agricultural workers (H-2A), family-based petitions, adjustment of status applications, and cases involving removal defense. Attorneys here are also well-versed in the specific procedural requirements of the USCIS Buffalo Field Office, which has jurisdiction over the area, and can navigate the complexities of cases that may involve travel to or from the Canadian border.
How can an immigration attorney in Stafford, NY help with a family-based green card application?
An immigration attorney in Stafford can guide you through the entire family-based petition process, which is critical given the strict documentation requirements. They will help prepare and file the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS, assist in gathering necessary evidence of the familial relationship and financial support (I-864 Affidavit of Support), and manage communication with the National Visa Center and the appropriate U.S. Consulate if applicable. For cases processed locally, they can prepare you for interviews at the USCIS Buffalo Field Office, ensuring you understand the specific procedures and potential questions from officers in that jurisdiction.
Are there local resources or community organizations in Stafford, NY that work with immigration lawyers?
While Stafford itself is a small town, residents have access to resources in nearby Batavia, Rochester, and Buffalo. Immigration attorneys in the area often collaborate with organizations like the Justice for Immigrants Coalition in Buffalo or the Catholic Family Center in Rochester, which may provide referrals, know-your-rights workshops, or support services. For direct legal aid, individuals might be referred to the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Western New York, which serves Genesee County, though availability can be limited, underscoring the importance of consulting a private immigration attorney in Stafford for dedicated representation.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration lawyer serving Stafford, NY?
When selecting an immigration lawyer in Stafford, prioritize attorneys who are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and have specific experience with the USCIS Buffalo Field Office and the U.S. Immigration Court in Buffalo, where cases from this region are often heard. It's also crucial to choose a lawyer familiar with the unique aspects of upstate New York, such as cases involving agricultural workers or cross-border issues with Canada. Verify their New York State bar standing and check for client reviews or testimonials to gauge their reliability and success in handling cases similar to yours.
If I'm facing deportation (removal) proceedings, how can a Stafford-based immigration attorney assist me?
A Stafford-based immigration attorney can provide critical defense if you are placed in removal proceedings. They will represent you before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), specifically at the Buffalo Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over Stafford. Your attorney can explore all possible forms of relief, such as cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status, and will file the necessary motions and applications. They can also help navigate the logistical challenges of attending court hearings, which may require travel to Buffalo, and work to secure your release from detention if applicable, leveraging their knowledge of local detention facilities and bond procedures.
Finding a Marriage Immigration Lawyer in Stafford, NY: Your Path to Family Unity
Navigating the immigration process based on marriage can be a complex and emotionally charged journey. For couples in Stafford, New York, where the serene rural landscape of Genesee County meets the practical realities of federal immigration law, finding the right legal guidance is crucial. A marriage immigration lawyer specializes in helping U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) sponsor their foreign-national spouse for lawful status. This process, whether your spouse is currently in the United States or abroad, involves meticulous paperwork, strict deadlines, and often, an interview to prove the legitimacy of your relationship. In Stafford and the wider Western New York region, having an attorney who understands both the federal framework and the local USCIS office dynamics can make a significant difference in achieving a smooth and successful outcome.
When searching for a marriage immigration lawyer in the Stafford area, it’s important to seek out an attorney with specific, proven experience in family-based petitions. The process isn't just about filling out forms; it's about building a compelling case. A knowledgeable lawyer will help you gather the right evidence—from joint financial documents and lease agreements to photographs and affidavits from friends and family—that demonstrates your marriage is bona fide, not entered into solely for immigration benefits. They can also advise on the specific path for your situation, such as adjusting status if your spouse is already in the U.S. or navigating consular processing if they are overseas. Given that Stafford residents may need to attend interviews or submit additional evidence at the USCIS field office in Buffalo, a lawyer familiar with that office's procedures can provide invaluable local insight.
We encourage you to take proactive steps in your search. Look for attorneys who offer clear consultations to discuss your case. Prepare a list of questions about their experience with marriage-based cases similar to yours, their fee structure, and how they communicate with clients throughout what can be a lengthy process. While Stafford itself is a smaller community, you have access to experienced immigration practitioners throughout Genesee County and the broader Rochester and Buffalo legal markets. Don't hesitate to ask for references or check online reviews. Remember, this legal partnership is about securing your family's future together in the United States. Starting with thorough, informed research will help you find a dedicated advocate who can guide you with confidence and care through every step of your immigration journey.
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About Stafford, New York
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