The Best Immigration Attorneys in Birmingham, Ohio
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Birmingham, Ohio. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Margaret W. Wong
Margaret W. Wong & Co. LLC
Margaret W. Wong is a nationally recognized immigration attorney with a proven track record of success in complex deportation defense, asylum cases, and business immigration. She has received numerous awards, including being named one of America's Top Lawyers, and maintains a high client satisfaction rate due to her aggressive representation and personalized approach. Her firm handles thousands of cases annually with a strong focus on achieving favorable outcomes, supported by her extensive experience and standing in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Practice Areas:
Usama Shihab
Shihab & Associates, Co., LPA
Usama Shihab leads a highly regarded immigration law firm known for its expertise in business and family-based immigration, with a high success rate in visa approvals and naturalization cases. Clients consistently praise the firm's responsiveness, attention to detail, and compassionate service. The firm is actively involved in AILA and has built a strong reputation for navigating complex immigration laws, ensuring clients receive thorough and effective legal representation across Ohio.
Practice Areas:
David W. Leopold
David W. Leopold, Attorney at Law
David W. Leopold is a seasoned immigration attorney with a focus on deportation defense, family immigration, and corporate visa matters. As a past president of AILA, he brings deep legal expertise and a high case success rate, often handling high-profile and complex cases. Clients highlight his strategic advocacy and commitment to achieving positive results, backed by his longstanding bar standing and dedication to immigrant rights. His practice serves clients throughout Ohio with a reputation for reliability and excellence.
Practice Areas:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Birmingham, Ohio
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Birmingham, Ohio typically handle?
Immigration attorneys serving the Birmingham, Ohio area commonly handle cases relevant to the local community, including family-based petitions (for spouses, children, and parents), employment-based visas for professionals working in nearby cities like Youngstown or Canton, and humanitarian cases such as asylum or U-Visas. They also frequently assist with naturalization applications, removal defense, and DACA renewals for residents of Columbiana County and the surrounding region. Given Ohio's agricultural and industrial base, attorneys may also have experience with H-2A and H-2B seasonal worker visas.
How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer near Birmingham, Ohio?
To find a reputable immigration attorney near Birmingham, Ohio, you can start by consulting the Ohio State Bar Association's lawyer referral service or the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory, filtering for attorneys practicing in Northeast Ohio. It's also advisable to seek recommendations from local community organizations in the Mahoning Valley that serve immigrant populations. Always verify an attorney's standing with the Ohio Supreme Court's Attorney Directory and schedule initial consultations to assess their experience with cases similar to yours.
Are there any local resources or community organizations in the Birmingham area that work with immigration attorneys?
While Birmingham itself is a small village, residents can access resources in the broader Northeast Ohio region. Nearby organizations such as the Hispanic Community Services of Columbiana County or the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation's refugee resettlement programs often collaborate with immigration attorneys. For legal aid, you may contact organizations like Community Legal Aid, which serves multiple Ohio counties including Columbiana, though they have income eligibility requirements. These groups can provide referrals or supportive services for your immigration case.
What should I expect during my first consultation with an immigration attorney in Ohio?
During your first consultation with an immigration attorney in Ohio, you should expect to discuss your specific situation in detail, including your immigration history, family ties, and goals. The attorney will likely ask for any relevant documents you have, such as passports, prior immigration paperwork, or court notices, to provide preliminary advice on your options under U.S. law. They should explain their fee structure, the likely timeline for your type of case, and how they will communicate with you, especially if you are not located near their office in the Youngstown-Warren metro area.
How do state-specific factors in Ohio impact my immigration case?
Ohio-specific factors can impact your immigration case in several ways. For instance, processing times may vary depending on whether your application is filed with the Cleveland or Pittsburgh USCIS field office, which have jurisdiction over different parts of Northeast Ohio. Ohio's court jurisdictions, such as the Cleveland Immigration Court, handle removal proceedings, and local policies on driver's licenses for undocumented individuals can affect daily life. Furthermore, an attorney familiar with Ohio's local economy and job market can better strategize employment-based petitions or hardship waivers for families in the state.
Understanding the Role of a Criminal Immigration Lawyer in Birmingham, Ohio
If you or a loved one in Birmingham, Ohio, are facing immigration consequences due to a criminal charge or conviction, understanding the specialized role of a criminal immigration lawyer is crucial. This area of law sits at the complex intersection of criminal statutes and federal immigration regulations, and a misstep can lead to severe outcomes like deportation, detention, or being permanently barred from the United States. For residents in our small, close-knit community, these legal challenges can feel overwhelming, but seeking the right specialized counsel is the most important step you can take.
A criminal immigration lawyer does more than handle standard immigration paperwork. They possess deep knowledge of how specific offenses under Ohio law—whether a DUI/OVI from the Jefferson County Court, a drug possession charge, or an assault allegation—are classified under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Crimes that may seem minor under state law can be considered "aggravated felonies" or "crimes involving moral turpitude" by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). A lawyer specializing in this field can analyze the specific details of your case to advise on potential immigration consequences before you accept a plea deal in a local court, which is often the most critical point for intervention.
Finding this specialized help in or near Birmingham, Ohio, requires a targeted approach. While Birmingham itself is a village, you will likely need to look to attorneys practicing in Steubenville, the county seat of Jefferson County, or in larger regional hubs like Youngstown or Cleveland. When searching, look for attorneys or law firms that explicitly list "criminal immigration" or "immigration consequences of crimes" as a practice area. It is essential to verify their credentials; ensure they are licensed to practice law in Ohio and are in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court. Membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a strong indicator of a dedicated immigration practice.
During an initial consultation, which many reputable lawyers offer, come prepared with all relevant documents. This includes any charging documents, police reports, final disposition papers from your criminal case, and your immigration paperwork (like your green card, work permit, or notices from immigration court). Ask direct questions about the attorney's experience with cases similar to yours and their familiarity with the local Jefferson County court system and prosecutors. A knowledgeable lawyer can explore all options, which may include seeking a post-conviction relief motion in Ohio to modify the original sentence, applying for a waiver of inadmissibility, or defending you in removal proceedings. For anyone in Birmingham navigating this daunting intersection of legal systems, partnering with a skilled criminal immigration lawyer is not just an option—it is an essential investment in securing your future and stability in this community.
Nearby Cities
Explore immigration attorneys in cities near Birmingham
About Birmingham, Ohio
Birmingham 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 Ohio.
Local Expertise
Attorneys familiar with Birmingham community and local immigration law needs.
Trusted Representation
Licensed and experienced attorneys with proven success records in Birmingham.
Personalized Service
Customized legal strategies and dedicated support for clients and families.