The Best Immigration Attorneys in Waterford, Ohio
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Waterford, Ohio. Rated 4.7/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Robert J. Gargasz
Gargasz & Associates
Robert Gargasz has built a strong reputation as one of Northeast Ohio's leading immigration attorneys with over 25 years of dedicated practice. His firm maintains exceptional client satisfaction ratings with numerous successful family-based petitions, employment visas, and naturalization cases. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and all Ohio federal courts. The firm is known for handling complex deportation defense cases and has successfully represented clients from over 50 countries.
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Margaret W. Wong
Margaret W. Wong & Associates, LLC
Margaret W. Wong is a nationally recognized immigration attorney with an impressive track record spanning over four decades. Her firm has successfully handled thousands of immigration cases including complex deportation defense, asylum claims, and employment-based petitions. She has received numerous awards including being named one of America's Top Lawyers and has been featured in national media for her immigration expertise. The firm serves clients throughout Ohio with a strong commitment to client success and maintaining high approval rates across all immigration categories.
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David W. Leopold
Ulmer & Berne LLP
David W. Leopold is a highly respected immigration attorney with Ulmer & Berne, one of Ohio's largest law firms. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in business immigration law and complex deportation defense. He serves as Past President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and is regularly called upon by national media as an immigration law expert. His practice focuses on employment-based visas, corporate compliance, and removal defense, with a proven success rate in challenging immigration cases. The firm serves clients throughout Southeast Ohio including the Waterford area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Waterford, Ohio
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in the Waterford, Ohio area typically handle?
Immigration attorneys serving Waterford and Washington County commonly assist with family-based petitions (like spousal or fiancé visas), naturalization (citizenship) applications, and humanitarian cases such as asylum or VAWA claims. Given the area's proximity to Marietta and the Ohio River Valley, they also frequently help with employment-based visas for professionals in the local energy, healthcare, and education sectors. It's important to consult with a local attorney who understands both federal immigration law and the specific procedural nuances of the Cleveland or Pittsburgh USCIS field offices that may have jurisdiction over cases in this region.
How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer near Waterford, OH, and what should I look for?
Start by checking the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory for attorneys practicing in Southeast Ohio. You can also seek referrals from local community organizations in Marietta or Parkersburg, WV, which serve immigrant populations. When evaluating an attorney, ensure they have specific experience with your type of case, are transparent about fees, and are accessible for meetings, which may be conducted in person in Waterford or via video conference. Be wary of notarios or consultants who are not licensed attorneys, as they cannot provide legal representation in Ohio immigration courts.
Are there any local resources or community organizations in Waterford that assist immigrants?
While Waterford itself is a small village, residents can access broader regional resources. Nearby Marietta, Ohio, and Parkersburg, West Virginia, have community action agencies and non-profit organizations that may offer referrals, English language classes, or basic guidance. For direct legal assistance, it is crucial to work with a licensed attorney. The Southeastern Ohio Legal Services may provide limited help for certain humanitarian cases, but for most immigration matters, a private attorney specializing in immigration law is necessary to navigate the complex federal system effectively.
What is the process for applying for U.S. citizenship (naturalization) from Waterford, OH?
The process begins by filing Form N-400 with USCIS. As a Waterford resident, your application will likely be processed through the Cleveland or Pittsburgh USCIS field office, where you will eventually attend a biometrics appointment and an interview. A local immigration attorney can help you prepare by ensuring you meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements, assisting with the English and civics test preparation, and representing you if any issues arise with your application. They can also advise on how any travel outside the U.S. or past legal matters might affect your eligibility under Ohio and federal law.
If I am detained by ICE in the Waterford area, what should my family do?
If someone is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Southeast Ohio, they are most likely to be held at a facility in neighboring states, such as Kentucky or Pennsylvania. Family members should immediately seek a qualified immigration attorney with experience in deportation defense. The attorney can locate the individual, represent them in bond hearings before the Cleveland Immigration Court (which has jurisdiction over Ohio cases), and explore all possible forms of relief. Time is critical, so contacting a lawyer familiar with the local immigration court procedures is essential to protect the detainee's rights.
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About Waterford, Ohio
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