The Best Immigration Attorneys in California, Pennsylvania
Top 3 immigration attorneys in California, Pennsylvania. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Edward J. O'Rourke
Edward J. O'Rourke, Attorney at Law
Edward J. O'Rourke is a highly respected immigration attorney with over 25 years of experience practicing exclusively in immigration law. He maintains a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo and has handled thousands of successful immigration cases. His practice focuses on complex family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense. Clients consistently praise his responsiveness, deep knowledge of immigration law, and successful case outcomes. He serves clients throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, including California, PA, and is known for his personalized approach to each case.
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Joseph C. Wylie
Joseph C. Wylie, Esq.
Joseph C. Wylie has built a strong reputation as an immigration attorney serving Pennsylvania clients for over 15 years. He specializes in employment-based immigration, family petitions, and naturalization cases. With extensive experience handling H-1B visas, L-1 visas, and PERM labor certifications, he has helped numerous businesses and individuals navigate complex immigration processes. Clients consistently rate him highly for his attention to detail, clear communication, and successful case resolutions. He actively serves clients in the California, PA area and throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.
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Craig R. Shagin
The Shagin Law Group
Craig R. Shagin is a highly experienced immigration attorney with over three decades of practice, particularly renowned for his expertise in deportation defense and immigration appeals. He has argued numerous cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal courts. While based in Harrisburg, he serves clients throughout Pennsylvania, including the California area. His practice emphasizes complex removal defense, asylum cases, and family-based immigration. He is recognized for his aggressive representation and deep understanding of immigration court procedures, with numerous successful outcomes for clients facing deportation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in California, Pennsylvania
What are the most common types of immigration cases handled by attorneys in California and Pennsylvania?
In California, attorneys frequently handle family-based petitions, DACA renewals, U-Visas for crime victims, and asylum applications, reflecting the state's large immigrant population and diverse needs. In Pennsylvania, while family-based cases are also common, there is significant work with employment-based visas (like H-1B and L-1) due to major industries in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as humanitarian cases for refugee resettlement communities.
How does the local immigration court backlog in Los Angeles or Philadelphia affect my case timeline?
Both the Los Angeles and Philadelphia Immigration Courts have significant backlogs, which can delay hearings for several years. An experienced local attorney can help navigate these delays by ensuring all paperwork is flawless to avoid continuances, exploring potential avenues for case acceleration, and keeping you informed of realistic timelines specific to your assigned court's docket.
Are there specific state or local resources in California or Pennsylvania that can help with my immigration case?
Yes, both states offer unique resources. In California, many counties have rapid response networks and state-funded legal defense funds for detained immigrants. Pennsylvania has several robust non-profit organizations, like HIAS Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, that provide sliding-scale services. A knowledgeable local attorney will be integrated with these networks and can refer you to complementary support services.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration attorney in a major California city versus one in Pennsylvania?
In major California cities like L.A. or San Francisco, seek an attorney with deep experience in the specific sub-field you need (e.g., entertainment visas, deportation defense in the 9th Circuit). In Pennsylvania cities, look for attorneys with strong ties to local community organizations and experience with the specific procedural nuances of the Philadelphia or Pittsburgh USCIS field offices and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
How do state laws in California or Pennsylvania interact with federal immigration proceedings?
California has numerous sanctuary state laws (like the Values Act) that limit local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, which can impact detention risks. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide sanctuary law, so policies vary by county and city (e.g., Philadelphia is a sanctuary city). A local attorney will understand how these varying policies affect your daily life, potential encounters with law enforcement, and overall case strategy.
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About California, Pennsylvania
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