The Best Immigration Attorneys in Columbia, South Carolina
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Columbia, South Carolina. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
David F. Stoddard
The Law Offices of David F. Stoddard
David F. Stoddard is one of South Carolina's most experienced immigration attorneys with over 25 years dedicated exclusively to immigration law. He is Board Certified as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the South Carolina Supreme Court, a distinction held by only a few attorneys in the state. His practice handles complex cases including deportation defense, family petitions, employment visas, and asylum cases with exceptional success rates. Clients consistently praise his deep knowledge of immigration law, personalized attention, and successful outcomes in challenging cases.
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Kevin D. Hazzard
Ogletree Deakins
Kevin Hazzard leads the immigration practice at Ogletree Deakins' Columbia office, bringing over 20 years of experience in business immigration law. He specializes in employment-based visas, PERM labor certifications, and corporate immigration compliance for national and international companies. His practice is highly regarded for strategic corporate immigration solutions and maintaining high approval rates for H-1B, L-1, TN, and other employment visas. Clients appreciate his business-focused approach and ability to navigate complex corporate immigration matters efficiently.
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Bakari Sellers (Immigration Practice Team)
Strom Law Firm, LLC
The Strom Law Firm's immigration practice, led by experienced attorneys including Bakari Sellers, provides comprehensive immigration services with a focus on family-based cases and deportation defense. The firm has built a strong reputation for handling complex removal proceedings, asylum cases, and family unification matters. Their immigration team demonstrates particular expertise in humanitarian relief cases and has achieved significant success in keeping families together. Client reviews consistently highlight the firm's compassionate approach combined with aggressive legal representation in immigration court.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Columbia, South Carolina
What are the most common types of immigration cases handled by attorneys in Columbia, SC?
In Columbia, immigration attorneys frequently handle family-based petitions (such as for spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents), humanitarian cases like asylum and U visas for crime victims, employment-based visas, and defense against removal (deportation) proceedings. Given the presence of Fort Jackson and the University of South Carolina, cases involving military families (Parole in Place) and student visas (F-1) are also common. Navigating the specific procedures of the USCIS Charleston Field Office, which has jurisdiction over South Carolina, is a key part of local practice.
How does living in Columbia, SC, affect the processing of my immigration application?
While USCIS processes applications nationally, your physical location in Columbia means your case is managed by the USCIS Charleston Field Office for interviews and certain in-person services. This office's caseload and processing times directly impact your application timeline. Furthermore, if you are placed in removal proceedings, your case would be heard at the Charlotte Immigration Court in North Carolina, which requires an attorney familiar with that specific court's procedures and judges. A local Columbia attorney can effectively manage logistics and deadlines tied to these regional offices.
Can a Columbia immigration attorney help me if I am detained by ICE in South Carolina?
Yes, a Columbia-based immigration attorney is crucial in such situations. ICE operates a detention facility in Charleston, SC (the Al Cannon Detention Center), which is where individuals from the Midlands area are often held. An experienced local attorney will have established contacts with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office in Charleston, understand the bond procedures at the Charlotte Immigration Court, and can quickly file necessary motions for release or relief. They can also arrange for credible fear interviews if you are seeking asylum.
What local resources in Columbia, SC, work with immigration attorneys to support clients?
Columbia immigration attorneys often collaborate with several key local organizations to provide holistic support. These include the South Carolina Immigrant Victim Network (SCIVN) for victims of crime, the University of South Carolina's School of Law Immigration Law Clinic for pro bono assistance on certain cases, and non-profits like Lutheran Services Carolinas. For required medical evaluations in asylum or U visa cases, attorneys refer clients to trusted physicians at Prisma Health or other local clinics familiar with the specific documentation needed for immigration purposes.
Why is it important to hire an immigration attorney licensed in South Carolina instead of one from another state?
While immigration law is federal, an attorney licensed to practice in South Carolina and based in Columbia has essential local knowledge. They understand the specific challenges and trends affecting immigrants in the Midlands region, are familiar with the local USCIS and ICE office cultures, and have built relationships with judges at the Charlotte Immigration Court. Furthermore, they are accessible for in-person consultations, which is vital for building trust and effectively preparing for interviews or court hearings. They are also best positioned to address any intersecting issues with South Carolina state law, such as driver's license eligibility or notary requirements.
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About Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia 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 South Carolina.
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