The Best Immigration Attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Greenville, 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
Scott W. Lee
Scott W. Lee & Associates, LLC
Scott W. Lee is a highly respected immigration attorney with over 25 years of experience practicing exclusively in immigration law. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the South Carolina Supreme Court and has successfully handled thousands of immigration cases. His firm maintains exceptional client satisfaction ratings with numerous 5-star reviews praising his expertise in complex immigration matters, including deportation defense, family petitions, and employment-based visas. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has been recognized for his outstanding case success rates and commitment to client service.
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Jeremy S. St. Clair
The Law Office of Jeremy S. St. Clair
Jeremy S. St. Clair has built a strong reputation as a dedicated immigration attorney serving the Greenville community for over 15 years. His practice focuses exclusively on immigration law with particular expertise in family-based immigration, citizenship applications, and deportation defense. Client reviews consistently highlight his compassionate approach, thorough case preparation, and high success rates in complex immigration matters. He is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has extensive experience handling asylum cases and VAWA petitions. His firm is known for personalized attention and effective representation in both affirmative and defensive immigration proceedings.
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Amy L. Gaffney
Gaffney Lewis, LLC
Amy L. Gaffney is a highly experienced immigration attorney whose firm serves the entire Upstate South Carolina region, including Greenville. With over 20 years of practice, she has developed particular expertise in business immigration law, including employment-based visas, PERM labor certifications, and investor visas. Her firm maintains excellent client satisfaction ratings and is known for handling complex corporate immigration matters for businesses throughout South Carolina. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has successfully represented clients in family-based immigration cases as well. While based in Spartanburg, her firm actively serves Greenville clients and has a strong regional reputation for immigration law excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Greenville, South Carolina
What types of immigration cases are most common for attorneys in Greenville, SC to handle?
In Greenville, immigration attorneys frequently handle employment-based visas for the many international companies and manufacturers in the Upstate, family-based petitions for spouses and relatives, and defensive asylum cases for individuals in removal proceedings at the Charlotte Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over South Carolina. Additionally, with Greenville's growing international community, cases involving DACA renewals, naturalization, and status adjustments are also very common.
How does being in Greenville, SC affect the processing of my immigration application?
Your physical location in Greenville determines which USCIS Field Office and Service Center handles your case. Applications for Greenville residents are typically processed through the USCIS Atlanta Field Office for interviews (like for green cards or citizenship) and the Nebraska or Texas Service Centers for petitions. While biometrics are often done at the local USCIS Application Support Center in Greer, SC, certain in-person interviews may require travel to Atlanta, making local legal guidance on logistics crucial.
Are there any local resources or community organizations in Greenville that work with immigration attorneys?
Yes, several local organizations collaborate with immigration lawyers. The Hispanic Alliance is a key resource connecting the community to legal services and know-your-rights workshops. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charleston also provides immigration legal assistance from their Greenville office. Furthermore, attorneys often partner with the International Center of the Upstate, which aids with cultural integration, and local ESL programs to support clients holistically.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration lawyer specifically in the Greenville area?
Look for an attorney who is not only licensed and experienced but also has specific knowledge of the local immigration landscape. This includes familiarity with the Charlotte Immigration Court (where local removal cases are heard), relationships with the Greer ASC and Atlanta Field Office, and an understanding of the major employment sectors in the Upstate that sponsor visas. Checking for membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and reading local client testimonials are also important steps.
If I am detained by ICE in Greenville, what happens and how can a local attorney help?
If detained by ICE in Greenville, you will likely be taken to the nearby Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, SC, or another ICE facility. The Charlotte Immigration Court has jurisdiction over your case. A local Greenville immigration attorney can act quickly to locate you, file for a bond hearing, and represent you in court. Their proximity allows for easier communication with your family and coordination with local bail bond companies familiar with immigration detainees.
Finding a Deportation Lawyer in Greenville, SC: Your Guide to Local Legal Defense
Facing deportation proceedings is one of the most stressful and complex legal challenges an individual or family can encounter. In Greenville, South Carolina, navigating the immigration court system requires specialized knowledge and immediate action. A deportation lawyer, also known as a removal defense attorney, is not just an advisor but a critical advocate who can fight to keep you or your loved one in the United States. Understanding the local landscape for this type of legal service is the first step toward building a strong defense.
Greenville’s immigration court is part of the Atlanta Immigration Court jurisdiction, meaning hearings for residents of the Upstate are often held via video teleconference or may require travel to Atlanta. This procedural nuance makes having a lawyer familiar with the specific practices of this court and the local USCIS office essential. A Greenville-based deportation attorney will understand the logistics, timelines, and even the tendencies of the immigration judges assigned to cases from our area. They can also help gather evidence and witnesses locally, which is a crucial part of presenting your case effectively.
When searching for a deportation lawyer in Greenville, look for an attorney who specializes specifically in removal defense, not just general immigration law. Verify their credentials through the South Carolina Bar and check if they are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which indicates a commitment to ongoing education in this rapidly changing field. It is also wise to schedule consultations with a few different lawyers. During these meetings, ask directly about their experience with cases similar to yours, their strategy for your defense, and their familiarity with the Atlanta court system. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a specific outcome.
Practical steps you can take immediately include gathering all your important documents—passports, visas, work permits, birth certificates, and any prior immigration correspondence. Do not speak to immigration officials without legal counsel present. In Greenville, reputable legal help can be found through established local law firms specializing in immigration, and it may also be worthwhile to contact non-profit organizations that serve the immigrant community in the Upstate for referrals or potential pro bono assistance if you qualify. Time is of the essence in deportation cases, so beginning your search for qualified legal representation in Greenville today is the most important action you can take to protect your future here.
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About Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville 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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