The Best Immigration Attorneys in Knoxville, Tennessee
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Knoxville, Tennessee. Rated 4.9/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
J. Edward Morelock
Morelock Law Offices, PLLC
J. Edward Morelock is a highly respected immigration attorney with over 15 years of dedicated practice exclusively in immigration law. He maintains a perfect 5.0 rating across multiple review platforms with clients consistently praising his expertise in complex immigration matters. As a former immigration officer, he brings unique insight into USCIS procedures and enforcement actions. His practice handles everything from family petitions and employment visas to deportation defense and asylum cases. He is admitted to practice in Tennessee and multiple federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Clients frequently commend his responsive communication and successful case outcomes.
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Stephen A. Fitch
Stephen A. Fitch, Attorney at Law
Stephen A. Fitch has built a distinguished reputation over two decades of focused immigration law practice in East Tennessee. With a 4.9 rating from numerous client reviews, he is recognized for his expertise in business immigration, family-based petitions, and removal defense. His practice serves both individual clients and corporate clients needing employment visa sponsorship. Admitted to the Tennessee Bar and multiple federal courts, Fitch is known for his meticulous case preparation and high success rate with complex immigration matters. Clients consistently highlight his professionalism, deep knowledge of immigration law, and ability to navigate challenging cases successfully.
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Gregory S. Issa
Gregory S. Issa, PLLC
Gregory S. Issa has established himself as a leading immigration attorney in the Knoxville area with over 12 years of dedicated practice. Maintaining a 4.8 rating across review platforms, he is particularly noted for his work in family-based immigration and removal proceedings. His practice handles a wide range of immigration matters including waivers, appeals, and citizenship applications. Admitted to practice in Tennessee and multiple federal jurisdictions, Issa is recognized for his strategic approach to complex immigration challenges. Client reviews consistently praise his attention to detail, compassionate representation, and successful outcomes in difficult immigration cases.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Knoxville, Tennessee
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Knoxville, Tennessee, commonly handle?
Immigration attorneys in Knoxville frequently assist with family-based petitions (such as for spouses or children), employment-based visas (including TN visas for Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA), naturalization applications, and deportation defense. Given the presence of the University of Tennessee and major employers like the Tennessee Valley Authority and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, there is also significant demand for student visas (F-1), work visas (H-1B), and related adjustments of status. Additionally, many local attorneys help with humanitarian cases like asylum, U visas for crime victims, and VAWA petitions.
How does the local immigration court in Memphis affect my case if I live in Knoxville?
For Knoxville residents, immigration court proceedings are typically held at the Memphis Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over all of Tennessee. This means you and your attorney will likely need to travel to Memphis for hearings, which is about a 5-6 hour drive. A knowledgeable Knoxville immigration attorney will be familiar with the Memphis court's procedures, judges, and scheduling, and can effectively manage your case remotely while minimizing unnecessary travel. They can also explore options like filing motions to change venue or requesting telephonic appearances when possible.
Are there any local resources or organizations in Knoxville that work with immigration attorneys?
Yes, Knoxville has several key resources. The University of Tennessee College of Law's Immigration Clinic provides pro bono assistance under attorney supervision. Non-profits like the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) offer support and referrals. Additionally, local community centers and churches often host legal workshops. A reputable Knoxville immigration attorney will be well-connected with these networks to provide comprehensive support, including referrals for social services, language assistance, and community integration programs specific to East Tennessee.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration attorney in Knoxville?
When selecting an immigration attorney in Knoxville, ensure they are licensed to practice in Tennessee and have specific, verifiable experience in immigration law. Look for membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and check for any disciplinary history with the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility. It's also beneficial to choose an attorney familiar with the unique aspects of East Tennessee, such as the agricultural and university sectors, and one who can communicate effectively in your preferred language. Many reputable firms offer initial consultations to discuss your case's specifics and fees.
Can a Knoxville attorney help me with employment-based immigration if I work in Oak Ridge or for a local university?
Absolutely. Knoxville immigration attorneys routinely assist professionals employed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee, and other local tech and research institutions. They are experienced with common employment-based visas like H-1B for specialty occupations, O-1 for individuals with extraordinary ability, and TN status for Canadian and Mexican citizens under USMCA. These attorneys understand the specific documentation and employer requirements for these highly specialized fields and can navigate the process efficiently, often coordinating with local employers' human resources departments.
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About Knoxville, Tennessee
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