The Best Immigration Attorneys in Gloucester, Virginia
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Gloucester, Virginia. Rated 4.7/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
R. Andrew Patrick
Law Office of R. Andrew Patrick
R. Andrew Patrick is a highly respected immigration attorney with over 25 years of experience, exclusively practicing immigration law. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has a proven track record of success in complex cases, including family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense. Clients consistently praise his responsiveness, expertise, and high approval rates for visas and green cards. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and serves the Hampton Roads area, including Gloucester.
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David B. Cook
David B. Cook, Attorney at Law
David B. Cook is an experienced immigration attorney with two decades of practice, focusing on all aspects of immigration law. He has a strong reputation for client satisfaction and successful outcomes in cases ranging from business immigration to asylum applications. Rated highly on Avvo and other platforms, he is known for his detailed case preparation and commitment to keeping clients informed. He is an active member of AILA and serves clients throughout the Hampton Roads region, including Gloucester.
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James H. Shoemaker
Law Office of James H. Shoemaker
James H. Shoemaker is a dedicated immigration attorney with nearly 20 years of experience, specializing in family and business immigration matters. He has a high success rate in visa approvals and naturalization cases, with clients highlighting his professionalism and effective communication. He is a member of AILA and the Virginia State Bar, and his practice serves the Peninsula and Hampton Roads areas, including Gloucester. His firm is known for personalized service and thorough legal representation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Gloucester, Virginia
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Gloucester, VA, typically handle for the local community?
Immigration attorneys serving Gloucester and the surrounding Middle Peninsula region commonly handle family-based petitions (for spouses, children, and parents), humanitarian cases like VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) petitions and U visas for crime victims, and employment-based visas for workers at local seafood, agricultural, and manufacturing businesses. They also assist with naturalization applications, DACA renewals, and defense against removal (deportation), often coordinating with the Norfolk Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over this area.
How can I find a reputable and accessible immigration lawyer in Gloucester, VA?
Start by checking with the Virginia State Bar's lawyer referral service and looking for attorneys who are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Given Gloucester's more rural setting, many reputable local and regional firms offer initial consultations by phone or video. It's also advisable to seek recommendations from community organizations like the Gloucester Mathews Care Clinic or local churches, which may have experience with attorneys who serve immigrant families in the county.
Are there any unique immigration challenges for seafood industry workers in Gloucester County, VA?
Yes, workers in Gloucester's iconic seafood and aquaculture industries may face specific challenges. Attorneys here can help navigate seasonal or year-round work visas (like H-2B for non-agricultural work) for processing plants and watermen, as well as potential pathways for skilled workers. A key local consideration is proving the specialized nature of the work to USCIS and ensuring compliance with Virginia's employment laws, which can be complex for seasonal industries subject to weather and market fluctuations.
What should I do if I am detained by ICE in or near Gloucester, VA?
If detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Gloucester County, you will likely be transferred to the ICE Office and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Norfolk or a detention facility in another jurisdiction. It is critical to immediately assert your right to an attorney and contact a local immigration lawyer who can locate you in the system, represent you at bond hearings before the Norfolk Immigration Court, and explore all possible relief. Do not sign any documents without legal counsel, as this can severely impact your case.
Can a Gloucester-based attorney help me with a marriage-based green card if I live in a rural part of the county?
Absolutely. An experienced immigration attorney in Gloucester is well-versed in handling marriage-based adjustment of status applications for couples living in rural areas. They can help you compile strong evidence of a bona fide marriage that addresses potential USCIS scrutiny, which may include documenting joint finances, affidavits from local community members, and explanations of living arrangements common in the region. Your attorney will also prepare you for the required interview, which typically takes place at the USCIS Field Office in Norfolk, and can advise on the logistics of travel and documentation specific to your situation in Gloucester County.
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About Gloucester, Virginia
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