The Best Immigration Attorneys in Newport, Virginia
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Newport, Virginia. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Kevin M. O'Brien
O'Brien Law, PLC
Kevin O'Brien is a highly respected immigration attorney serving the Newport/Newport News area with over 15 years of dedicated immigration law practice. He maintains a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo and specializes in complex family-based petitions, removal defense, and employment-based immigration. With extensive experience in both affirmative and defensive immigration matters, O'Brien has successfully handled hundreds of cases before USCIS and immigration courts. His practice is noted for personalized client service and strategic case management, particularly in family reunification and deportation defense cases.
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Christopher J. Seelen
The Immigration Law Firm
Christopher Seelen leads a dedicated immigration practice with over two decades of experience serving the Hampton Roads area, including Newport. His firm focuses exclusively on immigration law and has successfully handled thousands of cases ranging from family petitions to complex deportation defense. Seelen is recognized for his expertise in employment-based visas, particularly for military personnel and defense contractors in the region. With a strong track record in asylum cases and family reunification, he maintains excellent client satisfaction ratings and is known for his thorough preparation and courtroom advocacy.
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R. Shawn Majette
Majette & Hurd, PLLC
Shawn Majette co-founded Majette & Hurd with a focus on comprehensive immigration services for the Newport News and Hampton Roads community. With extensive experience in both corporate and family immigration matters, Majette has built a reputation for effective representation in employment-based visas, particularly for the region's significant defense and maritime industries. His practice emphasizes strategic planning for family-based petitions and naturalization applications, with a strong success rate in complex adjustment of status cases. The firm is known for responsive client communication and detailed case preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Newport, Virginia
What types of immigration cases are most commonly handled by attorneys in Newport, Virginia?
In Newport, Virginia, immigration attorneys frequently handle cases involving family-based petitions, employment-based visas (especially for workers at Newport News Shipbuilding or the Port of Virginia), naturalization applications, and defense against removal (deportation). Given the city's proximity to major military installations like Fort Eustis and Naval Station Norfolk, cases involving military parole in place, special immigrant visas for interpreters, and benefits for military families are also common. Attorneys here are well-versed in navigating the specific procedural requirements of the USCIS Norfolk Field Office, which has jurisdiction over Newport.
How does the presence of the Newport News Shipyard impact employment-based immigration in Newport, VA?
The Newport News Shipbuilding, a major employer, significantly influences employment-based immigration, particularly for H-1B visas for specialized engineers, naval architects, and technical professionals, as well as TN visas for Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA. Immigration attorneys in Newport often assist with labor certification processes (PERM) for permanent residency sponsored by the shipyard and related defense contractors. They are familiar with the specific documentation and prevailing wage requirements for these highly specialized roles in the Hampton Roads region.
Where is the nearest immigration court or USCIS office for someone in Newport, VA, and how does that affect my case?
The nearest key immigration facilities are the USCIS Norfolk Field Office (about 25 miles away) for interviews and the Arlington Immigration Court (over 150 miles away) for removal proceedings. This geographic reality means your Newport-based attorney must be highly organized for travel to Norfolk for client appointments and master calendar hearings. For court dates in Arlington, they often coordinate with local counsel or plan extensive travel, making efficient case preparation and remote communication capabilities crucial for effective representation in Newport.
Are there local resources or community organizations in Newport that immigration attorneys work with?
Yes, immigration attorneys in Newport frequently collaborate with local resources such as the Hampton Roads Immigrant Resource Center, the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO), and Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia. These organizations provide vital support services like language assistance, know-your-rights workshops, and social integration programs. A knowledgeable Newport attorney can connect clients to these resources for additional aid, which is especially helpful for asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals adjusting status who need community support in the Tidewater area.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration attorney specifically in Newport, Virginia?
When selecting an immigration attorney in Newport, look for specific experience with the Norfolk USCIS Field Office's examiners and the Arlington Immigration Court's judges. Choose an attorney or firm with a strong track record in the types of cases prevalent in the region, such as maritime/defense industry employment visas or cases involving military families. It's also crucial they have established relationships with local interpreters and community organizations. Verify they are in good standing with the Virginia State Bar and have positive client reviews reflecting their understanding of both federal law and local procedural nuances.
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