The Best Immigration Attorneys in Swords Creek, Virginia
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Swords Creek, 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
Michael S. O'Shea
O'Shea & Wise, P.L.C.
Michael O'Shea is a highly respected immigration attorney with over 25 years of experience serving Southwest Virginia. His firm has successfully handled thousands of immigration cases with exceptional success rates in family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense. Clients consistently praise his meticulous case preparation, responsive communication, and deep understanding of complex immigration laws. He maintains an active presence in regional immigration courts and has built a reputation for achieving favorable outcomes in challenging cases.
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John C. Whitfield
Whitfield Law Firm
John Whitfield has dedicated his practice exclusively to immigration law for nearly two decades, serving clients throughout Southwest Virginia. He specializes in complex family immigration cases and deportation defense, with particular expertise in VAWA petitions and asylum applications. His firm is known for personalized attention and strategic case management, with numerous clients reporting successful outcomes in difficult immigration situations. He maintains excellent standing with the Virginia State Bar and has built strong relationships with local immigration authorities.
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Kevin M. Shepherd
Shepherd & Associates
Kevin Shepherd leads a regional immigration practice that actively serves clients in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. With 15 years of focused immigration experience, he has developed particular expertise in employment-based visas and business immigration matters, while also maintaining a robust family immigration practice. His firm is recognized for efficient case processing and strong client communication, with numerous successful H-1B, L-1, and EB visa approvals. Clients appreciate his practical approach to complex immigration challenges and his accessibility throughout the legal process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Swords Creek, Virginia
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in the Swords Creek, VA area typically handle?
Given Swords Creek's rural location in Russell County, local and regional immigration attorneys often handle a broad range of cases relevant to the community. This includes family-based petitions (I-130) for spouses and relatives, naturalization (N-400) applications, and assistance with employment-based visas for individuals working in local industries like agriculture, healthcare, or with employers in nearby towns such as Lebanon or Abingdon. They also frequently assist with DACA renewals and representation in removal proceedings, which may involve hearings at immigration courts in locations like Charlotte, NC, or Memphis, TN, requiring attorneys familiar with those jurisdictions.
How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer near Swords Creek, VA?
While Swords Creek itself has a very limited number of law firms, reputable immigration attorneys can be found in nearby larger communities such as Abingdon, Bristol, or Lebanon in Virginia, or even Johnson City in Tennessee. It is crucial to verify that the attorney is a member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar and, ideally, accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). You can use the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) online directory, which allows you to search by zip code and filter for attorneys serving Southwest Virginia. Always schedule a consultation to discuss your specific case and confirm their experience with matters similar to yours.
Are there any local community resources in Swords Creek or Russell County that can help with immigration paperwork before I see a lawyer?
Direct, free immigration legal services are extremely limited in Russell County. However, you may find preliminary guidance and referral services through community organizations like the Russell County Public Library system or churches that sometimes host informational sessions. For more structured help, residents often travel to access nonprofit organizations such as the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO) or the Catholic Charities of Southwest Virginia, which have offices in other regions of the state and may offer remote clinics or know-pro-se workshops. These resources can help with understanding forms but cannot replace the legal advice of an attorney for complex cases.
What should I expect regarding costs when hiring an immigration attorney in Southwest Virginia?
Costs vary significantly based on case complexity. For straightforward applications like a family-based petition or naturalization, you might expect fees ranging from $1,500 to $3,000, plus USCIS filing fees. More complex cases, such as defending against removal or applying for asylum, can cost several thousand dollars. Many attorneys in the region offer payment plans due to the economic demographics of areas like Swords Creek. Be wary of notarios or consultants charging low fees for legal services they are not authorized to provide. A reputable attorney will provide a clear, written fee agreement detailing all costs during an initial consultation, which itself may have a modest fee.
If I have an immigration court hearing, where will it likely be, and how can a local attorney assist?
Swords Creek falls under the jurisdiction of the Charlotte Immigration Court in North Carolina for most matters, though some cases may be assigned to the Memphis Immigration Court. This means hearings and master calendar hearings are typically held in those distant cities. A qualified immigration attorney serving Southwest Virginia will be familiar with the procedures and judges at these courts. They can represent you remotely for many hearings and will travel with you for critical in-person proceedings. Their local knowledge is vital for preparing your case, gathering evidence from the Swords Creek community, and advising on logistics, which is a significant advantage over hiring an attorney unfamiliar with the region's specific challenges and travel requirements.
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About Swords Creek, Virginia
Swords Creek 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 Virginia.
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