Why Hiring an Immigration Attorney Immediately is Essential

Immigration is one of the most complex and unforgiving areas of law. Every new policy memorandum, BIA case, circuit court decision, form, deadline, and supporting document matters. A single unchecked box or missing page can cause delays or denials. It may lead to extra scrutiny, requests for evidence, or even removal proceedings and deportation.

Many people start their immigration journey by trying to do everything on their own. On the surface, this may seem like an attempt to save time and money, but it often leads to the opposite outcome. We have seen a drastic uptick in panicked calls from people who thought they could start the process themselves or tried to save a buck by hiring a notario or unlicensed document preparer. The truth is simple:

• Hiring a licensed immigration attorney from the very beginning is not only safer, it is usually far cheaper than trying to fix mistakes later. USCIS usually does not discover errors or inadmissibilities until after they file a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), Request for Evidence (RFE), Denial, or referral to removal proceedings (Notice to Appear/NTA).
• Below are the key reasons why retaining an attorney right away is the smartest and most cost-effective choice.

1. Immigration Law is Complex; Small Errors Cause Big Problems

USCIS forms may look straightforward, but they are filled with legal meaning and hidden pitfalls. Many people who try to "DIY" their case or rely on a non-attorney preparer unknowingly:

• Misinterpret or ignore inadmissibilities and government memoranda and priorities that can lead to denials, detention, or removal proceedings.
• Submit incorrect or outdated forms (failure to keep up with drastic form and payment requirements)
• Provide inconsistent information that contradicts other evidence or opens the door to unwanted questioning
• Forget required evidence
• Misinterpret "simple" questions that have multiple or complex meanings
• Trigger allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, or inadmissibility
• Miss deadlines or fail to respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)

These mistakes can lead to delays lasting months or years. In more serious cases, they can result in denial, loss of status, or referral to immigration court.

Correcting errors is often far more expensive than hiring an attorney at the start.

2. Hiring a Non-Attorney Is Not Only Risky, It Can Be Illegal

Many individuals rely on "immigration consultants," "document preparers," "Notarios," or "friends who know the process." These people often:

• Are not licensed attorneys
• Are not permitted to give legal advice
• Are not insured or subject to ethical rules and review
• Do not file a Form G-28 or list themselves as the preparer, meaning they are hiding their involvement
• Cannot communicate with USCIS on you behalf
• Cannot legally represent you if something goes wrong

United States law is clear:

Only a licensed attorney or accredited representative may give legal advice or prepare immigration forms on your behalf. Attorneys are subject to ethical rules, licensure requirements, malpractice insurance, and continuing education.

Remember that you submit everything, even through a preparer, to the government, and the government considers it "your statement." Meaning reliance on an advisor or notario is not a defense to misstatements or fraud. You cannot claim ineffective assistance of counsel if the preparer is not an attorney.

Anyone else who attempts to do so is engaging in the unauthorized practice of law (UPL), a serious offense that can put your future at risk. Florida, New York, New Jersey, California, and Texas treat UPL as a felony, though treatment varies by state. States like Nebraska treat it as a misdemeanor, but pair it with felony charges like theft by deception.

You should report anyone who offers to complete immigration forms without being an attorney or refuses to sign and submit a G-28 listing themselves as your legal representative.

3. Hidden Costs: Paying Twice (or More) to Fix Someone Else's Errors

Many people come to immigration attorneys only after something has gone wrong. By then, the damage may include:

• Missed deadlines
• Incorrect filings
• Denials
• Loss of immigration benefits
• Notices to Appear in immigration court

At that point, the attorney must spend time:

• Reviewing and reconstructing the file
• Undoing incorrect submissions
• Filing motions or appeals
• Responding to allegations or RFEs
• Re-submitting the entire application package

Generally, once you receive a notice of intent to deny, notice to appear, or request for evidence, you are under an extremely short deadline to respond. Best practices, like requesting FOIAs or gathering first-person accounts of persecution or relationships are extremely difficult on short notice. This puts you in a difficult position and requires the attorney to prioritize your case and/or work overtime to correct the previous mistakes.

This almost always costs more than hiring an attorney from the beginning. In other words: You do not save money by hiring a non-attorney, you only delay the expense and multiply the consequences.

4. A Licensed Immigration Attorney Protects Your Case From Start to Finish

When you work with a qualified immigration attorney, you receive:

• Professional legal advice tailored to your situation
• Careful form preparation and document review
• Full compliance with immigration laws and regulations
• Strategic planning to avoid complications
• Communication and representation through a valid G-28
• Accountability, because licensed attorneys stand behind their work

You also receive the peace of mind of knowing your future is being handled by someone who understands the law, the process, and the high stakes involved.

5. Your Future Matters Too Much to Risk

Your immigration status impacts your family, your job, your safety, and your future in the United States. This is not the place to gamble with shortcuts or unlicensed assistance.

If someone is:

• Giving immigration advice without a license
• Preparing forms without submitting a G-28
• Charging for immigration "help" they are not legally allowed to provide

They are putting you at risk, and they should be reported.

We are licensed. We stand by our work. We are here to help.

If you are considering filing an immigration application, or if you have already filed and suspect something may have been done incorrectly, please reach out. Getting the right legal help at the right time can save you money, protect your rights, and safeguard your future.

We are licensed immigration attorneys, and we take pride in doing things correctly from the beginning.

Your future deserves competent, ethical, and experienced legal representation.

Contact us further if we can assist you.