You have applied for a Green Card in the United States and as part of the immigration journey you have been told to hire an immigration lawyer. Hiring an immigration attorney is one of the most important decisions that you as an immigrant or an applicant for an immigrant may have to make.

Before you hire an immigration attorney spare some time to find out exactly what you are looking for. Here are some questions that you need to ask the immigration lawyer you plan to make as your future counsel for immigration:

How long has the immigration attorney been practicing immigration law?

Experience pays a long way when it comes to handling complex cases in immigration, so it is important that your lawyer knows the law and also has tons of experience in the field. Do not hesitate to ask the attorney about his or her credentials, background and experience. A good thing would be to speak to a previous client of the immigration lawyer and find out how things went.

Is the immigration attorney a member of AILA?

The American Immigration Lawyers Association or AILA is an organization in the United States that is made up of more than 11,000 attorneys and lawyers who teach, practice and excel in immigration law. As specialists in US law and its peculiarities AILA immigration attorneys represent U S families who apply for permanent residency for family members from across the shores. AILA lawyers also work for foreign students and refugees on a case to case basis.