Immigration lawyer, also known as immigration attorneys, are legal professionals who specialize in a highly specialized area of law: the laws that govern individuals entering, living, and leaving a country. Immigration law is complex and ever-changing, requiring immigration lawyers to stay up-to-date on the current regulations and legal interpretations.
On a day-to-day basis, immigration lawyers provide legal counsel to a variety of clients: corporations, families, and individuals, both foreign and domestic. These lawyers act as counselors and advocates, providing services ranging from simple filing paperwork to navigating a complicated and ever-evolving legal system. Immigration lawyers may help clients obtain visas or permanent residency status, work authorizations or green cards, or assist with naturalization processes. They may prepare records and applications for submission to the US Immigration and Naturalization Service, or provide other legal advice in dealing with immigration applications and procedures.
Immigration Lawyer Salary
The immigration lawyer is an often overlooked position in today’s job market. People think immigration lawyers only deal with people who come to the country or just try to help immigrants understand the legal nuances of relocating to a new country. While this is true, they are highly skilled and educated lawyers who are integral members of the immigration process. As such, it is important to understand how much immigration lawyers typically make and what factors influence their salaries.
Average immigration lawyer salaries vary depending on location, type of law, and experience level. In 2023, the average salary for an immigration lawyer in the United States ranges from $46,000-$195,000. The range depends on what type of immigration work the lawyer is doing, their experience level, and where they are located. Location plays an important role in a lawyer’s salary. Lawyers in larger cities tend to make more than those in rural areas and small towns. For example, an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles may make about $100,000 a year, while an immigration lawyer in Spokane, Washington, may earn approximately $71,000 annually.
Experience is also a major factor in a lawyer’s income. An experienced immigration lawyer can make more than those without significant experience in the field. For example, a lawyer with 10 years of experience may earn $160,000 a year while a lawyer with 1-2 years of experience will earn a much lower salary. The type of law being practiced also affect the lawyer’s salary. Immigration lawyers who practice civil and federal law typically earn more than those who practice criminal law. For instance, a lawyer practicing federal immigration law may earn as much as $165,000 a year, whereas a lawyer practicing criminal law may earn about $50,000 annually.
In addition to experience and location, the lawyer’s specialty can also affect their pay rate. Immigration lawyers who focus on business immigration and work with corporate clients will earn more than those who focus on family-based immigration. Likewise, a lawyer with expertise in asylum law may also command a higher income due to the complexity of the case.
While immigration lawyers can make a substantial amount of money, their salaries also vary based on the circumstances surrounding the job. It is important for aspiring immigration lawyers to understand all of the factors mentioned above in order to position themselves appropriately in the job market. With the right experience, credentials, and practice area, a lawyer can be successful in their chosen field.
