Know Your Rights as an Immigration Client

Is Your Immigration Lawyer Selling You Out?

If you're paying an attorney but feel ignored, confused, or like nothing is moving β€” you're not imagining it. Too many immigration clients stay with lawyers who are failing them because they don't know they have options.

You can switch attorneys at any time. You have the right to your case file. And your first consultation with Fibi Law is completely free.

Free consultation Β· No commitment Β· We can take over your case quickly

🚨 Act quickly if your lawyer has:
Stopped returning your calls
Missed a filing deadline
Missed your court hearing
Filed nothing for months
Taken fees but done no work
Made guarantees about your case
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Warning Signs

10 Signs Your Immigration Lawyer Is Failing You

These are not minor inconveniences β€” they are red flags that can have serious consequences for your immigration case and your future.

They never return your calls or emails

If days or weeks pass with no response to your messages, that's not a busy attorney β€” that's an attorney who isn't prioritizing your case. You deserve to know what's happening.

You don't know what's happening with your case

A good attorney keeps you informed. If you have no idea where your case stands, when hearings are scheduled, or what documents are needed, something is wrong.

They missed a deadline or court date

In immigration law, missed deadlines can be catastrophic β€” leading to denied applications or deportation orders. This is not a minor mistake. It is malpractice.

They promised guaranteed results

No attorney can guarantee the outcome of an immigration case. If your lawyer made promises about approval or success rates, that's a serious ethical red flag.

You're paying but nothing is moving

Months have passed, you've paid your fees, but your case hasn't progressed. You ask for updates and get vague answers. Your money deserves real work in return.

They seem unfamiliar with your case details

If your attorney asks you to repeat basic facts about your situation or seems confused about your case history, they may be juggling too many clients to give yours proper attention.

They weren't at your hearing β€” or sent someone else

You hired a specific attorney. If someone you've never met showed up at your immigration hearing on their behalf, you have every right to be concerned.

They pressure you to accept deals you're uncomfortable with

A lawyer who pushes you to take a settlement or plea that feels wrong β€” without explaining all your options β€” may be prioritizing closing the case over protecting your rights.

They discourage you from getting a second opinion

Any reputable attorney welcomes a second opinion. If yours discourages it, ask yourself why.

Your gut says something is wrong

Trust your instincts. If every interaction leaves you feeling dismissed, confused, or uneasy β€” that feeling is worth taking seriously.

Your Rights

What Every Immigration Client Deserves

A legal fee is a contract. When you pay an immigration attorney, you are not just purchasing their time β€” you are purchasing their diligence, communication, and commitment to your case.

The following are not extras. They are the baseline standard you have every right to expect from any immigration attorney you hire.

Responses to calls and emails within 24–48 hours
Regular updates on your case status without having to ask
Clear explanations β€” no legal jargon without translation
An attorney who attends your hearings personally
Honest assessments of your chances, even when the news is hard
Transparent billing with no surprise fees
A team that speaks your language
The freedom to ask questions and change attorneys if needed
Take Action

How to Switch Immigration Lawyers

Changing attorneys is simpler than most people think β€” and it does not hurt your case. Here's exactly how to do it.

1
Request your case file

You have the legal right to all documents related to your case. Contact your current attorney and request your complete file β€” including applications, court notices, and correspondence. They must provide it.

2
Get a second opinion

Book a free consultation with a new attorney before officially terminating the old one. A second opinion costs nothing and gives you clarity on whether your concerns are valid and what your options are.

3
Send a termination letter

You can fire your immigration attorney at any time, for any reason. A simple written notice is sufficient. Your new attorney can also help you draft this letter.

4
File a notice of substitution

If your case is active before an immigration court, your new attorney will file a Notice of Entry of Appearance (Form EOIR-27 or EOIR-28). This formally transfers representation.

5
File a complaint if warranted

If your former attorney caused real harm β€” missed deadlines, misused funds, or committed fraud β€” you can file a complaint with your state bar association. You may also have civil legal remedies.

Not sure if you have a problem? Bring your case to Fibi Law for a free second opinion. We'll review your file, tell you honestly where things stand, and explain your options β€” no pressure, no commitment.

Client Stories

Clients Who Switched β€” and Won

"My old lawyer took $3,000 from me and filed nothing for six months. I came to Fibi Law in a panic. They picked up my case, fixed the damage, and got my green card approved. I wish I had come here first."

Amara K. β€” Harlem, NY
Switched from another firm β€” Green Card

"My previous attorney never showed up to my hearing. I was alone in immigration court. Fibi Law took over my deportation case and fought hard for me. I'm still here with my family because of them."

Carlos M. β€” Bronx, NY
Switched after missed hearing β€” Deportation Defense

"I kept being told my case was 'in process' for two years. When Fibi Law reviewed my file they found it had never been filed. They filed it properly and I was approved in four months."

Fatou D. β€” Philadelphia, PA
Switched after inaction β€” Family Petition
Common Questions

Switching Immigration Lawyers β€” FAQ

You Have Options

Don't Wait. Get a Free Second Opinion Today.

If something feels wrong with your immigration case, trust that feeling. Fibi Law will review your file honestly, explain your options, and tell you exactly what we can do β€” free, no pressure, no commitment.

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