Written By
Jeffrey Johnson, J.D.
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Oklahoma has a sizable population of immigrants, and with the current changes in law, their future may be at risk. If you are facing issues with immigration laws while filing for a visa or facing deportation action, you may want to hire a lawyer as soon as possible.
Forbes Advisor has prepared a list of the best immigration lawyers in Oklahoma City who can help you simplify the laws, navigate the system and represent you in court.
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Best Oklahoma City Immigration Lawyers
Michael Brooks-Jimenez
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
1995
Law School Attended
University of Oklahoma College of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Brenda Lyda Doroteo
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
2019
Law School Attended
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Michelle Edstrom
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
2009
Law School Attended
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Amir Masoud Farzaneh
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
1996
Law School Attended
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Miguel Armando Garcia
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
2010
Law School Attended
University of Oklahoma College of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Christi Jo Giddeon
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
2005
Law School Attended
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
April Quiroz
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
2015
Law School Attended
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Natalia Riveros-Jacobsen
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
2010
Law School Attended
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
T. Douglas Stump
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
1983
Law School Attended
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Kelli J. Stump
OK Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to OK Bar
2006
Law School Attended
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Compare Top Oklahoma City Immigration Attorneys
Immigration Laws in Oklahoma City, OK
The federal government mostly retains the right to make laws on immigration. Federal courts have recently blocked several state-specific laws that did not align with federal immigration laws. Since immigration laws change frequently, it’s a good idea to understand the basic concepts to keep track of the changes that can impact your life.
Who Is Covered by Immigration Laws in Oklahoma City, OK?
Oklahoma residents, undocumented immigrants and immigrants with documented status are governed by federal immigration laws. The Immigration and Nationality Act lays down the eligibility criteria for obtaining a visa and citizenship in the country. Here are the common categories of immigrants who can apply for visas.
- Family-based immigration. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition to obtain visas for their immediate family members, including spouses, unmarried minor children and parents. The law does not set any limit on the yearly number of visas for immediate family members of citizens.A limited number of visas are made available for nonimmediate family members, including citizens’ adult children, citizens’ siblings and spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents.
- Employment-based immigration. Employment-based immigration allows employers to sponsor foreign nationals for jobs in the U.S. on a permanent or temporary basis. 140,000 permanent employment-based immigrant visas are approved every year. This number is divided into five preference categories:
- persons of extraordinary ability
- professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
- skilled and other nonseasonal workers
- special immigrants
- immigrant investors
- Refugees and asylees. Refugees are people who escape their country out of fear of prosecution. Every year, a cap on the number of refugees to be admitted to the country is set by the president in consultation with Congress. This number is then further broken down based on the regions of the world.Asylum is granted to people already present in the U.S. or seeking entry through a port. There is no ceiling on the number of asylees admitted every year. Refugees and asylees are eligible to become permanent residents after one year.
- The Diversity Visa Program. This program allocates a fixed number of visas to nationals from countries that have low rates of immigration to the United States. The applicants from selected countries need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including high school education and work experience requirements.
Immigrant Rights Under Oklahoma Immigration Laws
As an immigrant, you have certain rights in the U.S., whether you are in the country legally or not. These rights include the right to remain silent, Miranda rights, the right to not allow searches without a search warrant, the right to ask for a lawyer and the right to file a lawsuit if your rights are violated.
Oklahoma law also allows eligible undocumented students access to in-state tuition. To be eligible, the student must have done all of the following:
- graduated from an Oklahoma high school
- resided in the state for two years before graduation
- been admitted to an institution in the Oklahoma State system of higher education
- submitted a copy of the petition filed to legalize the student’s status or an affidavit stating that a petition will be filed when possible
Oklahoma Laws That Impact Immigrants
- House Bill 4156. The Oklahoma House Bill 4156 was set to go into effect on July 1st, 2024, but it was temporarily blocked by the federal court. It states that any person illegally residing in Oklahoma could be charged with a misdemeanor and punished with a one-year jail term and a $500 fine. A second offense is treated as a felony with two years’ imprisonment and a $1000 fine.The law also requires the convict to leave the state within 72 hours of conviction or release from custody, whichever comes later.
- Concealing presence. Oklahoma law makes it illegal to knowingly transport, move, conceal, harbor or shelter a person not legally present in the U.S. Violation can lead to felony charges with one year in jail and a $1000 fine.
- Identification cards. Since undocumented immigrants do not enjoy several public benefits in Oklahoma, if you are not legally present in the U.S., you can be denied government-issued identification cards like a driver’s license and other benefits including professional licenses.
- E-Verify. Every public employer and contractor in a contract with a public employer must ensure all its employees are legally present in the country using the E-Verify system.
Filing Process for Immigration in Oklahoma City, OK
Here are the steps you can follow to apply for an immigrant visa:
- Filing the petition. A U.S. citizen, permanent resident or employer can file a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) electronically or through mail. Petitions from outside the U.S. can be filed through the USCIS website or by mail to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox. In exceptional cases, a petition may also be filed with the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulate.
- National Visa Center (NVC) processing. After your petition is approved, the case is transferred to the Department of State’s NVC. The department sends out a welcome letter by email or physical mail that directs you to submit fees, forms and other documents. After a review of the documents, an interview date may be set based on appointment availability.
- Interview. You, your family members over the age of 14 immigrating with you and every family member who has filed separate petitions must appear for the interview. You need to bring all the relevant original and certified documents, including the appointment letter, passport, photographs, confirmation page and any supporting documents.
- Approval or denial. If your application is approved, you will be informed how and when you will receive your passport and visa. If the application is denied, you will be informed about the reason for ineligibility.
How Can an Immigration Attorney Help You in Oklahoma City?
The immigration process can get complicated and require complex paperwork, like Form I-601. Small errors can lead to unnecessary delays or even denials. An experienced Oklahoma City immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process, whether you want to bring your family to the country, seek to hire a foreign national or need representation in deportation proceedings.
If you are filing for a visa, your lawyer can help you determine the type of visa that fits your case and file the correct application. They will make sure you have the supporting documents and keep track of the deadlines.
An immigration lawyer can represent you in court if you are facing deportation. They will assist you through the entire process, communicate with the agencies, defend your case and help you secure the best possible resolution.
How To Choose the Best Immigration Lawyer in Oklahoma City, OK
Selecting the right lawyer, especially with so many options available, can be a confusing process. Here are a few things you can look for when searching for an immigration lawyer in Oklahoma City.
- Expertise. You will benefit from hiring a lawyer who has a good track record with cases similar to yours.
- Budget. Immigration cases can be expensive, so you should ask your lawyer about the projected costs and make a decision that fits your budget.
- Language. If you are not comfortable communicating in English, you should look for a lawyer who is fluent in your preferred language.
Our Methodology for Finding the Best Oklahoma City Immigration Attorneys
Forbes Advisor considered many factors to determine the best immigration lawyers in Oklahoma City of [YEAR]. Its mathematical analysis considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses and certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education and employment background
- Scholarly lectures and writings
- Awards and honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. However, this information should not be considered comprehensive. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Immigration in Oklahoma
How much do immigration lawyers charge in Oklahoma City?
How long does citizenship take in Oklahoma?
Do immigrants get free healthcare in Oklahoma?
The information on this page does not constitute legal advice, nor does use of or access to this page create an attorney-client relationship between any parties. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for informational purposes only. Your legal situation is unique and the attorneys and services we rank may not be right for your circumstances. Consult with an attorney to obtain advice on your particular legal matter.
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