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The state of Indiana is home to over 400,000 immigrants. Indianapolis, its most populous city, provides safe and friendly communities and diverse job opportunities, making it an appealing destination for immigrants to settle and establish their lives.
If you are an immigrant facing deportation or need assistance obtaining a visa or green card, an immigration attorney can offer invaluable help. This article features 10 of the best immigration lawyers in Indianapolis, along with important information about the state’s immigration system.
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Best Indianapolis Immigration Lawyers
Angela Denise Adams
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Jenifer M. Brown
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
John Ashley Broyles
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Christl P. Glier
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Carolyn Elizabeth Grimes
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
William & Mary Law School
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Alex P. Krasutsky
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Megan Marie Pastrana
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Lindsay C. Ramsey
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Laura Eden Shepard
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
University of Kentucky College of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Tabitha Gail Villarrubia
IN Bar Association Status
Active
Year Admitted to IN Bar
Law School Attended
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Why They Made Our List
Practice Areas
Notable Facts and Recognitions
Compare Top Indianapolis Immigration Attorneys
Immigration Laws in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana has stricter immigration policies than states like New York and California. In the following sections, we will explore various aspects of Indiana’s immigration system, including its laws and regulations, the rights of immigrants and how an immigration attorney can assist in resolving your immigration-related issues.
Who Is Covered by Immigration Laws in Indianapolis, IN?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) dictates who may enter, stay or be removed from the country. It covers family and employment-based immigration, asylum and refugee status and temporary visas for students, workers and tourists. The INA also outlines grounds for inadmissibility and deportation and processes for obtaining citizenship. The immigration policies apply to:
- Green card holders. Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) are authorized to live and work in the U.S. permanently. They can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship after five years.
- Nonimmigrant visa holders. These include foreign nationals present in the U.S. temporarily for specific purposes such as education, work or tourism. This category includes students, tourists, religious workers, temporary workers, investors and entrepreneurs.
- Asylum seekers and refugees. Individuals fleeing persecution or fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality or political stance may seek to enter the U.S. Asylum seekers apply for protection from within the U.S., while refugees are granted protection before entering the U.S.
- Undocumented immigrants. Individuals residing in the U.S. without proper legal authorization are considered undocumented. These include those who entered without proper paperwork or stayed behind after their visa expired.
Certain categories of people are barred from immigrating to the U.S., including:
- Individuals convicted of certain crimes
- Those with specific health issues
- Those with intentions of committing espionage or terrorism
- Individuals likely to become reliant on welfare or public assistance
Immigrant Rights Under Indiana Immigration Laws
All immigrants in Indiana have certain rights under the U.S. Constitution. Here’s an overview of the main ones:
- Right to remain silent. All individuals in the United States have the right to remain silent when they are being questioned or arrested by law enforcement. If you choose to tell the officers anything, it can be used against you in court.
- Right to due process of law. If you face criminal charges or deportation as an immigrant, you’re entitled to a fair and impartial legal proceeding.
- Right to legal counsel. All immigrants are guaranteed the right to legal representation in criminal proceedings. If they can’t afford one, they have the right to a public defender. Since deportation generally falls under civil proceedings, the right to counsel might not extend in this case.
- Right against unreasonable search and seizures. The Fourth Amendment protects all immigrants against unreasonable searches and seizures conducted by the government. Law enforcement cannot enter your home or go through your belongings without probable cause or a warrant. This also applies to undocumented immigrants, except in the border search exception. The government can conduct some searches without a warrant within a 100-mile radius of any U.S. border.
- Right to employment without discrimination. All immigrants are entitled to work and seek employment without being discriminated against based on their national origin, race, color, religion, disability, gender or veteran status.
- Right to fair housing. Immigrants in Indiana cannot be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, gender, familial status or national origin when renting or purchasing property. Landlords are also prohibited from treating you differently due to your immigration status.
Indiana Laws That Impact Immigrants
Indiana has enacted a few laws regarding immigrants residing within its state lines. These laws can impact you and your family’s education, employment opportunities, driving privileges and other core aspects.
- E-Verify requirement. Indiana mandates the use of E-Verify for state and local government employers and government contractors. E-Verify is an online system administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. It allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees. This system helps employers ensure they are hiring legally authorized workers to avoid penalties associated with hiring undocumented workers.
- Driver’s license restrictions. In Indiana, driver’s licenses are only available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and those with temporary status. Undocumented immigrants, except those granted humanitarian parole (such as Ukrainian nationals), are not eligible to apply for a driver’s license in Indiana.
- House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1402. Enacted in 2011, HEA 1402 prohibits undocumented immigrants from accessing in-state tuition, state financial aid, driver’s licenses or state identification cards. However, some public colleges and universities in Indiana may allow DACA recipients to access in-state tuition.
- Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 207. Passed in 2013, SEA 207 relaxes some restrictions of HEA 1402 by allowing undocumented students who were enrolled in state colleges before July 1, 2011, to continue paying in-state tuition rates. Students enrolled after this date are considered out-of-state for tuition purposes.
- Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 590. Enacted in 2011, SEA 590 bars local government and law enforcement from creating sanctuary policies to protect undocumented immigrants from being reported to federal authorities. It also prohibits using identification cards issued by foreign governments as valid forms of identification.
- Medicaid eligibility. Medicaid coverage in Indiana is available only to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents or those with qualified immigration status, such as asylees, refugees or Cuban/Haitian entrants. Generally, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Medicaid.
Filing Process for Immigration in Indianapolis, IN
The U.S. offers many types of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. The process of applying for one will vary based on factors such as your purpose for coming to the U.S. and who is immigrating.
Here’s the general process for immigration in Indianapolis:
- Determine your eligibility. There are two main visa categories in the U.S. The first is nonimmigrant visas, designed for individuals who want to come to the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose, such as employment, studying or tourism. The second category is immigrant visas, designed for individuals who want to live in the U.S. permanently. There are several different types of visas available within each category. You’ll have to identify which visa is appropriate based on the purpose of coming to the U.S. and review the eligibility requirements for that specific visa type.
- File the petition. If you are applying for a family-based visa, you’ll need a relative who is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder to file Form I-130—Petition for Alien Relative—with USCIS. If you apply for an employment-based visa, your employer must file Form I-140—Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker—or the appropriate nonimmigrant visa petition (e.g., H-1B, L-1). If you want to come to the U.S. temporarily, you’ll likely need a non-petition-based visa, in which case you can file Form DS-160.
- Wait for USCIS approval. USCIS will review the petition. If everything looks good, they’ll approve the petition and send it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
- Pay fees. You’ll have to pay the required visa application fees. The exact fee varies based on the type of visa. Some visa types, like diplomatic visas, J-visas sponsored by the U.S. government or those related to traveling for charitable purposes, do not carry a fee.
- Complete Form DS-260. Immigrant visa applicants must complete Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
- Submit supporting documents. Scan and upload supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates and financial documents to the CEAC portal. Ensure the documents are in English; if not, submit a certified English translation.
- Attend the visa interview. Once your documents and application are processed, NVC will schedule your interview at your home country’s U.S. embassy or consulate. You must bring all required documents to the interview.
- Medical examination and digital fingerprint. Before your interview, you must complete a physical exam by a USCIS-approved doctor. Your digital fingerprints will also be taken on the day of your interview.
- Wait for visa approval. If your visa is approved, you will receive your visa and a sealed packet of documents to present to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon entry to the U.S. If your visa application is denied, you’ll be notified about the reason for denial.
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How Can an Immigration Attorney Help You in Indianapolis?
The immigration system in Indianapolis is very difficult to navigate without professional help. A significant amount of paperwork is involved, and depending on your immigration issue, the process may be long, convoluted and time-sensitive. An Indianapolis immigration attorney can guide you through the entire process, assist with applications and handle all immigration matters beyond simply securing a visa.
Here are some specific ways an immigration attorney can help:
- Assess your unique situation and determine the best course of action for you
- Explain the immigration process, visa eligibility requirements and answer all your questions
- Collect and prepare all necessary financial and civil documents for submission with your application
- Make sure that all paperwork is filled out correctly and submitted on time Act as a liaison between you and government agencies such as USCIS, NVC and consulates
- Respond to any requests for additional information or documentation from these agencies
- Prepare you for interviews with USCIS officers or consular officials
- Represent you at immigration hearings or during deportation proceedings
- Monitor the status of your application and keep you informed of any updates
- Address any issues or complications that arise during the processing of your application
- File appeals or motions to reopen or reconsider if your application is denied
- Assist with applying for waivers of inadmissibility if you are ineligible for certain benefits
How To Choose the Best Immigration Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN
A top-tier immigration lawyer in Indianapolis can effectively and seamlessly resolve your immigration issues and provide peace of mind. With so many options available, you’ll need to conduct thorough research to find the ideal attorney for your case. Here are factors to consider when choosing an immigration lawyer:
- Relevant experience. The root of your immigration issue should guide which lawyer you pick. For instance, if your issue involves getting your fiance to the U.S. or bringing your family here, look for a lawyer experienced in family-based visas. If you aim to immigrate for work, choose an attorney with experience in employment-based visas.
- Multilingual capabilities. If English is not your first language, find a lawyer who speaks your language or has staff members who do. Many immigration lawyers are bilingual, so finding one that meets this need won’t be difficult.
- Credentials and memberships. Ensure the lawyer is in good standing and involved in reputable professional organizations like the AILA. This indicates they stay updated on the latest developments in immigration law.
- Communication skills. Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and thoroughly and prioritizes prompt responses. A lawyer who is too busy to respond or give your case the attention it needs may not be the best choice. The lawyer you choose should also be honest and transparent about your case’s fees and potential outcomes.
Our Methodology for Finding the Best Indianapolis Immigration Attorneys
Forbes Advisor considered many factors to determine the best immigration lawyers in Indianapolis of 2024. 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
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