Immigration lawyers deal—unsurprisingly—with immigration law. This is the law governing who can move to and stay in countries, and how long they can stay. It generally concerns people wishing to move permanently, or at least relatively long-term to that country to live, work or study, rather than those going on holiday. However, some countries do use their immigration law to manage tourism. Immigration law also governs when people can be removed or deported. For example, someone might be removed if they have stayed longer than they are allowed, or if they have committed a criminal offence.

Immigration lawyers therefore advise people wishing to move to a new country, or at risk of being removed from the country. They usually specialise in a particular jurisdiction, generally where they are based. For example, an immigration lawyer in the US would usually specialise in advising people on moving to the US. This page describes the skills needed to be a successful immigration lawyer.

What is Immigration Law?

Immigration law is the law that governs immigration (moving to) and deportation (being removed) from national states or countries.

In other words, it is the laws that decide who can enter and stay in any particular country. It may also cover how long you can stay, and your rights while you are there (such as the right to vote or to work, and what work is permitted). ‘Law’ in this sense may include statutes, regulations, and government guidance, as well as case law (the way that statutes and regulations are interpreted by the courts).

Immigration law varies considerably by jurisdiction. National governments have very different policies about the groups and individuals they wish to attract and keep, and therefore set quite variable laws. Some countries have much more relaxed immigration law than others.

You can find out more about immigration law in particular jurisdictions from the relevant government sites, or the websites of specialist lawyers such as this site.

Immigration Law and Skills

Immigration law is therefore a distinct specialist branch of law in most countries.

Indeed, it is so distinct that it is often practised in separate law firms, rather than as part of a generalist practice. Immigration lawyers require many of the same skills required by most lawyers. However, successful immigration lawyers also require some additional knowledge and attributes.

The main skill areas required are:

• Strong knowledge of immigration law in the relevant jurisdiction

  It should probably go without saying that immigration lawyers need to fully understand the law in their jurisdiction.
  They will need to know about statute law and regulations, and also how the law has been interpreted by the courts (case law). Immigration law changes frequently, so immigration lawyers need to be prepared to keep up to date with these changes. This will ensure that they are giving their clients accurate and relevant advice.

• Empathy and compassion

  All lawyers need strong skills in empathy and compassion.

  However, this is perhaps particularly true of immigration lawyers.

  They are often dealing with clients who are at risk of being uprooted and sent back to war zones, or who are desperate to escape from persecution. They may be working with families who are in danger of being separated, or people who have lost everything and are trying to rebuild their lives.

  This means that they often come across very distressed and stressed people, and need to be able to support and help them. Immigration lawyers are often driven by far more than the mere desire to make money, and want to make a difference to people’s lives.

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• Communication skills

  Immigration lawyers need strong communication skills.

  This is true of all lawyers, because they need to communicate legal concepts to non-specialists, including clients, and in court. They also need extremely good listening skills to understand their clients’ issues and problems, and the case that is being made against them.

  However, immigration lawyers also come across a huge range of barriers to communication.

  For example, they are likely to work with clients with a different first language. They may also have to work with officials and other lawyers in different countries, often with a language barrier. They might need to work with very different types of people, such as company executives to discuss working visas, or universities to discuss student visas. It is therefore essential that they can communicate effectively with almost anyone.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills

  Like all lawyers, immigration lawyers need good analytical skills and problem-solving skills.

  These two areas are separate and distinct, but generally used together in law. Immigration lawyers need to be able to analyse their clients’ situation, and identify the main issues and challenges. This may also require them to research previous cases, and find legal precedents for the situation.

  Having analysed the situation, immigration lawyers then need to be able to identify potential solutions to that problem. This will require them to draw on their knowledge of statute and case law to come up with the best possible course of action. They will also need to discuss this with the client to ensure that it is acceptable.

• Interest in and knowledge of global politics and current affairs

  Much global immigration is driven by geopolitical events, including wars and conflicts, natural disasters, and political changes.

  Immigration lawyers therefore need to understand the broad sweep of international events, and how this may affect people’s wish or need to move between countries.

  They need to be able to use news alert services, and also read newspapers or news sites to understand what is happening in the world. Of course it is possible to do this without a genuine interest in these issues—but it is also significantly easier if you are interested.

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In Conclusion

Immigration law is an extremely interesting area of legal practice. It exposes its practitioners to a huge range of clients and situations.

Many of the skills required by immigration lawyers are similar to those required in other areas of law. However, there are also some significant differences, particularly the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s lives, and play a small part in managing geopolitical change in the world.

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