Best Denver Immigration Lawyers
Compare Top Denver Immigration Attorneys
| LAWYER NAME | CO BAR ASSOCIATION STATUS | YEAR ADMITTED TO CO BAR | LAW SCHOOL ATTENDED | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew T. Brooks | Active | 2012 | University of Denver Sturm College of Law | |
| Christina A. Brown | Active | 2013 | University of Denver Sturm College of Law | |
| Catherine A. Chan | Active | 2003 | University of Denver Sturm College of Law | |
| Aaron Elinoff | Active | 2013 | University of San Diego School of Law | |
| Christine M. Hernández | Active | 2005 | University of Denver Sturm College of Law | |
| Shawn D. Meade | Active | 2008 | University of Denver Sturm College of Law | |
| Angelica M. Ochoa | Active | 2001 | University of Michigan Law School | |
| Alyssa C. Reed | Active | 2006 | University of Iowa College of Law | |
| Ian Rochstein | Active | 2018 | Boston University School of Law | |
| Kelly L. Ryan | Active | 2007 | University of Denver Sturm College of Law |
Immigration Lawyers By City
Immigration Laws in Denver, Colorado
It is important to understand immigration laws in Denver, their associated rights, Colorado’s laws that impact immigration and the general filing process for obtaining a visa in Colorado’s capital city.
Who Is Covered By Immigration Laws in Denver, CO?
Immigration laws and procedures in Denver, as in every other city in the U.S., are set out in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA sets out provisions on who can receive immigration visas, how many can be issued and the rights of those immigrants. Below are common types of immigrants or individuals that are covered by the INA.
| Type of Immigrant Status | Description |
|---|---|
| U.S. citizen (through birth) | anyone born in the U.S. or someone with at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen and who has resided in the country for a certain period of time |
| U.S. citizen (naturalized) | someone born outside of the U.S. who has been granted citizenship by meeting naturalization requirements after becoming a lawful permanent resident |
| resident immigrant or lawful permanent resident | noncitizen who is authorized to live permanently in the U.S., work and own property |
| refugee | an individual seeking safety from a well-founded fear of persecution who is in their home country |
| asylee | someone seeking safety from a well-founded fear of persecution who is already on U.S. soil |
| victim of criminal activity (U nonimmigrant) | a victim of a crime who suffered substantial physical and/or mental abuse as a result may be eligible for a nonimmigrant U visa if they can provide assistance in the prosecution of a crime and the crime against them occurred on U.S. soil |
Immigrant Rights Under Colorado Immigration Laws
Even if you are just setting foot in Colorado, you have a number of rights under the U.S. Constitution and state laws.
Under the 14th Amendment, you have the right to equal protection under U.S. law and you cannot be discriminated against based on your nationality, race, religion, gender, country of origin, language, age or disability. If an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent questions you, you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. You are also protected from unreasonable search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment.
If you are an immigrant working in Colorado—regardless of your status—you have the right to wages for your work provided. If wages are withheld, you have the right to demand them from your employer, potentially with the help of a lawyer.
Though immigrants have a number of legal protections in place, there are responsibilities that come with being on U.S. soil. For example, all lawful permanent residents must follow state and federal laws, pay income taxes, maintain their immigration status, keep proof of their residency status on them at all times and update their address in the USCIS system as needed.
Colorado Laws That Impact Immigrants
In addition to federal laws, Colorado has a number of state laws that impact immigrant’s rights regarding employment, tuition and other key areas. Below is a short summary of relevant immigration laws in the state.
- Colorado’s ASSET Law. Colorado’s Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) bill, also known as Senate Bill 13-033, allows permanent residents and students without lawful status to pay in-state tuition funding. This also allows them to be eligible for the Colorado Opportunity Striped Fund offered at state universities.Students must have been enrolled in a Colorado high school or GED program—or provide proof of living in the state for at least 18 months if they graduated before 2013—and complete an affidavit stating they will apply for lawful status as soon as possible.
- HB19-1224. This law prevents federal immigration officers from overreaching using state resources. Under this statute, state law enforcement officers are not permitted to arrest or detain someone solely because of a civil immigration detainer. Additionally, probation officers—or probation employees—are prohibited from providing an immigrant’s personal information to federal immigration authorities.
- HB21-1194. As of June 2021, an immigration legal defense fund was created for the purpose of awarding grants to nonprofit organizations that assist indigent immigrants who are subject to immigration proceedings.
- SB21-1131. This bill limits access to immigrant personal identifying information (PII) by federal immigration agencies. State law enforcement that has PII of an immigrant that is not public cannot release it for the purpose of investigating for, cooperating with or assisting federal immigration enforcement officials—unless a court order, warrant or subpoena is issued, or if state or federal law mandates the release of that PII.
Filing Process for Immigration in Denver, CO
Coming into Denver as an immigrant is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Immigrants have multiple options for immigrant visas, but the most common are family-based visas and employment-based visas.
Family-based immigrant visas are acquired through sponsorship from a family member that is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. U.S. citizens can file a petition for their spouse, child, parent or sibling that is seeking to come to the United States. Permanent residents can file a petition only for an unmarried child or spouse.
Both the applicant and the sponsor must present identification documents to show they are eligible for immigration. The family member sponsoring the applicant is required to submit an affidavit of support stating they will support the applicant, as well as proof of their financial situation. The applicant must pass an immigration interview with a consular officer and undergo a medical examination.
Employment-based immigration visas are similar, in that the employer generally sponsors the immigrant and provides proof they can adequately do so. First, however, the employer needs to receive a labor certification approval from the Department of Labor before filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for an Alien Worker. The applicant will also undergo an immigration interview and medical examination the same as if they were applying for a family-based immigration visa.
How Can an Immigration Attorney Help You in Denver?
Immigration lawyers in Denver handle a wide variety of cases, from deportation defense to initiating litigation on behalf of immigrants. Here are a few key ways an immigration attorney can help find your way in Colorado’s complex immigration procedures.
- Choose the best immigration route. From green cards to employment-based immigration visas, immigrants have many options when deciding how to enter the United States. An immigration lawyer can help you decide which legal pathway is the most cost-effective and practical and has the greatest chance of success.
- Prepare and file documents on time. Colorado’s immigration process is time-consuming and complex—missing a deadline could potentially set you back years. A competent attorney can prepare the necessary paperwork needed for your case and ensure it is filed with the correct government body before the deadline.
- Represent you in court. Should you need to appear in court, such as in the case of a deportation proceeding, a lawyer will craft a defense for your case. They will review seemingly disparate pieces of evidence and use it to create a solid defense as to why you should stay in the country.
- Appeal decisions. If your application is denied in the state, your attorney can appeal the decision—allowing you to enter the U.S. if successful.
How To Choose the Best Immigration Lawyer in Denver, CO
Hiring a competent immigration attorney could mean the difference between staying in Colorado with no issues or dealing with legal fallout years down the road. Here are four qualities you should look for when you need a lawyer to help with your immigration case.
- Similar case experience. Immigration law is vast and covers a wide variety of niches and subgenres. Review a potential attorney’s practice areas to ensure they have experience with your type of matter.
- Clear fee structure. From retainers to flat fees and hourly rates, immigration attorneys can charge their clients using many different models. Make sure the attorney you wish to work with is upfront and clear about their fee schedule before you hire them.
- Speaks your native language. Communication issues between lawyer and client are common even without a language barrier—the law is a complex concept to explain even at the best of times. Find an attorney who is fluent in your language to help communication go smoothly.
- Personal and compassionate. Coming into a new country, sometimes even leaving family members temporarily behind, can be a distressing experience. Find a lawyer who is compassionate and willing to engage with you where you are. That will make the entire process go much more smoothly.
Our Methodology for Finding the Best Denver Immigration Attorneys
Forbes Advisor considered many factors to determine the best immigration lawyers in Denver 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 in Denver
How much do immigration lawyers charge in Denver?
The cost of an immigration attorney in Denver varies widely depending on what type of matter you need help with (e.g., getting a green card, citizenship, working visa). Some immigration lawyers in the area charge around a few thousand dollars for a case, whereas others charge per hour.
How does Denver help immigrants?
In April 2024, Denver announced its Asylum Seekers Program, which allows individuals enrolled in the program to have access to housing for six months and have access to work-readiness programs. This program applies only to individuals who were in Denver’s shelters before April 10, 2024. Immigrants who are not eligible for the program currently still have access to up to $4,500 in rental assistance funds through the state, and they can apply for a work permit at no cost.
Can undocumented immigrants get a driver’s license in Denver?
Under the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act, immigrants who cannot provide proof of lawful residence in the U.S. can still get a driver’s license if they present other documents such as a Social Security number, tax identification number or an income tax filing for the state of Colorado.
