Mr. Patel specialized in International Politics and Business at the George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs before receiving a J.D. from the American University, Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. Mr. Patel is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and works regularly with several non-profit organizations on immigration matters.
Best Immigration Lawyers in Baltimore
Sharif Silmi
Immigration Lawyer
Sharif S. Silmi has dedicated his legal career to assisting individuals as well as businesses of all sizes to meet their immigration and business needs. Through his experience, Mr. Silmi developed an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge and unique approach to immigration and business law. In representing individual clients and businesses based in the United States and throughout the world, Mr. Silmi has achieved unparalleled results in challenging and highly complex matters. Mr. Silmi has successfully represented clients in both immigrant and non-immigrant matters and has advised businesses on establishing United States based operations. Mr. Silmi has introduced innovation to the EB1A category wherein he redefined classes of individuals eligible to apply for the category and demolished myths that kept many highly skilled professionals from seeking qualification.
Other specific areas of his immigration practice include, EB2 National Interest Waiver, EB1B, O1A, L-1, multinational executives and managers (EB-1C), H-1B, P-3, U visa, VAWA, family based immigration, adjustment of status, naturalization, consular processing, deportation defense and Federal litigation.
Furthermore, Mr. Silmi represents individuals from countries including the EU, Australia, Canada, the Carribean, Jordan, Pakistan, Egypt and throughout the world in preparing E-2 nonimmigrant (treaty) investor petitions. Based in the Capital region of the United States, Mr. Silmi advocates on behalf of immigrant’s rights and for an expansion of immigration opportunities for highly skilled workers, international students, migrant workers, specialized workers, and victims of crime.
ANNA A. TIJERINA, ESQ.
Immigration Lawyer
Anna is a Mexican-American who grew up in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and is bilingual in Spanish and English. When Anna graduated from high school in Mexico, she decided to continue her college education in the United States. Being that she lived in a border town, Anna crossed the border every day to attend college in the United States. She has seen many injustices as well as many immigrants at the border attempting to enter the United States in search of protection and a better future.
Anna never took for granted the ability to cross the border between the U.S. and Mexico back and forth and she feels she was truly blessed to have been able to do so. Anna wants to help her clients gain legal status so that they can have the same opportunities she did.
Anna has successfully handled and won many of our extremely difficult Asylum and Withholding of Removal cases in our Office. She is passionate about asylum cases. She also handles most of our Special Immigrant Juvenile cases and U visas for the victims of crimes. Anna is experienced in criminal law in addition to immigration law.
Anna graduated from University of Baltimore School of Law in May 2014 and is licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland and in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. While in law school, Anna served a Senior Staff Editor for the Journal of International Law. Anna also spent time interning at the Office of the Public Defender and served as a Rule 16 attorney with the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City where she gained trial experience. Throughout her time in law school, Anna volunteered for the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law where she reinforced her passion for immigration law.
Anna enjoys playing and watching soccer and she is the captain of her soccer team in a co-ed recreational soccer league. You will probably see her wearing a Barcelona or Manchester United jersey at some point.
Chirag V. Patel
Immigration Lawyer
Chirag Patel has been practicing immigration law in the Washington, D.C., Baltimore Metropolitan Area for 10 years, focusing on employment-based and family-based immigration law issues. He has extensive experience with B, E, H, L, J, O and TN Visas, as well as Labor Certification, Extraordinary Ability Visas, National Interest Waivers, Asylum, Removal and Administrative and Federal Appeals. Prior to practicing immigration law, Mr. Patel practiced Criminal and Civil Law in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Patel has been involved in several high profile cases and has held internships with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, The U.S. House of Representatives, the Federal Trade Commission and the Food & Drug Administration.
Jennifer Molina
Immigration Lawyer
Jennifer Molina received her Juris Doctor from the American University – Washington College of Law and her Bachelors from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). As an attorney, Ms. Molina has represented hundreds of individuals in family and immigration law matters, including:
Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and Convention Against Torture (CAT)
Visas for crime survivors (T and U)
Visas for survivors of domestic violence
Visas for children – Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
Family petitions and consular processing
Ms. Molina particularly enjoys winning cases for individuals detained by immigration authorities and of asylum.
Ms. Molina is licensed to practice law in Maryland and Washington DC. She has represented individuals before the Arlington, Newark, Cleveland, and Baltimore Immigration Courts, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), Maryland Circuit Courts, and Washington, DC Superior Court.
Ms. Molina has received the Maryland Rising Star Award from Super Lawyers, has been nominated as the MVLS’s volunteer of the month, and has participated in the MSBA’s Leadership Academy.
Ms. Molina grew up in Bogota, Colombia and is a native Spanish speaker.
Marisol L. Escalante
Immigration Lawyer
Marisol L. Escalante began her legal career as a bilingual intern investigator who interviewed defendants prior to their bail arraignments at the Essex County Public Defender’s Office, Central Judicial Processing Court, in Newark, New Jersey. From 1994-1998, Ms. Escalante worked as a legal assistant for a reputable personal injury law firm in Hoboken, New Jersey. She assisted in cases involving the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, New Jersey Workers’ Compensation, and Social Security Disability. Ms. Escalante ultimately became a law clerk for the firm’s liability department from 1998-2000.
While in law school, Ms. Escalante was accepted into the prestigious Summer Honors Intern Program for the New York City Law Department, Medical Malpractice Unit. In 2001, Ms. Escalante went on to become an Assistant Corporation Counsel (ACC) within the Law Department’s Torts Division. Ms. Escalante handled matters involving city agencies including the Department of Transportation, Board of Education, and New York City Police Department. As an ACC, Ms. Escalante handled depositions on a weekly basis as well as a heavy load of pre-trial motion work. Assigned to Part 20 of the New York State Kings County Supreme Court, Ms. Escalante regularly appeared before the Honorable James W. Hutcherson for pre-trial conferences, compliance conferences, and oral arguments.
Ms. Escalante practiced plaintiff’s personal injury matters in Phoenix, Arizona for the Law Office of Sara J. Powell from 2003-2004. Her focus was on complex litigation matters involving victims of crimes including women and children who were sexually abused or assaulted. From 2005-2007, Ms. Escalante served as a legal liaison for a remediation construction company who was part of a large class action settlement agreement involving damages caused by external water intrusion and mold. Her personable and amicable nature assisted in dispute resolution and the successful completion of the remediation of over 3000 homes. Ms. Escalante also worked as a research attorney for a personal injury firm in Austin, Texas from 2008-2009. In 2009, Ms. Escalante joined a New York immigration firm as Of Counsel working on family based immigration cases. Thereafter, Ms. Escalante became the founder and principal immigration attorney of the Law Office of Marisol L. Escalante, in Baltimore, Maryland from 2010-2013.
Emily Jaskot
Immigration Lawyer
Emily Jaskot, practices Personal Injury, which focuses on clients that have been injured in automobile accidents. She is originally from Bloomsburg, a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2001, Emily obtained her Bachelor of Arts in History from Johns Hopkins University. She then went on to complete her Juris Doctor, and graduated in 2011 from the University of Maryland, School of Law, cum laude. She also lived in El Salvador from 2002 to 2004, while she served in the Peace Corps.
Emily decided to become an attorney to serve her community, and to help people resolve legal conflicts in their lives. For that reason, she also trained as a mediator during law school. Her favorite part of being a lawyer is being able to advocate for those that don’t always have a voice. Also, she really enjoys that her law degree gives her the ability and training to work in a number of different fields.
Apart from being an attorney, Emily also owns Ornamental Nature, which is an urban container gardening business. She designs, installs, and maintains container gardens, and other small gardens for Baltimore residents and businesses. Her focus is on native plants, and sustainable, ecologically-friendly horticultural practices.
Immigration law in the United States is complex and constantly evolving, making it essential for individuals and families seeking immigration status or facing immigration-related issues to enlist the services of skilled professionals. Immigration lawyers play a crucial role in navigating this intricate legal landscape. In this article, we will explore the indispensable roles of the best immigration lawyers in Baltimore and their significance in helping clients achieve their immigration goals.
Roles of the Best Immigration Lawyers in Baltimore
Legal Consultation and Assessment: One of the primary roles of immigration lawyers is to provide comprehensive legal consultations. They assess a client’s unique circumstances, immigration status, and objectives. By understanding a client’s situation, lawyers can provide tailored advice and guidance on the most suitable immigration pathways.
Case Strategy and Planning: The best immigration lawyers develop strategic plans for their clients’ cases. They outline the necessary steps, requirements, and timelines to achieve immigration goals, whether it’s obtaining a visa, green card, citizenship, or addressing deportation proceedings.
Application Preparation and Submission: Immigration lawyers assist clients in preparing and submitting visa applications, petitions, and supporting documents. They ensure that all paperwork is accurate, complete, and submitted within deadlines. This meticulous approach minimizes the risk of application rejection or delays.
Legal Representation: Immigration lawyers represent clients in legal proceedings, including immigration court hearings, asylum interviews, and interviews with immigration authorities. They advocate for their clients’ rights and interests, presenting evidence and arguments in support of their cases.
Deportation Defense: In cases involving deportation or removal proceedings, immigration lawyers play a critical role in mounting a strong defense. They explore legal avenues to prevent deportation, such as asylum claims, cancellation of removal, and adjustment of status.
Appeals and Waivers: Immigration lawyers assist clients in filing appeals and waivers when immigration applications are denied or when facing inadmissibility issues. They navigate complex legal processes to seek reconsideration and rectify immigration status.
Humanitarian Relief: The best immigration lawyers are knowledgeable about humanitarian relief options, including asylum, refugee status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and U visas for crime victims. They help eligible individuals secure protection and lawful status.
Family-Based Immigration: Immigration lawyers facilitate family reunification by guiding clients through family-sponsored immigration processes. They assist with family petitions, consular processing, and adjustment of status for spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
Employment-Based Immigration: For individuals seeking employment-based visas, immigration lawyers help secure H-1B visas, L-1 visas, O visas, and more. They work with both employers and employees to navigate the complex requirements of employment-based immigration.
Naturalization and Citizenship: Lawyers assist lawful permanent residents (green card holders) in pursuing U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. They ensure clients meet eligibility criteria and prepare them for the citizenship test and interview.
Compliance and Employer Guidance: Immigration lawyers advise businesses on immigration compliance, helping them understand and adhere to employment verification and visa sponsorship requirements. This guidance ensures businesses remain in legal compliance.
Advocacy and Policy Support: Some immigration lawyers engage in advocacy and policy work, advocating for immigration reform and participating in efforts to protect immigrant rights at local, state, and national levels.
Community Education: The best immigration lawyers often engage in community outreach and education. They provide seminars, workshops, and resources to inform immigrants and communities about their legal rights and options.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the broader legal landscape in the United States, including matters related to immigration, you can refer to the official website of the Supreme Court of the United States: Supreme Court of the United States. While the Supreme Court primarily deals with federal legal issues, it plays a pivotal role in shaping immigration law through landmark decisions and interpretations.
Conclusion
The best immigration lawyers in Baltimore are indispensable advocates for individuals and families navigating the complexities of immigration law. Their multifaceted roles encompass legal consultation, case strategy, application preparation, representation in legal proceedings, and humanitarian relief, among others. These professionals not only provide critical legal assistance but also contribute to the strength and diversity of the Baltimore community by helping immigrants achieve their dreams and contribute to society.