Immigration law in Ohio is constantly evolving, and the stakes could not be higher for those seeking legal status, fighting deportation, or trying to bring family members to the United States. From Cleveland to Cincinnati and throughout the state, immigrants face challenges with complex federal laws, strict deadlines, and an immigration system that is often difficult to navigate without professional guidance.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we provide comprehensive immigration services for individuals, families, and businesses across Ohio. Our attorneys understand how the local immigration courts operate, the unique needs of Ohio’s immigrant communities, and the urgency behind every case. Whether you are applying for asylum, renewing DACA, or defending against removal proceedings, our Ohio immigration lawyers are here to help.
Immigration Challenges in Ohio
Ohio is home to growing immigrant communities in both major cities and smaller towns. According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants make up nearly 5% of the state’s population, with large communities in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Immigrants play a critical role in the state’s economy, workforce, and cultural landscape. They contribute to Ohio’s manufacturing, healthcare, service, and education sectors, and international students bring new energy to Ohio’s universities and research institutions.
Despite these contributions, immigrants in Ohio often face significant legal hurdles. Many must deal with strict deadlines, complex forms, and the risk of removal if applications are denied. Language barriers and financial challenges can also make it harder for families to obtain the legal help they need.
Some of the most common immigration issues in Ohio include:
- Removal proceedings and deportation defense in Cleveland Immigration Court: This court handles cases for much of the state and is a frequent battleground for deportation matters.
- Green card and adjustment of status applications: Families seeking permanent residency often face requests for additional evidence or long delays.
- DACA renewals and related protections: Ohio has a sizable DACA-eligible population, many of whom rely on timely renewals to maintain work authorization.
- Citizenship and naturalization filings: From paperwork errors to questions about criminal records, the naturalization process can present unexpected obstacles.
- Employment-based immigration for Ohio businesses: Companies in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology often depend on skilled foreign workers but must carefully follow labor certification rules.
- Urgent ICE detention case: Sudden arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement can leave families scrambling for immediate legal help.
Our attorneys have represented clients in all of these matters and more. With services available across the state, we have the resources and experience to handle cases in multiple jurisdictions and court systems.
Immigration Services We Provide in Ohio
Our firm is a full-service immigration practice. We assist Ohio residents in every area of immigration law, tailoring strategies to meet the needs of individuals, families, and employers.
Asylum
For those fleeing persecution, our attorneys provide compassionate and strategic support. We prepare asylum applications, represent clients in credible fear interviews, and argue cases in immigration court. If a claim is denied, we pursue appeals to protect our clients’ rights.
Citizenship and Naturalization
Becoming a U.S. citizen requires preparation and precision. We help Ohio residents complete the N-400 application, gather supporting documents, and prepare for the civics and English exams. We also resolve challenges such as past immigration violations or questions about eligibility.
DACA
Our attorneys assist Ohio’s Dreamers with both new DACA applications and renewals. We ensure applications are filed on time and explore additional immigration options that may provide a more permanent path to residency.
Criminal Defense for Immigrants
Criminal charges can quickly put an immigrant’s status at risk. Our attorneys defend clients in both Ohio criminal courts and immigration courts, ensuring that every legal strategy takes into account the immigration consequences of a criminal case.
Deportation and Removal Defense
We represent clients in Cleveland Immigration Court and other jurisdictions, challenging deportation orders and arguing for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status. Our goal is to keep families together and protect clients from being returned to unsafe conditions.
Employment Immigration
Ohio’s economy depends on immigrant workers in healthcare, technology, and other industries. We help businesses and employees with H-1B visas, PERM labor certification, and employment-based green card applications.
Green Cards and Permanent Resident Cards
We assist families and workers in obtaining green cards, whether through marriage, family sponsorship, or employment. Our attorneys also handle adjustment of status applications for those already living in the U.S.
ICE Detention Defense
If a loved one is detained in Ohio or a nearby state, time is critical. We appear at bond hearings, challenge detention, and work to secure release so clients can pursue their cases outside of custody.
Immigration Appeals
When an application or petition is denied, it may still be possible to win on appeal. We represent clients before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and in federal courts, challenging errors and presenting strong legal arguments.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
Children in Ohio who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected may qualify for SIJS. Our attorneys work with guardians and state courts to establish eligibility and pursue permanent residency for vulnerable children.
Visas and Waivers of Inadmissibility
From family-based visas to hardship waivers, we help clients overcome legal obstacles that may prevent them from entering or remaining in the U.S. legally. Our attorneys prepare persuasive waiver applications that address prior unlawful presence, criminal issues, or other grounds of inadmissibility.
Where We Serve Clients in Ohio
Our immigration lawyers represent clients in communities across Ohio. We focus on both metropolitan areas and smaller cities where immigrant families and businesses need support.
- Cleveland Immigration Lawyers: Cleveland is home to the Cleveland Immigration Court, which handles thousands of deportation and removal cases each year. We frequently represent clients here in asylum claims, cancellation of removal, detention hearings, and other critical matters.
- Columbus Immigration Lawyers: As Ohio’s capital and largest city, Columbus is home to diverse immigrant communities. We assist residents with green card applications, naturalization, employment visas, and family petitions.
- Cincinnati Immigration Lawyers: In Cincinnati, we provide legal support for families seeking reunification, workers pursuing employment visas, and individuals defending against deportation.
- Dayton Immigration Lawyers: We serve Dayton residents in a wide range of immigration matters, including asylum applications, DACA renewals, and criminal defense for immigrants.
- Toledo Immigration Lawyers: Toledo’s immigrant communities rely on our attorneys for help with naturalization, waivers of inadmissibility, and defense against removal proceedings.
- Akron Immigration Lawyers: In Akron, we handle green card and adjustment of status applications, citizenship filings, and urgent detention defense cases.
- Youngstown Immigration Lawyers: Our firm supports Youngstown families with deportation defense, asylum claims, and family-based immigration petitions.
- Canton Immigration Lawyers: In Canton, we assist clients with adjustment of status applications, asylum, and defense against deportation orders.
Wherever you are in Ohio, our immigration lawyers are ready to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to protect your rights and your future.
Why Ohio Clients Choose Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez
Immigration law requires not only legal knowledge but also quick action, creative problem-solving, and the ability to guide families through highly stressful situations. Our Ohio clients trust us because we combine technical skill with a personal commitment to protecting their rights.
- We serve all major cities and surrounding areas: Our firm represents clients throughout Ohio, including Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown, and Canton. No matter where you are located, our attorneys are prepared to meet you where you are and handle cases involving both local concerns and federal immigration proceedings.
- We have deep experience in removal defense at Cleveland Immigration Court: Cleveland Immigration Court is the central venue for deportation cases in Ohio. Our attorneys have spent years representing clients there, developing strategies for cancellation of removal, asylum defenses, bond hearings, and appeals. This experience allows us to anticipate how judges and government attorneys approach cases and prepare accordingly.
- We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish: For many immigrant families, language barriers can make the legal system even more intimidating. Our team provides services in both English and Spanish, ensuring that clients fully understand their rights and options and can participate actively in their own cases.
- We are a full-service immigration law firm: Immigration cases often involve multiple legal issues at once. A client seeking a green card may also face criminal charges, or a family petition may be complicated by past visa overstays. Because we handle everything from family petitions and employment visas to detention defense and federal appeals, clients benefit from having one firm that can manage every part of their case.
- We bring decades of combined experience to every case: Our attorneys have represented thousands of immigrants across Ohio and beyond. That experience gives us insight into both the challenges and opportunities in immigration law. Clients know they are working with a team that has seen a wide range of cases and knows how to respond effectively to complex legal issues.
Contact Our Ohio Immigration Lawyers Today
Immigration issues are often urgent. Deadlines for applications can be short, ICE detention can happen without warning, and mistakes on forms can delay a case for years. Acting quickly and working with the right attorney can make all the difference in securing your future.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we are committed to protecting the rights of Ohio immigrants and their families, whether you are:
- Applying for citizenship or naturalization
- Seeking asylum or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- Renewing DACA protections
- Defending against deportation in Cleveland Immigration Court
- Working to reunite your family through a visa or green card application
We proudly represent clients in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown, Canton, and throughout the state of Ohio. No matter the complexity of your situation, our attorneys will work tirelessly to provide solutions and fight for your future.
