Few branches of the American legal system are as complex and tangled as federal immigration law, especially in the post 9/11 world. Penetrating the bureaucracy, regulations, and paperwork involved in virtually every aspect of U.S. immigration law can feel impossible. To add an extra layer of difficulty, most people who deal with this system speak English as a second language — or even their third or fourth language! Even native English speakers often struggle to understand the legalese and bureaucratic fine print on immigration forms.

This would all be hard enough, if the stakes weren’t so high. Fail to secure the proper status, and you could be forced to leave your life behind. That’s why so many foreign-born professional want to work with the best immigration lawyers in the country. So how can you ensure you’re only working with the most legit immigration law firms?

When you meet with an immigration lawyer for the first time, here are some basic questions to ask.

Do you practice any other areas of law?

This might seem obvious, but the best immigration lawyers specialize in United States immigration laws. That means the top immigration lawyers have dedicated themselves to working with immigrants like yourself.

How long have you been practicing immigration law?

Naturally, the best immigration lawyers are also the most expensive immigration lawyers. Working with a younger attorney isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but in either case, seek out an attorney who is upfront about their experience.

Are you part of any professional organizations?

Many immigration attorneys belong to the American Immigration Lawyer?s Association. others work with activist organizations or provide pro bono legal representation to political groups. Again, you’ll want to find a lawyer who is proud of their background and experience, no matter what it is.

Have you handled a case like this before?

In all likelihood, the answer to this question will be yes. What’s more important is what else he or she says in response to this question. Do they seem knowledgeable about the specifics of your situation?

What are my chances of a positive outcome?

The best immigration lawyers will tell you the truth, even if you don’t want to hear it.

Finally, in addition to the questions you should ask your lawyer, there are also some questions you need to ask yourself. In short, you’ll want to make sure the lawyer passes the smell test. That means that you should listen to your instincts when meeting an immigration attorney for the first time. Do they seem to empathize and understand your situation? Do they seem passionate about helping foreign-born professionals like yourself?