Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm

Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm Founded in 1997, Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm is one of the largest immigration firms in the Carolinas. We strive to exceed those expectations.

We are a vibrant and growing practice, representing individuals and companies of all sizes in a variety of industries. Founded in 1997, Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm has grown from a small boutique immigration law firm of one attorney and two paralegals to a law firm of over 20 professionals specializing in U.S. inbound and global immigration and employment compliance matters. We represent emplo

yers and individuals in all regions of the United States and around the world. Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm represents companies in a variety of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, finance, energy, pharma, education and information technology, to name a few. Our clients credit our success to our superior knowledge and outstanding customer service. We welcome you to take a look at some of our client commentary. We recognize the fact that clients expect thorough advice, experienced staff, streamlined processes, efficient technology and timely responses to their questions and queries. Regardless of company size or project complexity, our firm manages a full spectrum of U.S. and global immigration matters. From visas to the U.S. or elsewhere, to worksite compliance, our firm has years of experience developing clear strategies that enable companies and individuals to accomplish their business goals while leaving the legal work to us. Let us be your passport to the world of immigration and employment compliance too. Call us today for assistance!

πŸ† We are honored to share that we've once again been recognized in the latest Chambers USA Guide. For the sixth consecut...
06/04/2026

πŸ† We are honored to share that we've once again been recognized in the latest Chambers USA Guide.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Firm and Managing Partner Hannah F. Little earned a Band 1 ranking for Immigration in North Carolina, while Founding Partner Emeritus Steven H. Garfinkel received the distinguished Senior Statesperson designation.

Because Chambers rankings are based on independent research and feedback from clients, peers and industry professionals, this recognition is especially meaningful. We are grateful for the continued trust and support of our clients, colleagues and community.

πŸ”— Read more about the recognition: https://www.garfinkelimmigration.com/2026/06/04/garfinkel-immigration-hannah-f-little-and-steven-h-garfinkel-recognized-in-2026-chambers-usa-guide/

⚽🌎 Planning a trip to the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup 2026?Many fans are focused on match schedules, flights, hotels and...
06/02/2026

⚽🌎 Planning a trip to the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Many fans are focused on match schedules, flights, hotels and securing tickets. But one of the most important parts of the trip may be one that gets overlooked: immigration planning.

If attending the World Cup is on your bucket list, now is the time to understand your immigration options and make sure your travel documents are in order.

We break down key immigration considerations for international fans in the latest article from Associate Attorney William Crotty: https://www.garfinkelimmigration.com/2026/05/15/traveling-to-the-united-states-for-the-fifa-world-cup-immigration-tips-every-international-fan-should-know/

USCIS recently issued policy guidance emphasizing their view that adjustment of status is a discretionary benefit, not a...
05/28/2026

USCIS recently issued policy guidance emphasizing their view that adjustment of status is a discretionary benefit, not a replacement for traditional immigrant visa processing through a U.S. consulate abroad.

While adjustment of status has always involved some degree of discretion, this guidance marks a shift from decades of agency practice.

⚠️An important note is that adjustment of status has not been wholly eliminated. However, we may begin to see:

β€” Increased scrutiny during adjudications
β€” More requests for evidence
β€” Expanded review of discretionary factors

There are still major unanswered questions about how broadly USCIS officers will apply this policy, and portions of the guidance are likely to face legal challenges.

πŸ”— We examine the practical implications of the guidance and key planning considerations for applicants and employers here: https://www.garfinkelimmigration.com/2026/05/27/new-uscis-adjustment-of-status-policy-memo-what-applicants-and-employers-should-know/

πŸ“£ Late last week, USCIS issued a policy memo stating that adjustment of status is a β€œmatter of discretion and administra...
05/26/2026

πŸ“£ Late last week, USCIS issued a policy memo stating that adjustment of status is a β€œmatter of discretion and administrative grace” and does not replace the ordinary consular visa process.

Many practical questions remain, including how the guidance will be implemented and whether it could affect cases already pending with USCIS. At this stage, the memo should be viewed as general policy guidance rather than an indicator of outcomes in any specific case.

Our attorneys are monitoring developments closely and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Read our full client alert here:
https://www.garfinkelimmigration.com/2026/05/22/uscis-issues-policy-memo-on-adjustment-of-status-details-to-come/

We are honored to share that we have been named the 2026 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Carolinas Chapt...
05/20/2026

We are honored to share that we have been named the 2026 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Carolinas Chapter Pro Bono Champion!

This recognition is especially meaningful because pro bono work has always been an important part of who we are as a firm. We are incredibly proud of the attorneys and staff who dedicate their time to serving our community through advocacy and service.

Thank you to Legal Aid of North Carolina for the nomination, the AILA Carolinas Chapter for the recognition, and the many organizations and individuals we are privileged to work alongside every day.

Learn more about our Pro Bono Champion award here ➑️ https://www.garfinkelimmigration.com/2026/05/19/garfinkel-immigration-law-firm-named-2026-aila-carolinas-chapter-pro-bono-champion/

The FIFA World Cup ⚽ is one of the largest sporting events in the world, and for many international fans, attending in p...
05/18/2026

The FIFA World Cup ⚽ is one of the largest sporting events in the world, and for many international fans, attending in person is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

With the United States set to host matches alongside Canada and Mexico, millions of visitors are expected to travel to North America for games, tourism, and celebrations. But many fans may be overlooking one critical part of the trip: immigration preparation.

Entering the U.S. is not always as simple as purchasing a ticket and boarding a flight. Visa requirements, ESTA eligibility, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspections, and prior immigration history can all impact travel plans.

πŸ”— In his latest article, Associate Attorney William Crotty explains what international fans should know before traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup: https://www.garfinkelimmigration.com/2026/05/15/traveling-to-the-united-states-for-the-fifa-world-cup-immigration-tips-every-international-fan-should-know/

πˆπ‚π˜πŒπˆ: We are now ISO/IEC 27001 certified! πŸ” This internationally recognized certification confirms that our firm has im...
05/14/2026

πˆπ‚π˜πŒπˆ: We are now ISO/IEC 27001 certified!

πŸ” This internationally recognized certification confirms that our firm has implemented and maintains a structured, independently audited framework for information security and risk management. In practice, this means client information is managed through defined and consistently applied processes governing how data is accessed, stored, protected, and monitored across our systems and operations.

We are proud to join a limited group of law firms that have achieved this globally recognized standard for information security governance.

πŸ”— Learn more about the certification here: https://www.garfinkelimmigration.com/2026/04/23/garfinkel-immigration-law-firm-achieves-iso-iec-27001-certification-reinforcing-commitment-to-data-security/

What happens when an R-1 religious worker approaches their maximum stay … but an EB-4 green card is still unavailable?Th...
05/12/2026

What happens when an R-1 religious worker approaches their maximum stay … but an EB-4 green card is still unavailable?

That question is becoming increasingly common for religious organizations across the U.S.

Many organizations are now reassessing how they approach:

πŸ“… Sponsorship timelines
πŸ”„ Retention planning
πŸ“ Long-term green card strategies

Our newest white paper from Partner Meredith Barnette, head of our Religious Worker Specialty Practice Group, explores practical considerations and alternative immigrant pathways organizations may want to evaluate in today’s environment.

Read the full white paper here ➑️ https://www.garfinkelimmigration.com/2026/05/07/beyond-the-eb-4-category-strategic-considerations-for-religious-organizations-navigating-green-card-sponsorship/

Partner Nam Douglass has once again been featured in the Zweig Group’s β€œThe Zweig Letter,” this time discussing one of t...
05/07/2026

Partner Nam Douglass has once again been featured in the Zweig Group’s β€œThe Zweig Letter,” this time discussing one of the most pressing challenges facing the AEC industry: talent strategy in a rapidly changing immigration landscape.

In the article, Nam explores how evolving immigration policy is reshaping workforce planning for architecture, engineering and construction firms, and why proactive immigration strategy is a critical business issue for employers competing for highly skilled talent.

Read Nam’s latest story in The Zweig Letter here: https://zweiggroup.com/blogs/the-zweig-letter/immigration-policy-reshaping-aec-talent-strategy

Recent reports indicate that USCIS has implemented enhanced vetting procedures, resulting in adjudication holds across m...
05/05/2026

Recent reports indicate that USCIS has implemented enhanced vetting procedures, resulting in adjudication holds across multiple case types.

These holds have reportedly already affected adjustment of status and asylum cases and could impact other USCIS adjudications that require fingerprint submissions.

While formal guidance has not yet been issued, these developments are likely to further delay processing times and add to existing backlogs. Our attorneys are actively monitoring the situation and will share updates as more information becomes available.

Learn more: https://www.garfinkelimmigration.com/2026/05/01/uscis-reportedly-implements-new-vetting-processes-leading-to-adjudication-holds/

Address

6100 Fairview Road, Ste 200
Charlotte, NC
28210

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+17044428000

Website

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