Michael Andre Gilbert

I have been working with Mitchell Zwaik and Associates since October of 1999.  I became a Partner in 2010.  I am fortunate to work in a firm that handles all types of immigration issues and is devoted exclusively to the practice of immigration law.  I have had the opportunity to represent foreign nationals at each end of the immigration spectrum.  Our clientele ranges from high level business executives who are interested in starting companies in the United States to foreign nationals who are seeking asylum because they have experienced persecution in their home country. 

I have represented nonimmigrant visa applicants including: professional workers, intracompany transferees, applicants of extraordinary ability, exchange visitors and treaty investors.  I have represented skilled and unskilled workers with their immigrant worker petitions and with their applications to adjust status to lawful permanent residents. 

I have focused much of my attention to the complex area of immigration litigation.  Representing clients in Removal proceedings presents unique and complex challenges that requires quick and decisive decision making.  The consequences of making the right choice can mean the difference between separating a father or mother from their son or daughter or maintaining family unity.

When a client is detained, it is often a race against the clock.  I investigate the immigration history of the foreign national to determine if they are statutorily eligible to remain in the U.S.  If a detainee has a criminal record, I must evaluate their record of conviction to determine if there are any forms of relief available.  If the client has a prior order of deportation, it must be re-opened, by motion before we can apply for any immigration benefits.    If the judge denies the claim for relief, then the foreign national is ordered deported.  If the foreign national is removed from the U.S., there is often little or no chance of them returning.  My training in immigration litigation has developed my ability to make informed decisions under highly pressured circumstances.