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John W. Lawit
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About John
Biography
John W. Lawit has been practicing immigration law exclusively for the past 41 years.
He received his J.D. from the University of New Hampshire in Concord, New Hampshire in 1977. John received his B.A. from the University of New Mexico, with honors in 1972. John became a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association in 1978, the New Mexico Bar Association in 1980 and the Texas Bar Association in 1992 and the Law Society of British Columbia in 2010. John is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Dallas Bar Association, the El Paso Association of Immigration and Nationality Lawyers,and the Canadian Bar Association. He has served on the board of directors of the New Mexico affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union and has been a member and served as a volunteer attorney of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee as well as a voluntary attorney with the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas (HRI).
John has served on the Board of Directors of the Dallas BarAssociation Immigration Law Section. John has served as Chair of the New Mexico Immigration and International Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar Association; he is the author of the New Mexico Immigration and Nationality Law Practice Act, which was the first law enacted within the United States to protect immigrants from the unauthorized practice of immigration law. The law has served as model legislation, which has been enacted in ten States. John is regularly invited to speak at immigration law conferences throughout the United States and internationally. He has appeared before Consulates on behalf of the firm's clients throughout the world.
John's accomplishments include serving as an adjunct professor of immigration law at Texas Tech University in 2014 and the University of New Mexico's School of Law (1983-1988). He was selected by the United States Department of Justice to serve as United States Immigration Judge; he was the youngest attorney to be selected. John has received the AV rating, the highest possible rating from the prestigious Martindale Hubble Law Directory. He is listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. John also appears in Who's Who in American Law and has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for over fifteen years. John has been appointed by two New Mexico Governors to the New Mexico Border Commission (1982-1986); he has been appointed as special immigration counsel to the Republic of Mexico by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1983) and was appointed by the Governor of the State of New Mexico to the New Mexico International Trade/Investment Counsel (1984-1987).
John has served the local community as the founder of the immigration project, Jewish Family Services of Albuquerque (1988-1990); he has served as a member of the board of directors and the president of Rainbow House International Adoption Agency (1987-2000); he has performed the roll of vice president of the New Mexico Refugee Association (1979-1984); member of the board of directors for Healing of Children (1989-1995); and member of the board of directors of the Institute of Spanish Arts (1994-1996). John has received awards from Catholic Social Services and Jewish Family Services for providing immigration assistance to both organizations.
If you are concerned about your ability to live and work in the U.S. please contact my office.
We handle ALL types of Immigration and Citizenship cases. 37 years experience
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Immigration
100%
47 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Awards
2018 2017
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 33 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Mexico for 45 years
State: New Mexico
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 47 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1978
No misconduct found
Location
John W. Lawit, LLC
(505) 545-6785
Fax
5905 Ellison St. NE, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM, 87109
lawitlaw.com/Online Presence
Other places you can find John online.
John W. Lawit's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by John | December 9, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I finally have my green card!
Mr Lawit and his staff are top notch. I had problems with my employer, for 3 years tried to make the green card happen until I hired Mr Lawit. His persistence and attention to detail made my green card dreams possible. Why settle for others when you can have an awesome lawyer who cares about your ...
Posted by Agwabi | June 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The end of a thing is better than its beginning says the Bible!
Following a long procedure (12 months) of my adjustment of status which ended in rejection, I decided to hire the lawyer John W. Lawit. After murmurs, whining and spats, in 14 weeks my case was approved! In my custom it is also said that “patience is bitter but its fruit is delicious.” Thank you t...
Posted by Khushbu | October 7, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Help with STEM OPT
I am delighted to write this review for John. He was excellent, he provided me a response to my query with evidence. I reached out to so many immigration attorney's including the once at my office. And nobody was able to provide a clear and precise answer the way John did. I would highly recommend hi...
Posted by Suresh | March 26, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
A true super lawyer
John was a true professional and i can tell he is not after quick money . He provided a very thorough explanation of my situation, spent an entire hour of consultation and assured us with the possible outcome. He even went to grab his bible (USCIS Manual :) ) to confirm the INA section and provided u...
Posted by Manab Chakraborty | January 7, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Manab Chakraborty
I have visited USA on tourist visa stuck to my Indian passport or on UN Blue passport at least two dozen times. In 2008, I gave up my US Green Card in 2008 but did not keep a copy of I-407 form. In 2019, when I applied for a US tourist visa, it was put on hold for want of a copy of I-407. It was John...
John W. Lawit's Lawyer Endorsements
"A truly exceptional lawyer for knowledge, skill, effort, and ethics."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Lawitt possesses a wealth of knowledge in the field of immigration law and will represent clients well."
"I endorse this lawyer. I don't think I have ever actually met Mr. Lawit, but he is "the top drawer lawyer" in New Mexico on the subject of immigration law."
Natalie Darancou
Immigration lawyer
Rebecca Sitterly
Litigation lawyer
Brooke Nowak-Neely
Criminal defense lawyer
Rebecca Kitson
Immigration lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2022
American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
2022
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Elite Lawyer Award for Immigration, Elite Lawyer
2021
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2020
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Southwest Super Lawyer, Southwest Super Lawyers
2013
Southwest Super Lawyer, Southwest Super Lawyers
2013
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2012
Southwest Super Lawyer, Southwest Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Southwest Super Lawyer, Southwest Super Lawyers
2011
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2010
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Southwest Super Lawyer, Southwest Super Lawyers
2009
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Southwest Super Lawyer, Southwest Super Lawyers
2008
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2006
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2005
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2004
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2003
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2002
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2001
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2000
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2000
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1999
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1999
2000 Millenium Friend of Children Award, Rainbow House International
1999
Jean Marshall Stolet Award - Volunteer of the Year, Jewish Family Services of Albuquerque
1998
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1997
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1996
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1995
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1994
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1994
Who's Who in American Law, Marquis Who's Who in American Law
1994
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
1993
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1992
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1991
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
1988
Distinguished Service Award in Immigration Law, Catholic Social Services of Albuquerque
Work Experience
1980 - Present
President, John W. Lawit, P.C.
Associations
2008 - Present
New Mexico State Bar AssociationMember, Immigration Law Section
2008 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Immigration and Nationality Law SectionMember
1980 - Present
New Mexico State Bar AssociationMember
1979 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
Canadian Bar Association
Member
2008 - 2009
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationNew Mexico Customs and Border Protection liaison
1994 - 2010
Albuquerque Bar AssociationMember
1990 - 1990
New Mexico State Bar AssociationChairman
1988 - 1989
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationNational Co-Chairman, Unauthorized Practice of Law Comittee
1988 - 1992
New Mexico State Bar AssociationDirector, Immigration and International Law Section
1988 - 1992
New Mexico State Bar AssociationMember, Immigration Law Section
1988 - 1989
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationNational Co-Chairman, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee
1979 - 1985
El Paso Association of Immigration and Nationality PractitionersMember
1979 - 1983
Albuquerque Bar AssociationMember
Education
1977
Franklin Pierce Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1973
University of New Mexico
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
State Bar of Texas
Citizenship Overview, Immigration Law 101
2015
Dallas Bar Association
Asylum Overview Panel and Mock Hearing
2013
The 2013 International Conference on Strengthening Anti-Corruption Competitiveness through a New Governance Paradigm
Walking the Line on Police Privatization: Efficiency, Accountability and Court Decisions
2012
Western New Mexico University
Immigration issues for College and University Faculty, Staff and Students
2012
New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology
I-9 101
2012
Lorman Education Services
Fair Labor Standards Act in New Mexico- Foreign Worker Issues
2012
Leadership New Mexico
Representing Victims of Cartel & Government Violence
2012
LawReviewCle
Current Trends In Employment Based Immigration Law
2011
New Mexico State University
Immigration Update, Employment Based Applications, Entry and Visa issues
2011
New Mexico State University
Immigration Update, Employment Based Applications, Entry and Visa issues
2011
New Mexico State University
Immigration Update, Employment Based Applications, Entry and Visa issues
2011
Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
Employer Sanctions and 1-9 Compliance, What Every Employer Must Know
2010
NMSU
Immigration Law Update for Professionals
2010
New Mexico State Bar Association
Bridge The Gap – Immigration Law
2010
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Taxation of Foreign Workers
2009
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Immigration Issues in the Workplace
2008
Work Visas & Permanent Residency
Work Visas & Permanent Residency
2008
Visa Seminar
Visas
2008
Recent Developments in Employment & Immigration Law
Recent Developments in Employment & Immigration Law
2008
Presentation
Employment Based Immigrant & Temporary Visas
2008
Practicing Law on the Border: The Challenges of Immigrant Representation
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for Minors in Removal Proceedings: How to Obtain SIJS through Guardianship
2008
2nd Annual Advancing the Human Resource/Attorney Relationship
2nd Annual Advancing the Human Resource/Attorney Relationship
2007
What’s New in Immigration
What’s New in Immigration
2006
Texas Chapter Meeting
NAFTA Employment Visas
2006
Immigration and Employment Law
Immigration and Employment Law
2006
Current Immigration Law Update: Temporary Workers and Employment Based Permanent Residency
Current Immigration Law Update: Temporary Workers and Employment Based Permanent Residency
2004
Recent Immigration, Policy, Procedures & Eligibility Issues
Recent Immigration, Policy, Procedures & Eligibility Issues
2004
Immigration Law Update
Immigration Law Update
2003
Recent Immigration Law & Policy Changes
Recent Immigration Law & Policy Changes
2003
Employment Visas for Foreign Medical Personnel
Employment Visas for Foreign Medical Personnel
2002
New Mexico State NAFSA Meeting
Immigration Post-September 11th
2002
Immigration Law Update
Immigration Law Update
2002
Current Changes in U.S. Immigration Policy
Current Changes in U.S. Immigration Policy
2001
National Association of State Mental Health Program Director’s Legal Division Annual Meeting
Non-U.S. Citizens (Foreign Nationals) and Mental Health: Access to services and international transfer/repatriation issues
2000
Texas Chapter Spring Conference
Schedule A, Group II and Outstanding Researchers
2000
Non-Immigrant and Immigrant Visa Opportunities to Foreign Students and Professionals
Non-Immigrant and Immigrant Visa Opportunities to Foreign Students and Professionals
2000
Human Rights and The Practice of Law – Making International Law a Tool for More Effective Advocacy
Human Rights and The Practice of Law – Making International Law a Tool for More Effective Advocacy: The Relevance of International Treaties to the Practice of Immigration Law
2000
H-1B Visa Update and Employment Based Immigration
H-1B Visa Update and Employment Based Immigration
2000
F-1, J-1, Practical Training and Then What?
F-1, J-1, Practical Training and Then What?
2000
Changes in U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Visas and I-9 Compliance
Changes in U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Visas and I-9 Compliance
1999
Policy and Foreign Trade Zones
Policy and Foreign Trade Zones
1999
New Mexico NAFSA Spring Workshop
F-1 & J-1 Visas
1999
How Immigration Law Affects Your Practice
How Immigration Law Affects Your Practice
1999
Hiring International Students
Hiring International Students
1999
Basic Business Immigration Law for New Mexico Employers
Basic Business Immigration Law for New Mexico Employers
1998
Recent Changes in US Immigration Law Affecting College Personnel Administration
Recent Changes in US Immigration Law Affecting College Personnel Administration
1998
New Asylum Policies and Regulations Affecting Chinese Nationals in the United States
New Asylum Policies and Regulations Affecting Chinese Nationals in the United States
1998
Immigration Law & Domestic Violence
Immigration Law & Domestic Violence
1998
Immigration Issues for Domestic Violence Victims Panel Discussion
Immigration Issues for Domestic Violence Victims
1998
Domestic Violence Training Conference
How US Immigration Laws affect the Domestic Violence Perpetrator, Victim, and Families: U.S. Immigration Law and Domestic Violence
1998
Domestic Violence Training Conference
Criminal Aliens and U.S. Immigration Law
1997
NAFSA State Workshop/Conference
IIRIRA effects on M-1/F-1/J-1 (Students and Scholars)/H1B and Permanent Residency
1997
Changes in US Immigration Law: New Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions
Changes in US Immigration Law: New Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions
1997
Changes in US Immigration Law Affecting Students and Professionals
Changes in US Immigration Law Affecting Students and Professionals
1995
Visa Options For Medical Personnel, An Update
Visa Options For Medical Personnel, An Update
1995
The Basics of Practicing Immigration Law
The Basics of Practicing Immigration Law
1995
Immigration Law In New Mexico: Immigration Survival For Business
Immigration Law In New Mexico: Immigration Survival For Business
1995
Immigration Consequences Of Criminal Activity
Immigration Consequences Of Criminal Activity
1995
I-9 Preparation and Retention
I-9 Preparation and Retention
1993
Immigration in the 90's: Surviving the Quotas
Immigration in the 90's: Surviving the Quotas
1993
Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Seminar
Entering the Land of Opportunity, Working in the Land of Enchantment
1993
Chinese Student Protection Act and The Chinese Professional -- Immigration Issues for the 1990's
Chinese Student Protection Act and The Chinese Professional -- Immigration Issues for the 1990's
1992
Immigration Documentation (I 9) and Compliance
Immigration Documentation (I 9) and Compliance
1991
The Immigration Act of 1990 Changes for Students, Faculty and All Workers
The Immigration Act of 1990 Changes for Students, Faculty and All Workers
1991
New Mexico Bar Association CLE Seminar
The Immigration Act of 1990 Changes in the Act and How They Affect You
1991
College and University Personnel Association (CUPA), Rio Grande Valley Chapter
Immigration Act of 1990 Big Changes for the College Personnel Office
1990
What to do About Your Immigration Status Before and After Graduation
What to do About Your Immigration Status Before and After Graduation
1990
Upcoming Changes in U.S. Immigration Law, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990
Upcoming Changes in U.S. Immigration Law, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990
1990
INS Family Fairness Program
INS Family Fairness Program
1990
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Marriage Fraud Act of 1986
1989
New Mexico AIDS Consortium
AIDS and U.S. Immigration Law
1989
I 9's: Who, What, Where, When
I 9's: Who, What, Where, When
1989
Everything You Wanted to Know about Visas and Were Afraid to Ask
Everything You Wanted to Know about Visas and Were Afraid to Ask
1989
Albuquerque Bicentennial Diamond Jubilee Committee
Immigration Law, Constitutional and Statutory; New Mexico and the U.S. Constitution: A Lecture Series
1988
St. Luke's Lutheran Church Adult Forum
An Examination of Current U.S. Immigration Policy
1988
Hispanic Vote 88 Conference
Civil Liberties and the New Immigration Law
1988
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Is There Life After Death? What to do after a Legalization Appeal has been Denied?
1987
The Immigration Law What You Need to Know
The Immigration Law What You Need to Know
1987
The Bicentennial of the United States Constitution
Current Issues in Immigration Law, Constitutional and Statutory
1987
The Annual Conference of the National Association of College and University Attorneys
What Every University Counsel Needs to Know About United States Immigration Laws
1987
New Mexico State Convention
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986: Implications for the State of New Mexico
1987
Employer Obligations Under the New Immigration Law
Employer Obligations Under the New Immigration Law
1986
The Sanctuary Movement An ACLU Issue
The Sanctuary Movement An ACLU Issue
1986
Immigration Law and the Medical Profession
Immigration Law and the Medical Profession
1985
Visas and the College Graduate
Visas and the College Graduate
1985
Immigration Law for the General Practitioner
Immigration Law for the General Practitioner
1984
Family Relationships Under the Immigration and Nationality Act
Family Relationships Under the Immigration and Nationality Act
1984
ABC's of International Business Visas
ABC's of International Business Visas
1983
Conference on Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Undocumented Persons: Christian Responses
1982
Mini CLE seminar
Immigration Problems Facing Military Personnel
Publications
1995
Torch, American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico
Proposition 187 - Trashing the Constitution
1995
State Bar of New Mexico
Battered Spouse and Children Provisions in U.S. Immigration Law
1987
Occu-Med Report
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 -- Employer Sanctions
1987
Albuquerque Journal Business Outlook
A Look at the Immigration and Control Act of 1986
1987
New Mexico Bar Association
Family Relationships Under the Immigration and Nationality Practice Act
1986
El Hispano
SIN Adopta Nuevas Medidas Para Detectar el Fraude Matrimonial
1986
New Mexico Bar Association
Immigration Law for the General Practitioner
1984
The Torch, New Mexico Civil Liberties Union
Welcome to 1984
Languages
English
Spanish
Korean
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
John earned significant contribution points in 2018.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I apply for naturalization 90 days before my spouse complete 3 years as citizen? He got his citizenship on 05/18/2016?
04 Feb 2019
Q&A
Can I still apply VAWA after green card Interview and waiting for Decision,
17 Oct 2018
Q&A
SSN update after EAD approval?
15 Oct 2018