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Giacomo Jacques Behar

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also known as Giacomo Behar, Giacomo Jacques Behar
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Giacomo Jacques Behar
Giacomo Jacques Behar
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About Giacomo

Fluent In 7 Languages. Certified Specialist In US Immigration Law. Call For Consultation 7 days/wk. No free consultations. Consultations: $130 - $250.

Fluent in 7 languages, Giacomo Jacques Behar is a Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law, The State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. We are a full service immigration law firm headquartered in San Diego, California, with a second location in the Westwood area of West Los Angeles.  Our firm specializes in U.S. immigration and Naturalization Law and has assisted clients in different U.S. states and from more than 40 countries around the world since 1993. 

We offer a full range of family-based immigrant and non-immigrant visa and consular application services including K-1, R-1, H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1, as well as our "house specialty", Treaty Investor (E-2) and Treaty Trader (E-1) visas and also specialize in employment-based permanent residence through Labor Certification ("PERM"). We also assist our clients with their political asylum applications and appear with clients at asylum interviews. In addition, our firm is also ideally equipped to speedily and efficiently process your and your family's citizenship applications. Last, but not least, we also offer to our clients expert personalized assistance on a full range of non-immigrant and work visa applications at U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide.

 Meet your lawyer: Giacomo Jacques BEHAR 

LICENCED BY THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA SINCE 1993 - CERTIFIED SPECIALIST, IMMIGRATION & NATIONALITY LAW - THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA, BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION.

 

With now 26 years of practicing experience, I dedicate my practice exclusively to U.S. Immigration and Nationality law.  Immigration Law is Federal & therefore uniform throughout the U.S.  A world traveled multilingual polyglot, I am FLUENT in seven (7) languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Turkish, Hebrew, German and of course, English.  For the last 26 years I take pride in having assisted clients in most of these languages, on an almost daily basis.  I am myself an immigrant who arrived in San Diego  38 years ago from Switzerland to get my Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree in the USA. 

Practice areas

Immigration
  1. Immigration: 100%

    Since 1993 I earned a solid reputation for creative advocacy. Taking time to fully grasp each client’s unique situation, am personally available to clients 24/7. Q’s are handled by an attorney speaking your own language (I am truly FLUENT in 7 languages!) & not by a secretary, as is often the case in other firms. Whether a family-based application, complicated business/employment visa, asylum or deportation case, I believe ea. client deserves the best of my personal, legal & creativ

    27 years, 3,700 cases

Languages spoken

French, Italian, Turkish, Hebrew, German, Spanish

Contact

402 West Broadway
address map

Behar International Counsel, PLC

402 West Broadway
Suite 770
San Diego, CA, 92101

Office (619) 234-5962
Fax (619) 231-1775

Website

http://www.immigratingtousa.com

Berhar International Counsel

1158 26th Street
Santa Monica, CA, 90403

Office (323) 874-4941

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive199301/18/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers82853
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
ListedWho's Who Legal2014
Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality LawThe State Bar of California, Board Of Legal Specialization2014
ListedWho's Who Legal2013
Semi- Finalist - Top Attorneys in Immigration PracticeSan Diego Daily Transcript2012
Valuable Speaker/ContributorJewish Community Center Paris2009
Guest Columnist AwardSalom Quarterly Newsletter2009
Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009 - presentAmerica's Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009- present2009
Top Contestant - Business Law ProjectUnited States International University1983
Top Volunteer AwardSwiss Confederation - Federal Office for Migration & Refugee Absorption1980
Top writer - German Literature Essay ContestInterpreters School, Zurich, Switzerland1979
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Lead AttorneyBehar International Counsel, PLC1999 - Present
Associate AttorneyMcEntyre and Mitchell1993 - 1999
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
The State Bar of California, Board Of Legal SpecializationCertified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law2015 - Present
The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Ninth CircuitN/A2010 - Present
National Lawyers Guild, National Immigration ProjectParticipating Lawyer2001 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)Chair1993 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaActive Member1993 - Present
The Supreme Court of CaliforniaActive Member1993 - Present
Westwood Ambassador Home Owners AssociationBoard of Directors2010 - 2012
American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)Chair-CSC Liaison Committee2004 - 2005
American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)Chair - Consular Affairs Liaison Committee2003 - 2004
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Salom Quarterly Newsletter"Neither Black nor White, But Shades of Grey": Business Visa Opportunities in the U.S.2010
Salom Quarterly NewsletterCareer & Business Opportunities for Immigrant Professionals in the U.S.2008
Salom Quarterly NewsletterU.S. Non-immigrant Visa Categories Leading to Green Cards2007
Union des francais a l'etranger NewsletterE-2 Investor Visas: How "Substantial" must the investment be?1999
Uniion des francais a l'etranger newsletterDiversity visa/ green card lottery application process1998
Union des francais a l'etranger newsletterNo longer worth to overstay visa - the 3 & 10 year bars to readmission1997
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
California Western School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1993
United States International UniversityMBA - Master of Business Administration1984
United States International UniversityBachelor's of Science - Business Administration1983
Interpreters School, Zurich, SwitzerlandForeign Languages Translator; Conference Interpreter1980
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Istanbul Investment Expo/SummitEB-5 and E-2 Investment Visas2016
KUSI News Channel Television NewscastAsylum or Refugee Status: Two Options For Immigrants2014
Upcoming Immigration ReformImmigration Law2013
Upcoming Immigration ReformImmigration Law2013
Radio NewscastEB-5 Investment Program in U.S.2013
Radio NewscastU.S. Immigration Reform Update2013
Univision Newscast on Deferred Action (DACA)Responding to Hispanic community questions re. Deferred Action Application which began August 15, 20122012
Special Immigration Law MeetingImmigration Law2012
Radio NewscastU.S. Citizenship Laws2012
Radio NewscastPolitical Asylum In The U.S.2012
Radio NewscastVAWA Eligibility For Adjustment Of Status2012
Radio NewscastObtaining A Green Card In the U.S.2012
Radio NewscastTypes Of U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas2012
Radio NewscastDeportation Defense In Immigration Court2012
Radio NewscastResponding to Immigrant community questions re. Deferred Action (DACA)2012
Radio NewscastDifficult Aspects Of Immigrating To USA2012
Radio NewscastDACA: Pitfalls in Processing2012
Opportunities for Settling in the U.S.Through Work or InvestmentObtaining a Green Card Through Investment in the U.S.2012
Monthly MeetingImmigration Law2012
Settling and working abroadU.S. Immigration & Visa Laws2010
Business opportunities in the U.S.U.S. Visa Laws2010
Monthly MeetingImmigration Law2009
E-2 Treaty Investor Visas & L-1 Multinational ExecutivesU.S. Immigration and Visa Laws2009
Special Immigration Law MeetingImmigration Law2008
Settling and Working AbroadU.S. Immigration & Visa Laws2008
Business Opportunities in the U.S.U.S. Visa Laws2008
U.S. Business Law SeminarU.S. Business Law Seminar2005
Investment and Work Opportunities in America and U.S. Visa LawsU.S. Immigration and Visa Laws2005
Monthly Chapter MeetingAmerican Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence2004
U.S. Business Law SeminarBusiness & Contracts Law2003
Monthly Chapter MeetingAmerican Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence2003
Monthly meetingAmerican Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence2002
U.S. Business Law SeminarBusiness & Contracts Law1995
Radio NewscastFiancee Visa K-1N/A
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Extremely Complex Diversity Visa CaseDiversity Visas Ultimately Granted by USCIS over DOS objections
National Interest Waiver (NIW) Approval for Research ScientistApproval
Treaty Investor (E-2) Visa ApprovalApproval - 5 year visas granted
E-1 Treaty Trader Application CaseE-1 visa for 5 years granted
Complex Employment-Based Green Card - Labor Certif. w/Substitution of AlienPermanent Residence Granted

Reviews

(172)
5 Star
96%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
2%
Review Giacomo Behar

GRATEFUL FOR EVER - Where were you all these years?

Posted by

Giacomo made it possible for our son to remain with us in the US, on a newly issued visa at the border, without having to leave back for Europe and apply for the H-4 child-dependent visa there, as the law required us to. My husband and I will never be grateful enough, nor ever be able to express our thanks. Two lawyers before him lifted up their hands in the air and told us nothing could be done, that we had to take our infant son to Paris and apply for his H-4 visa there.. Giacomo was the only one who said "let me try something" and drove us straight to the Mexican border. Once there he used his charm, humor and wits and was finally able to convince CBP to admit our son back in H-4 status He was no longer "out of status"! Giacomo even managed an officer to escort us all the way to the beginning of the passport control line, shaving a min. 60-90 minute wait! My husband now calls him "Giacomo 007"!

Best Immigration Lawyer One Could Hope To Work With!!

Posted by

Giacomo is a highly knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer with 21 years of success behind him. He gave undivided attention to our difficult case E-2 Investor visa he filed on our behalf in Madrid, Spain and even accompanied us to the consular interview! Giacomo goes the extra step to make sure that any and all obstacles & difficulties are prepared for and ultimately neutralized. He is a an honest, hard working, world travelled multilingual polyglot and employs a responsive, multi-cultural team that analyzes and completes paperwork in a timely and efficient manner. His law office is multilingual and multicultural, which enables a much more personalized approach. One month before obtaining our E-2 visas Giacomo also rendered us a great service with a nasty admission issue I faced at the land Port of Entry while returning from a late night trip to Mexico. Giacomo literally saved my life and our future E-2 visas. We will always be grateful to Giacomo and his staff and it without hesitation that recommend his services to other fellow immigrants.

The best lawyer!

Posted by

I had an adjustment of status case. I applied myself twice and both times unsuccessfully. I lost a lot of time. Then I decided to look for an attorney. I found many immigration attorneys and read a lot of reviews. After that, I found attorney Behar on Avvo, read the reviews and decided to retain him. He is a highly knowledgeable lawyer! Now I am waiting to receive my green card to the mail!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The Best Immigration Attorney

Posted by

I had a difficult marriage case which my husband and I tried to do ourselves. We made a lot of mistakes on the forms and documents. Then we decided to hire Mr. Behar. He had to correct everything that had been done by us and do our case almost from the beginning. Mr. Behar is a very knowledgeable and professional attorney. Also, he risked his health accompanied us to the interview one week before the whole country shutdown for COVID-19 quarantine. If you don’t want to waste your time and make all the mistakes we had done while trying to do the case ourselves, hire Mr. Behar! The entire case process will be smooth and fast!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly recommended

Posted by

Worked with both Mr. Behar and Mrs. Tatyana Behar for my 360 application immigration needs. They were both extremely knowledgeable, attentive, thorough, and put us at ease. They took the time to go through all of our details and answer every question that we had, thoroughly.They are little expensive but worth for each penny I spent.Highly recommendate
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best lawyer in San Diego!

Posted by

I'm grateful and amazed by the hard work Giacomo put into my case. I was always well informed with every stage during the process and Giacomo always made me feel like part of the family while working with me. If you guys are looking for a great lawyer, do yourself a favor and consult with Giacomo! He has excellent knowledge and works with passion and genuinely cares for the client. Both my wife and I have hired Giacomo for separate immigration based requirements and had an excellent service each time. I highly recommend him and wishing you all the best =)
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Professional Services

Posted by

Attorney Giacomo Behar is the best! Mr. Giacomo has wealth of knowledge on immigration matters. Mr. Giacomo is well familiar with international laws that is an asset to resolve the immigration problems due to complicated laws in other countries. Mr. Giacomo is fluent in many languages. Mr. Giacomo considers his client's case with personal interest. His staff is excellent and the communication is very quick. Attorney Giacomo presented my case to immigration officer with true professionalism. Mr. Giacomo is not only an immigration legal expert but also with social skills that made me feel relaxed during the interview. I highly recommend Mr. Giacomo Behar for any immigration matters.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

BEST IMMIGRATION LAWYER !!

Posted by

BEST IMMIGRATION LAWYER !! Giacomo Behar and his team have been amazing! Giacomo exceeded our expectations. He was always 100% honest with me and was not afraid to tell me things as they were. Finding an immigration lawyer is a tiresome and uncertain task. I have hired other lawyers in the past that in fact made my situation worse, then I found Giacomo. My first consultation with him put me so much at ease and gave me hope, for the first time in a long time. And Giacomo spoke perfect Turkish, which was also a great relief (he is fluent in many languages!) My removal of conditions case was filed with the utmost care. He and his team were always there to guide me through the process, each email and phone call were promptly answered and Giacomo was available nights and weekends; it made no difference to him. He told me the first time we met that I could not understand him now and that once he would finish putting my case together only then I would truly understand and feel confident. How true that proved to be: my I-751 got approved without an interview!! Today the office called me and asked me to pick up my permanent green card!! I will forever be grateful to Giacomo Behar!!!!!!!!!! God Bless You!!!!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The Best, Most Reliable.....and Nicest!!

Posted by

Giacomo obtained Labor Certification and I-140 Application approvals to a highly Skilled Worker for our company. Mr. Behar also succeeded to bring Immigrant's entire family (spouse and children) through a consular processing and they received their Green Cards here in the U.S upon approval. I am very happy with his services; he and his staff were always available when we had questions. Plus......Giacomo is a great guy!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best lawyer best law firm!!!

Posted by

After 6 years of complications I met Mr Behar He set down with me and explained me what really are my options! Only after studying my case for weeks he actually met me and gave me Hai honest opinion and told me what to do next So ladies and gentleman’s 11 months after (After 6 Long years that my case was pending and tons of money on clowns that just wanted to take money from me) I am proud to say ! I’m a permanent resident!!!!!! God bless America and mr Behar!!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(418)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Steven Perrigo, Social security Attorney on May 19, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer based on his thorough and knowledgeable answers on this forum.

Shawn Malachovsky, Immigration Attorney on Feb 3, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

David Anderson, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 3, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Incredibly knowledgeable and a valued part of the Avvo community, I endorse this lawyer.

Zachary Wall, Employment and labor Attorney on Dec 19, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Derek Jacques, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 12, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Behar has provided invaluable resources to the Avvo community. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to any person in need.

Glen Kotten, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 9, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Very experienced and exceptional lawyer. He will be able to handle any of your immigration needs.

Douglas Cowgill, Immigration Attorney on May 15, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney Behar provides thoughtful and accurate information to people seeking legal advice in the field of immigration law

Rahul Aggarwal, Real estate Attorney on Feb 21, 2018
Relationship: Other

From one attorney to another, I endorse this lawyer. He has answered a large quantity of immigration questions posed by potential clients for their benefit at no charge. He is competent and sincere with all communications.

Zebulon Chandler, Entertainment Attorney on Jan 25, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Top Lawyer in the Immigration Field. Easily in the top 10 lawyers in the field globally.

Johnathon Hardaway, Employment and labor Attorney on Dec 2, 2017
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Gevork Arutunian, Immigration Attorney on Sep 14, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Behar. He provides an exceptional service to the immigration community. His solutions to legal inquiries on this forum are well reasoned, clear and sincere.

George Munoz, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 16, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible. I endorse this lawyer. - Anthony Munoz, Esq.

Christine Thurston, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Aug 16, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Stephen Black, Immigration Attorney on Aug 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

The Einstein of Immigration Law. Giacomo is an immigration law genius and this opinion is coming from a fellow immigration lawyer.

Colette Katz, Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney on Jun 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Behar gets right to the point in his answers, and his reviews show him to be a pillar of the community.

Corey Kane, Wrongful termination Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Gary Anderson, Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney on Apr 11, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have read many of the responses to inquiries given by this attorney. I can say that he gives solid advice. Giacomo Jacques Behar is very knowledgeable and an aggressive advocate for his clients.

Gail Barsky, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 3, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He has answered an incredible amount of questions on avvo for the benefit of clients for no charge. He has an extremely impressive amount of client reviews who took the time to write about him.

Joseph Franco, Workers compensation Attorney on Apr 3, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Mr. Behar. He is an advocate that is committed to his immigration clients.

Walter Hnot,, Social security Attorney on Mar 22, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Giacomo is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation.