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Giacomo Jacques Behar
also known as Giacomo Behar
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About Giacomo
Biography
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 32 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.
Fluent In 7 Languages. CA Board Certified Specialist In US Immigration Law. Call For In-Depth Consultation 7 days/wk. No free consultations. Phone/Google Meet/Skype/Zoom Consultations available 7 days a week.
Fluent in 7 languages. CA Board Certified Specialist in U.S. Immigration. Call for in-depth consult 7 days/wk. No free consultations. Phone/Google Meet/Skype/Zoom Consultations available 7 days a week.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Immigration
100%
33 years | 3,700 cases
Fees and Rates
Awards
2026 2025 2024
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12
2026 2025 2024
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12
Licenses
Licensed in California for 32 years
State: California
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
Behar International Counsel, PLC
(619) 234-5962
Fax
(619) 231-1775
Fax
402 West Broadway, Suite 1520, San Diego, CA, 92101
immigratingtousa.comGiacomo Jacques Behar's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
297 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (155)
Practice Area Knowledge (143)
Recommendation (101)
Professionalism (91)
Advocacy (82)
Communication Style (71)
General Knowledge (71)
Responsiveness (64)
Staff & Support (37)
Character & Conduct (33)
Trustworthiness (29)
Compassion (24)
Cost of Services (18)
Punctuality (7)
Free Consultations (3)
Showing 141 - 143 of 143 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | February 20, 2017 | Immigration
Work Permit
He provided information around timing of work permit.
Posted by anonymous | August 05, 2021 | Immigration
Non exceptional
Was under impression how good reviews Giacomo has. Took consultation for case related to gray area: asylum and AOS for EB. For sure, we expected solid answers and exceptional understanding of those subjects, at least all reviews up to that. Instead, we've experienced frustration: - lawyer was l...
Giacomo Behar
Replied last August 05, 2021I have conducted hundreds of consults, trying to go into every detail & received nothing but gratitude, w/ people telling me "nobody analyzes our situation as precisely as you" & profusely thank me for consultation having been so useful. You are alleging that expected a "solid" answer. Not accurate. You expected a specific answer, which I didn't give you bec. I provide realistic answers & not "desired" ones. Done consultations as a lawyer for 28 years. I strive to be as realistic as possible & not lead one into believing a certain outcome is possible, when in fact it is not. The rest of your info is also completely misconstrued. Am not trying to be defensive here - simply stating the facts as occurred: 1. You called the office & demanded "same day consultation". My schedule was full & initially it sounded like an impossible request and yet I give instructed my personnel to accommodate you & provide you w/a 2 hour time slot to enable me to speak with you the same day. To accomplish that I had to cancel/reschedule an appointment with a current client. I did that for you. All you had to do was to wait patiently & speak with me during that timeframe. And I called you exactly in the middle of it. 2. Incorrect. I have my own policy to read & analyze the facts the during the initial consultation. There is a reason for that. I need to read fact fresh and obtain comments from client to understand ea. scenario in depth & not based on dry facts. As a result am able to obtain many effective resolutions of seemingly impossible cases in order to assist clients. This quality is unique and that's what distinguishes good attorneys from mediocre ones. 3. Misstating the facts: the exception of INA 254 (k) is simply not applicable & not relevant to your set of facts. As far as BIA case decision you are referring to, I am very familiar with it, I use it in many clients' cases; I answered all your questions about it & went into ea. & every nuance of the decision & its applicability to your facts. In fact I recall you were playing a lawyer & trying to convince that 245(k) applies to you, even though I repeatedly explained clearly that it doesn't. 4. "Spotted few.. not polite..." - this comment is subjective, inflammatory & does not go into the substance of this discussion. What may not sound "polite" to you may be completely acceptable to another - could be nothing more than a cultural perception. Just to clarify I am a global individual, fluent in 7 languages & am highly sensitive to geopolitics & different cultures. 5. "Other stories".... - completely twisting facts - firstly, you asked if I had similar cases & I gave you specific examples, which I happened to remember. And yes, I am a public speaker, I host webinars in various other online discussions & sometimes it may sound that I tell stories, but I only provide relevant, neutral info. 6. Speaking of "time", not only did I not "waste" any of yours - in fact I went well beyond the allotted consult time, to make sure each & every one of your questions were answered. 7. This is your opinion. My hourly rate is well settled & considered by many clients a great bargain for the value it provides & greatly appreciated. 8. This is absolut. faulty conclusion. Did best to provide w/answers to your Q's. I offered to do addit. research, you refused. In fact Sir, your negative review is not about the substance of our consult that I so generously offered you the same day you requested it - it's about money. You don't seem to value the attorney's time & effort to come to your rescue - you are just using "vengeance" to nullify the value you received. Let me remind you, Sir that the true value is not supporting your theories - the real value is to hear the analysis that the attorney explains to you & in developing the understanding of some of the available options to you to overcome the problems you are facing.
Posted by anonymous | July 21, 2014 | Immigration
Wasted lot of money following Mr. Behar irrelevant advice
Attorney Behar had some great review and you will think why I am the only one with the negative review. I hired Attorney Behar about 1 months ago for immigration case. He quoted me $2000 for the initial consultation, preparation for Asylum Credible Fear Interview, parole request and change of venue....
Giacomo Behar
Replied last July 21, 2014I don't believe that any of your allegations are honest. In fact, from the start when dealing with you and your representative I realized that your emails to me were falsified, where the signer pretended to be you, when if fact during our prolonged visit to detention center you confessed to us that you had no access to the internet, from which I concluded that if was not you who sent emails to me, but your your "family friend" or your acquaintance Kumar. Thus, I cannot even be sure, Madam, that it is in fact you and not your alias Kumar who wrote this review, because if it is Kumar, he should at least sign his own name. Otherwise this "review" is not legitimate as not signed by the person who claims all these things happened to her. As to the substance, none of your allegations have any basis. We were honest with you from the start. We did not want to charge you any money other than for our time to visit Shukra at the immigration center. We made that trip almost instantly after you, or rather your friend pretending to be you contacted us, by pushing aside other matters to accommodate yours first. In meeting with you we discussed at length the strategy and posture of your case and discussed which points needed to be emphasized in your interaction with USCIS, before, during and after your "Credible Fear" Interview ('CFI"). Following our 3 hour visit to the CCA, for which you were only charged $520, we refused to take any more money for your case or agree to represent you until we could verify your identity. You and your friend in D.C. claimed to have no identity documents and we wanted to make sure we represent a real person with real issues, before we would sign on to the case. We spent significant amounts of time on the phone and and via emails with Mr. Kumar, giving advice to him on how to reclaim the documents to strengthen your case and achieve a less problematic release from detention. In all of these actions we maintained a high level of integrity and client responsibility and made every effort to keep your legal costs a minimum. It is very regrettable that you did not appreciate any of the extensive efforts that were extended to you and Mr. Kumar to help you with your case, at a very low cost, but instead you are now viciously trying to bite the very same hand that was trying to help you. Wishing you the best in all of your other future endeavors in this country.
Giacomo Jacques Behar's Lawyer Endorsements
"Giacomo Jacques Behar consistently provides insightful, accurate, and compassionate answers in Avvo’s Immigration Law Q&A forum. His responses reflect a deep knowledge of U.S. immigration law and extensive experience helping clients in San Diego and beyond navigate complex visa, asylum, and citizenship matters. He offers clear, practical advice with genuine empathy for those facing immigration challenges. I’m pleased to endorse Mr. Behar as a highly skilled and dedicated San Diego immigration attorney."
"I endorse Attorney Giacomo Jacques Behar. His extensive experience, expertise, and diligence is highly sought after. He serves the community to the best of his ability and is one of the best minds in the field of immigration law."
"I endorse Giacomo because of his polite way and informational replies to the general public for their help with immigration questions."
"I endorse Attorney Behar. He has a lot of knowledge in immigration law. His responses to queries on complicated immigration matters are straightforward and detailed; he provides alternative suggestions if needed."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Behar provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."
"I endorse this lawyer based on his thorough and knowledgeable answers on this forum."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Incredibly knowledgeable and a valued part of the Avvo community, I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Behar has provided invaluable resources to the Avvo community. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to any person in need."
"Very experienced and exceptional lawyer. He will be able to handle any of your immigration needs."
"Attorney Behar provides thoughtful and accurate information to people seeking legal advice in the field of immigration law"
"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."
"Top Lawyer in the Immigration Field. Easily in the top 10 lawyers in the field globally."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"The Einstein of Immigration Law. Giacomo is an immigration law genius and this opinion is coming from a fellow immigration lawyer."
"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."
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Experience
Honors
2014
Listed, Who's Who Legal
2014
Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law, The State Bar of California, Board Of Legal Specialization
2013
Listed, Who's Who Legal
2012
Semi- Finalist - Top Attorneys in Immigration Practice, San Diego Daily Transcript
2009
Valuable Speaker/Contributor, Jewish Community Center Paris
2009
Guest Columnist Award, Salom Quarterly Newsletter
2009
Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009 - present, America's Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009- present
1983
Top Contestant - Business Law Project, United States International University
1980
Top Volunteer Award, Swiss Confederation - Federal Office for Migration & Refugee Absorption
1979
Top writer - German Literature Essay Contest, Interpreters School, Zurich, Switzerland
Work Experience
1999 - Present
Lead Attorney, Behar International Counsel, PLC
1993 - 1999
Associate Attorney, McEntyre and Mitchell
Associations
2015 - Present
The State Bar of California, Board Of Legal SpecializationCertified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law
2010 - Present
The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Ninth Circuit
2001 - Present
National Lawyers Guild, National Immigration ProjectParticipating Lawyer
1993 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)Chair
1993 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaActive Member
1993 - Present
The Supreme Court of CaliforniaActive Member
2010 - 2012
Westwood Ambassador Home Owners AssociationBoard of Directors
2004 - 2005
American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)Chair-CSC Liaison Committee
2003 - 2004
American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)Chair - Consular Affairs Liaison Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
Extremely Complex Diversity Visa Case
Diversity Visas Ultimately Granted by USCIS over DOS objections
National Interest Waiver (NIW) Approval for Research Scientist
Approval
Treaty Investor (E-2) Visa Approval
Approval - 5 year visas granted
E-1 Treaty Trader Application Case
E-1 visa for 5 years granted
Complex Employment-Based Green Card - Labor Certif. w/Substitution of Alien
Permanent Residence Granted
Education
1993
California Western School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1984
United States International University
MBA - Master of Business Administration
1983
United States International University
Bachelor's of Science - Business Administration
1980
Interpreters School, Zurich, Switzerland
Foreign Languages Translator; Conference Interpreter
Speaking Engagements
2016
Istanbul Investment Expo/Summit
EB-5 and E-2 Investment Visas
2014
KUSI News Channel Television Newscast
Asylum or Refugee Status: Two Options For Immigrants
2013
Upcoming Immigration Reform
Immigration Law
2013
Upcoming Immigration Reform
Immigration Law
2013
Radio Newscast
EB-5 Investment Program in U.S.
2013
Radio Newscast
U.S. Immigration Reform Update
2012
Univision Newscast on Deferred Action (DACA)
Responding to Hispanic community questions re. Deferred Action Application which began August 15, 2012
2012
Special Immigration Law Meeting
Immigration Law
2012
Radio Newscast
U.S. Citizenship Laws
2012
Radio Newscast
Political Asylum In The U.S.
2012
Radio Newscast
VAWA Eligibility For Adjustment Of Status
2012
Radio Newscast
Obtaining A Green Card In the U.S.
2012
Radio Newscast
Types Of U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas
2012
Radio Newscast
Deportation Defense In Immigration Court
2012
Radio Newscast
Responding to Immigrant community questions re. Deferred Action (DACA)
2012
Radio Newscast
Difficult Aspects Of Immigrating To USA
2012
Radio Newscast
DACA: Pitfalls in Processing
2012
Opportunities for Settling in the U.S.Through Work or Investment
Obtaining a Green Card Through Investment in the U.S.
2012
Monthly Meeting
Immigration Law
2010
Settling and working abroad
U.S. Immigration & Visa Laws
2010
Business opportunities in the U.S.
U.S. Visa Laws
2009
Monthly Meeting
Immigration Law
2009
E-2 Treaty Investor Visas & L-1 Multinational Executives
U.S. Immigration and Visa Laws
2008
Special Immigration Law Meeting
Immigration Law
2008
Settling and Working Abroad
U.S. Immigration & Visa Laws
2008
Business Opportunities in the U.S.
U.S. Visa Laws
2005
U.S. Business Law Seminar
U.S. Business Law Seminar
2005
Investment and Work Opportunities in America and U.S. Visa Laws
U.S. Immigration and Visa Laws
2004
Monthly Chapter Meeting
American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence
2003
U.S. Business Law Seminar
Business & Contracts Law
2003
Monthly Chapter Meeting
American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence
2002
Monthly meeting
American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence
1995
U.S. Business Law Seminar
Business & Contracts Law
N/A
Radio Newscast
Fiancee Visa K-1
Publications
2007
Salom Quarterly Newsletter
U.S. Non-immigrant Visa Categories Leading to Green Cards
1999
Union des francais a l'etranger Newsletter
E-2 Investor Visas: How "Substantial" must the investment be?
1998
Uniion des francais a l'etranger newsletter
Diversity visa/ green card lottery application process
1997
Union des francais a l'etranger newsletter
No longer worth to overstay visa - the 3 & 10 year bars to readmission
Languages
French
Italian
Turkish
Hebrew
German
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Giacomo earned significant contribution points in 2026.
Legal Answers
Q&A
H1B travel emergency – no visa stamp – father passed away in India – safe options?
11 Apr 2026
Q&A
H1B to H4 Change of Status with Dismissed Misdemeanor – Guidance Needed
10 Apr 2026
Q&A
Will this prior entry denial negatively impact her immigrant visa process?
10 Apr 2026