Covid-19 Resources
A collection of resources on Covid-19 and its effects on immigrants and immigration law:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Response to Covid-19
American Immigration Lawyers Assocation (AILA): Daily immigration news clips
Barten Lantz P.C. is currently closed to the public to ensure the health and safety of both our clients and staff. We remain committed to providing professional and effective legal service. You may continue to reach us at 515-233-4388 during our normal office hours. If you’re unable to reach us at our office phone number, you may also call/text (515) 620-8921 from 8:30AM to 12:30PM and (515) 357-6565 from 12:30PM to 5PM (Monday-Thursday). You could also e-mail us at dropbox@bartenlawoffice.com or contact us here. Thank you for your understanding!
JoAnn’s Speaking Engagements
| Law 360’s | Immigration Editorial Advisory Board | 2019 |
| CLE Commitee | AILA Iowa-Nebraska Annual Conference Omaha, NE | 2019 |
| Hot Immigration Yoga: Twisting Yourself in Knots with Your Feet to the Fire | Annual Meeting Iowa State Bar Association | 06/2019 |
| Academics and Scholars | Iowa State University | 04/2018 |
| Asylum Updates: The Novel and Noteworthy | AILA Iowa-Nebraska Annual Conference Omaha, NE | 10/2017 |
| Know Your Rights Workshop | Ames, Iowa | 03/2017 |
| H-1B Workshop | Iowa State University | 02/2016 |
| Client Management | AILA Iowa-Nebraska Annual Conference Omaha, NE | 09/2014 |
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Barten Lantz P.C.
Immigration Lawyers Iowa
With an office in Ames, Iowa, our immigration lawyers provide highly personal and excellent legal representation in all areas of immigration law. At Barten Lantz P.C., we are focused exclusively on providing immigration legal services of the highest quality to clients nationwide. Our immigration attorneys are knowledgeable and have extensive experience in the area of immigration law to find solutions to your immigration needs. We continue to monitor legislative and legal changes to immigration laws and stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Our immigration lawyers have helped thousands of people just like you. With our in-depth consultations, you get real answers to your immigration questions and find the best options for you. Our immigration lawyers will guide you every step of the way. When you choose Barten Lantz, you can rest knowing that you have experienced immigration lawyers working for you.
Visa and Immigration Services
- Family-sponsored
- Citizenship/Naturalization
- Special Immigrant Juveniles
- Permanent Employment EB-1 through EB-4
- Impact of Crimes
- Removal/Deportation Defense
- Asylum
- Religious Workers
- LGBT Fiancé Visa
- H-1B Specialty Occupations
- L-1A & L-1B Lateral Transfers
- TN Canadian & Mexican Workers
- Adoption of Foreign-born Children
Client Testimonials
S. R.
I know JoAnn on a personal level due to my working for her. I do not know her on a professional level, however, she is close friends of those who recommended that she hire me for some work she needed done. Those close friends of hers are in the same profession, law, and are outstanding in their field. Quality attracts quality. Right? Simply said, I would recommend JoAnn because she has been serving the peoples needs in immigration law for many many years. I'm pretty sure she knows what she's doing. And, she is super nice. You will love her and her abilities. Good luck in your endeavor.
J.P
Great Lawyers and they have good workers and great relationships with their clients.
A.J.
yo selas recomiedo porque es una abogada muy responsable de su trabajo ablensi necesitan de eya el trabajo que ella iso con mi esposo eraun caso inposibl ellalo iso posible. saludos. barten
C.R.
5 Stars!
5 Stars
(Translated by Google) Friendly treatment have translator and very efficient
(Original)
Trato amable tienen traductor y muy Eficiente
5 Stars
2 weeks ago-Very inviting atmosphere. Everyone very helpful. Everything is explained in detail. Very caring people. Would recommend to anyone .
Thank you for the help…
Thank you for the help you have given us with our case. Mostly, in the manner that you have seen to take our case, in a very personal way. Thank you! Also, thank you for the beautiful frame!
I would recommend this firm because…
I would recommend this firm because of the very professional work.-Anon.
Por la calidad…
Yo lo recomendaria Por la calidad del servicio y profesionalismo de la Abogada JoAnn-LH
Great Law Firm…
Great law firm. The attorneys really care about helping their clients
Barten Law firm is an exceptional law firm…
Barten law firm is an exceptional law firm! Joann answered all my questions to the best of her ability and was confident in her ability to represent my case. Her confidence, her knowledge, her honesty helped me understand the immigration process better. She represented us well and I am very satisfied in her professionalism and work ethic. These are abilities not true in all lawyers. Barten law firm is well worth the money and time you will spend on a lawyer. I recommend Joann to everyone.
Highly recommended for immigration needs.
Highly recommended for immigration needs. The lawyers do a excellent job, all the staff is friendly and kind. You are seen as a person they care about not just a client.
Thank You For Handling My Case With Proper Attention
Thank you for handling my case with proper attention. What I loved was that everything that could go against my case was explained to me in the first consultation. That gave me enough time to prepare and avoid any surprises. I am also thankful to the attorney and her case manager for keeping up with my questions. Thank you!
Treats People With Respect and Knowledge
My experience was better than I ever imagined. JoAnn never judged why I had waited so long to apply to become a resident., instead she made me feel comfortable with the process. I believe your office treats people with respect and knowledge. Thank you for everything you, JoAnn, and your office employees did and how comfortable you made me feel every time I visited your office. It was a pleasure to have met you.
Overall Great Experience
Had bad experiences with other lawyers in Des Moines, you were closer to Des Moines and we took a chance and it paid off! Overall great experience.
5-Star Review on Google
Make you feel at home.
Do Excellent Work and Are Very Professional
I came to Barten Law to get help with my residency process. My mother had told me about the wonderful experience she had previously with the firm. The staff at Barten Law has great communication and work ethic, do excellent work, and are very professional. They always kept in contact with me about the process and status of my case. The case resulted in the outcome I had hoped for, and I am happy I had help from JoAnn.
Megan’s Services Were Excellent
I had heard good things about Megan from a family member and decided to seek her help with my U-Visa. Megan’s services were excellent and she always communicated with me about my case.
The Sincerity and Honesty of JoAnn is the Reason Why I Hired Her
My sister needed assistance with her visa and we found Barten Law through an online search. JoAnn is very confident and she and her staff are very friendly and professional. I really liked that they only work immigration related cases. The sincerity and honesty of Joann is the reason why I hired her. Thank you for everything and I will see you again for other help.
Excellent Firm
Excellent Firm. Excellent Service. Good Experience.
The Service I Received Was Excellent
I found Barten Law through an online search and was pleased with the reviews from other people. They specialize in immigration and have a good reputation. The service I received was excellent. Thank you for your help and organization with paperwork.
Made Things More Comfortable, Thank You for All You Did
Thank you for your services and sitting in with us on our waiver hearing. You really made things more comfortable to bear with during this interview. I only wished I would have heard of your law office before hiring our previous attorney, as your office would have been closer for us to have a personal relationship with our lawyer. Again, thanks for all you did.
They Are The Best Lawyers In Iowa
I am very happy with the outcome of my case. They are the best lawyers in Iowa and do excellent work. Everything works well, is organized, and the staff is responsible. I will recommend JoAnn to friends.
Very Professional Lawyer That Does Care About Legal Case
A family member recommended me over and over again to Megan Lantz because of the great work she did with his case. After the first consultation she explained on what we could do about my case and it really seems like she went the extra mile or two to back up my case before sending any paperwork. Also, she was great answering some questions over the phone and email while she was working on my case. I can't recommend her enough.
High Commendation
Megan helped with our immigration case after I had been told that there was not anything else that could be done, that my husband had to stay out of the country for a full 10 years. We applied and she wrote an appeal that got him back quickly. She kept me informed every step of the way and was the first to inform me of the great news and what to do next when we were told that the appeal was accepted. She was always friendly and helpful. I have given others with immigrant issues or questions her number and she has answered their questions and been helpful to them also.
Best Lawyer Ever
Megan is a wonderful person, besides a wonderful professional, I had her take my case back in Dec. 2007, and now with my husband since July 2013. She has been very helpful, always on top of things, making sure we had everything we needed, you could tell that she really got involved in my case, she showed knowledge, willingness to help and put effort into it. She is the best lawyer I have seen, she actually cares for her clients.
Thank You For All The Help
Thank you to all for helping me achieve my U.S. Citizenship!
Very Professional and Experienced
JoAnn provided us with very useful and professional information. JoAnn and her team organized all our information to make sure that it was right, including my Immigration forms and USCIS documents and updated us as necessary. When we received a notice for the interview, we had a last appointment with JoAnn. She gave us confidence and advice. She went with us to the interview and we were successful!
Thank you JoAnn for your professionalism and your experience and knowledge. We highly recommend you for anyone considering going through this process.
Helped Us Accomplish Goals and Dreams We Have
JoAnn took over my wife’s waiver case from a previous attorney after we received a denial of our case. JoAnn helped me turn in another waiver that was more complete and more understanding than the one I had turned in with the previous attorney I had. I recommend Barten Law because they are sincere and work hard. I am very thankful to God that I went to JoAnn to do my waiver; thanks to her hard work my wife and I can live our lives now and accomplish goals and dreams we have. Thanks so much JoAnn.
BARTEN LANTZ P.C. IMMIGRATION LAWYERS
Immigration Lawyers Iowa
With our office in Ames, Iowa, our immigration lawyers provide highly personal and excellent legal representation in all areas of immigration law. At Barten Lantz P.C., we are focused exclusively on providing immigration legal services of the highest quality to clients nationwide. Our immigration attorneys are knowledgeable and have extensive experience in the area of immigration law to find solutions to your immigration needs. We continue to monitor legislative and legal changes to immigration laws and stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Our immigration lawyers have helped thousands of people just like you. With our in-depth consultations, you get real answers to your immigration questions and find the best options for you. Our immigration lawyers will guide you every step of the way. When you choose Barten Lantz, you can rest knowing that you have experienced immigration lawyers working for you.
Visa and Immigration Services
- Family-sponsored
- Citizenship/Naturalization
- Special Immigrant Juveniles
- Permanent Employment EB-1 through EB-4
- Impact of Crimes
- Removal/Deportation Defense
- Asylum
- Religious Workers
- LGBTQ Fiancé Visa
- H-1B Specialty Occupations
- L-1A & L-1B Lateral Transfers
- TN Canadian & Mexican Workers
- Adoption of Foreign-born Children
Resources
Immigration Resources
- CIS Service Office Locator
- CIS Infopass Appointment
- CIS Case Status & Processing Times
- CIS (ELIS) Electronic Immigration System
- DOS Monthly Visa Bulletin
- DOS (CEAC) Consular Electronic Application Center
- ICE Detainee Locator
- EOIR Immigration Court Case Status
- DOL PERM Portal
- DOL Prevailing Wage Portal
- DOL Online Wage Library
Victims of Crime
The United States allows people who have well-founded fear of persecution to seek asylum or refugee status that will allow them to obtain permanent residency (green card). However, to qualify the applicant need to belong to one or more of the 5 categories of people who have well-founded fear of persecution because of his or her:
- Race,
- Nationality,
- Religion,
- Membership of a particular social group or because he or she is identified with a particular social group,
- Political opinion that will subject him or her to persecution.
Also, the law requires that an applicant must apply within 1 year of arriving in the U.S. otherwise; applicant must show either extraordinary circumstances or changed circumstances in his or her home country.
Once an application is filed, an interview is scheduled with the local asylum office. At the interview the interviewer may approve you for asylee status or refer your case to the Immigration Court for a determination of eligibility in deportation (removal) proceedings. Once you have been approved and in Asylee status for at least one year, you are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency.
T and U visa Regulations Provide Green Cards to Some Victims, Witnesses and Criminal Defendants
There is frequently an intersection between immigration law and criminal law. In December 2008, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) issued new regulations allowing “T” and “U” non-immigrants to adjust their status and become lawful permanent residents of the United States.
Situations in which T or U Status May Help Crime Victims
T non-immigrant status was established by Congress to furnish protection to victims of severe forms of human trafficking who are less than 15 years of age and would suffer extreme hardship if removed from the U.S., or are 15 years of age or older and have complied with a reasonable request for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of such acts.
U non-immigrant status was created to help victims of specified crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse because of the crime and are willing to assist law enforcement in investigation or prosecution of the crime. Qualifying crimes include domestic violence, sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, and felonious assault, witness tampering, rape to name a few.
Situations in which T or U Status May Help Criminal Defendants and Witnesses
If a criminal defendant has been involved in a serious assault, but has also been victim of the crime, then U non-immigrant status may be available if the client is willing to assist law enforcement in its investigation or prosecution of the crime.
If a criminal defendant has been charged with participation in a drug transaction, but has also suffered physical or mental abuse arising from the transaction, then the client may be entitled to classification as a U non-immigrant, provided that the client will assist law enforcement in the matter.
In the case of sexual abuse of a child by a parent, to which the other parent was a witness, U non-immigrant status may be available to the witness-parent if that parent can and will assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, and the witness-parent has suffered mental abuse from the crime.
Although the circumstances under which T non-immigrant status may apply will ordinarily be more restricted, a situation might arise, for example, in which a client participated in a human-trafficking scheme but was also victimized in the transaction. In such a situation, the client might be entitled to T status if s/he assists in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, or even if s/he does not assist law enforcement, provided that s/he is less than 15 years of age.
Opportunities for Negotiation
The T and U statuses provided by immigration law open the door to possible negotiations between prosecutors, defense counsel and others. Immigration law recognizes the potential value of a qualifying person to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the specified crimes, and, therefore, all legal counsel involved should consider this value as well. A major benefit in negotiation would be that the client, victim or witness may be able to adjust his or her immigration status to remain in this country permanently.
U.S. Citizenship
Barten Lantz P.C. provides legal representation for all types of U.S. citizenship and naturalization cases. There are many significant benefits of U.S. citizenship including not being subject to deportation (removal), eligibility for jobs only available to U.S. citizens, college financial aid, disability benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, and the right to vote in U.S. elections. U.S. citizens may also sponsor fiancés and all of their immediate relatives. Our attorneys assist with filing applications to prove citizenship, obtaining U.S. passports for travel, and applications for permanent residents to naturalize. The decision whether to apply is an important one as loss of residency and removal can occur if residency has been abandoned or criminal arrests or other prohibited acts are determined. We will analyze your case and advise you whether or not you qualify for citizenship or naturalization and the best timing to apply.
Early Naturalization — We assist with early naturalization for military service members and spouses of missionaries, government employees and U.S. company employees assigned abroad.
Criminal Arrests, Addiction, Extended Travel, Other Prohibited Acts — We assist residents in showing rehabilitation to overcome criminal arrests, addiction, extended absences from the U.S., or other prohibited acts.
Avoid the English Exam — One of the requirements for naturalization is passing the English and history exam. We help residents apply for an exemption of the English or history exam.
Birth Abroad with U.S. Citizen Parent — We help with proving citizenship if you were born abroad and at least one of your parents is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or for foreign national children adopted by U.S. citizens.
