Why AI Isn’t a Substitute for an Immigration Lawyer
AI programs like ChatGPT are all the rage and increasingly represent a large share of search engine traffic. Many students use Chat and similar programs to write papers and do homework. However, using Chat and other AI programs for legal research is a serious mistake. Anyone applying for a visa or green card should work with a lawyer who can analyze their specific circumstances and help them navigate the system. Below, we look at several reasons why Artificial Intelligence isn’t a substitute for legal assistance.
4 Reasons Not to Use AI for Your Immigration Case
- AI Offers Inaccurate Legal Advice
Tools like Chat simply scrape information from websites to use when answering user questions. The answers these programs give will be no better than the information that is currently online.
Some of that information is presently outdated, especially with immigration law undergoing seismic changes every month during the second Trump Administration. A computer program cannot keep up with the weekly updates to immigration law. Instead, Chat might pull an answer from a blog post that is 10 years old and offer it to you as an authoritative analysis of the current state of the law.
At our firm, we stay abreast of all changes in immigration law, especially those relating to travel bans, H-1B visas, adjustment of status, and work authorization. That way, we provide our clients with accurate advice.
- Chat and Other AI Programs Offer General Information
Every immigration decision is made by a human being. An experienced lawyer has presented cases to immigration judges or the Board of Immigration Appeals. We know what evidence these judges find useful, and we can present a case in a compelling manner.
AI programs offer generic information about the law, gleaned by reviewing hundreds of websites. They cannot tell you how to tailor your presentation in an effective way.
- Your Questions to AI Might Not Be Confidential
Any communication you make to a lawyer is confidential. Your lawyer cannot reveal any communication without your permission. That means the government cannot force your lawyer to testify against you.
However, it’s unclear whether questions people ask in Chat or another AI program are privileged. One federal court has decided the answer is “no.” It’s possible the government could uncover evidence to use against you. That is a huge problem if you ask questions about criminal activity which you have kept hidden from the government.
- Mistakes are Costly
You might save some money upfront relying on AI to fill out an application or prepare for an interview. But if you make a mistake, then you are back at square one. You’ll need to hire a lawyer to clean up the mess.
Contact Our Law Office Today
AI programs have revolutionized the way people obtain information off the internet. Unfortunately, these programs provide a false sense of confidence and are not a substitute for the help of a lawyer. Call The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan, PLLC. An immigration lawyer in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Miami, Florida can provide clear guidance on any immigration issues you have.
Source:
abovethelaw.com/2026/02/does-asking-chatgpt-a-legal-question-make-it-discoverable-it-depends/