J. Alexander Short, an Associate of Norris McLaughlin, is an immigration law and deportation defense attorney.
In his role as an Associate within the Immigration Law Practice Group, Alex handles a diverse array of immigration law cases, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for advocacy. One of his primary areas of expertise lies the preparation of nonimmigrant visa submissions for corporations seeking to relocate employees overseas. Alex additionally handles immigrant visa applications and consular processing issues. In his work, Alex maintains a robust removal defense caseload, presenting complicated legal arguments to federal immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and before the Circuit Courts of Appeals. He approaches each case with empathy and determination, advocating for his clients’ rights and exploring every available legal avenue to secure relief from deportation. Whether pursuing asylum claims, challenging removal orders, or appealing decisions before the Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) and Circuit Courts, Alex stands by his clients with unwavering dedication.
In addition to corporate immigration and deportation defense, Alex is well-versed in handling family immigration matters, recognizing the impact reunification can have on individuals and families separated by borders. He guides clients through the complex process of obtaining family-based visas, navigating the intricacies of sponsorship requirements and eligibility criteria with compassion and expertise.
Through his work in immigration law, Alex offers assistance to individuals in need of various visas, including H-1B, E-1, E-2, L-1A, L-1B, R-1, O-1, H-3, B-1/B-2, and F-1 visas, naturalization applications, green card applications, and various waivers and miscellaneous submissions with USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security, and related agencies.
Moreover, Alex is no stranger to criminal investigations intersecting with immigration law. He skillfully navigates the nuances of these cases, providing strategic counsel and representation to clients facing criminal charges that could have immigration consequences. Whether it involves advising clients on plea negotiations to minimize the impact on their immigration status or mounting a vigorous defense in court, Alex ensures that his clients’ rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.
Beyond his core areas of practice, Alex also handles federal and administrative agency immigration appeals, leveraging his keen analytical skills and persuasive advocacy to challenge adverse decisions and seek favorable outcomes for his clients. His track record of success in appellate proceedings underscores his proficiency in crafting compelling legal arguments and effectively presenting them before appellate tribunals.
In each immigration law case he undertakes, Alex’s unwavering commitment to his clients’ interests, coupled with his comprehensive understanding of immigration regulations and procedures, enables him to provide exceptional representation and achieve favorable results in even the most complex and challenging legal matters.
Alex has been successful on appeal to the Circuit Courts, before the Board of Immigration Appeals, at trial before the Immigration Court, has successfully navigated complex Requests for Evidence and USCIS audits, and has successfully worked with Embassies overseas to correct legal error for a client’s immigrant visa denial within a matter of weeks.
Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Alex cultivated his skills as a litigation and worker’s compensation defense associate, where he honed his expertise in navigating complex legal issues and representing clients in high stakes matters. Notably, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, where he gained invaluable courtroom experience handling both misdemeanor and felony cases. Alex’s specialization with the Treatment Court Program underscored his dedication to innovative approaches to criminal justice, advocating for rehabilitation and support for individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
Alex’s commitment to serving his community is deeply ingrained in his professional journey. As a graduate of Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law, he co-founded the Dickinson Law Addiction Legal Resource Team, demonstrating his proactive stance in addressing pressing legal issues affecting vulnerable populations. His contributions to legal scholarship are notable, with recent legal publications, publications on Harvard Law School’s “Bill of Health” Blog, dedicated to legal scholarship. Alex’s contribution to legal discourse surrounding Substance Use Disorder has been cited in the University of Pennsylvania Law School Law Review.
Before embarking on his legal career, Alex served as a Congressional Page in the 109th Congress of the U.S. House of Representatives, where he gained invaluable insights into the legislative process and the workings of government. This formative experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for public service and the importance of upholding the principles of justice and equity in all aspects of his professional endeavors.
Alex’s multifaceted background, coupled with his unwavering dedication to his clients and community, distinguishes him as a formidable advocate and trusted legal advisor. Whether navigating the complexities of immigration law, representing clients in criminal proceedings, or contributing to legal scholarship, Alex approaches each challenge with integrity, diligence, and a steadfast commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for those he serves.