About the firm · Allentown, Pennsylvania
Immigration law, practiced with clarity and care.
From downtown Allentown, we help individuals, families, and employers across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York move through the U.S. immigration system with a clear strategy and a team that stays close. We listen first, prepare carefully, and explain what comes next.
Immigration is all we do. One downtown office, clients across the region and abroad, and meetings by phone, video, or in person, in English or Spanish.
Our focus
A focused practice. A personal approach.
Immigration law is the work we do every day. That focus lets us pair careful legal strategy with practical guidance and communication you can understand.
Practice depth
Immigration law is the core of the firm, not one service among many.
Plain-language strategy
We explain your options in plain language so you can make informed decisions.
Deadlines tracked
We track deadlines and agency updates proactively, so nothing important is missed.
Flexible access
Meet by phone, video, or in person, whatever suits you.
The strongest immigration strategy begins with understanding the life behind the case.
Who we help
Counsel for families, professionals, and people seeking protection.
Every immigration matter carries real consequences for a family, a career, a business, or a future. We never lose sight of the person behind the filing.
Individuals and families
Family-based petitions, adjustment of status, consular processing, citizenship, and waivers, prepared with attention to detail.
Family immigrationEmployers and professionals
Employment-based strategy for businesses and talent navigating temporary and permanent pathways.
Employment immigrationCourt and humanitarian cases
Removal defense, asylum, and other humanitarian matters that need careful preparation and steady advocacy.
Humanitarian reliefThe team
A small firm, on purpose.
Every client knows our names, and every case has an attorney's attention from intake through decision.
J. Alexander Short, Esq.
Complex strategy, removal defense, employment, and cases where criminal and immigration law meet.
Meet Alex
Maria Elena Germanetti, Esq.
Asylum, humanitarian protection, adjustment of status, and family cases.
Meet Maria Elena
Maria Jose Calix
Your first call, in English or Spanish. She gathers the facts and keeps your case moving.
Meet Maria JoseSee everyone together on Meet the team.
What to expect
A clear process, from first conversation to filing.
Three stages, one accountable team, and steady communication throughout.
- 01
Initial consultation
We review your goals, history, and timeline, then outline realistic options and next steps.
- 02
Case plan and documents
You receive a clear case plan, a flat-fee quote in writing, and a document checklist built around the filing strategy.
- 03
Filing and follow-through
We prepare and submit the case after a quality review, monitor updates, and guide you through each agency step.
- 04
Regular updates
You are never left guessing. Updates come in English or Spanish, and the client portal keeps your documents and messages in one place.
Questions
About working with us.
Short answers about the firm. Anything else, just ask.
Do you only practice immigration law?
Yes. Immigration law is the whole practice: family and employment cases, citizenship, court and removal defense, asylum and humanitarian relief, and appeals.
Where are you, and who do you serve?
Our office is at 609 W. Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown. We serve clients across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and many federal immigration matters can be handled remotely.
Who will handle my case?
An attorney, either Alex or Maria Elena depending on the case type, owns your matter from start to finish. Maria Jose handles intake and keeps documents and scheduling moving. Maria Jose is not an attorney and does not give legal advice.
Can we work together in Spanish?
Yes. Conversations, meetings, and documents are available in English and Spanish.
Do I have to come to the office?
No. We meet by phone, secure video, or in person, whichever suits you.
Is the first consultation free?
Most new matters begin with a free 30-minute consultation. Complex file reviews and second opinions may need a $300 attorney consultation, credited toward representation if you hire us; we always tell you before scheduling.
How do you charge?
Flat fees, quoted in writing before work begins, with no-interest payment plans of up to 18 months. See fees and payment plans.
How will I stay updated?
Your team sends regular updates, and the secure client portal lets you message us, upload documents, and see where things stand.
The firm at a glance
- Practice
- Immigration law only.
- Attorneys
- J. Alexander Short, Esq. (Managing Attorney); Maria Elena Germanetti, Esq. (Associate Attorney).
- Clients
- 500+ clients from 40+ countries.
- Languages
- English and Spanish.
- Where we serve
- Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York; many matters handled remotely.
- Office
- 609 W. Hamilton Street, No. 102, Allentown, PA 18101 · (484) 763-4984
Reviewed October 26, 2026. General information about the firm, not legal advice; contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Reviewed and updated
Ready to begin?
Your next step can be clear.
Tell us what is happening. We will listen, explain the options, and help you understand what comes next.
English and Spanish · Allentown · Pennsylvania · New Jersey · New York · Representation where permitted