Gobena & Associates, founded in 2002, guides immigrants and their families through the U.S. immigration system. From our Saint Paul office on University Avenue, we represent clients across Minnesota and beyond, in English, Amharic and Afaan Oromo.
Immigration Services
- Asylum applications: preparing declarations, evidence and country-condition support, and representing you at your interview or in court
- Family-based petitions: bringing spouses, children, parents and siblings to the United States, including relatives in Ethiopia
- Green cards and adjustment of status
- Employment-based visas
- Naturalization and citizenship
- Deportation (removal) defense before the immigration court
- Consular processing
For the Ethiopian, Oromo and East African Community
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Ethiopian and Oromo communities in the United States. Many families in the community came here as refugees or asylum seekers, or are now working to bring relatives to join them. We can discuss these matters with you in Amharic or Afaan Oromo.
Ethiopia TPS update: USCIS lists Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopia as terminated, effective August 18, 2026 (USCIS). If you held Ethiopian TPS, you may still qualify for another form of protection or status, such as asylum, a family-based petition or other relief. Rules and court decisions continue to change, so speak with an attorney about your options as soon as possible. Updated November 13, 2026.
What a Client Said
“Mr. Gobena is a great attorney l would highly recommend any one who need to be represented on immigration case .he has years of experience in handling immigration case and speeks different languages such as Afaan Oromo and Amaharic. He is a good listener.”
Client reviews describe individual experiences. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Clients Choose Gobena & Associates
- Practicing law since 2002
- A team that speaks Amharic and Afaan Oromo
- Offices in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Charlotte, North Carolina
Read in your language: አማርኛ · Afaan Oromoo. Helpful guides: Received a Notice to Appear? · Bringing family from Ethiopia.
Meet our founder: Israel Gobena. In North Carolina? Visit our Charlotte office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you speak Amharic and Afaan Oromo?
Yes. Our team works with clients in English, Amharic and Afaan Oromo, so you can explain your case in the language you are most comfortable with.
Can you help me if I do not live in Minnesota?
Yes. Immigration law is federal, so we can represent clients before USCIS and the immigration courts from our Saint Paul and Charlotte offices, including clients in other states.
I received a Notice to Appear. What should I do?
Do not miss your hearing. Contact an immigration attorney right away and bring the notice and every immigration document you have. Missing a hearing can result in a removal order.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring your passport, any visas, I-94 records, notices from USCIS or the immigration court, and civil documents such as birth and marriage certificates, including Ethiopian documents and their translations if you have them.
Contact Our Saint Paul Office
Saint Paul, Minnesota
2147 University Ave West, Suite 117
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Get directions
Charlotte, North Carolina
Ballantyne One, 15720 Brixham Hill Avenue, Suite 300
Charlotte, NC 28277
Get directions
Phone: 1-888-462-3625 (1-888-GOBENA5) · Email: Israel@gobenalaw.com
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.