Yalitza Maldonado, Esq. is an immigration and family law attorney with 10 years of experience practicing in Juana Díaz, Ponce, Caguas, Carolina, Dorado, Salinas, San Juan, Trujillo Alto, and Vega Alta. Yalitza is fluent in English and Spanish.
Immigration Lawyers in Puerto Rico
Abogados de Inmigración en Puerto Rico
Visas, green cards, naturalization, deportation defense, and asylum cases.
Visas, tarjetas verdes, naturalización, defensa contra deportación y asilo.
Rodolfo Cobas is an immigration and tax incentives (act 60) attorney practicing in San Juan. Rodolfo is fluent in Spanish and English.
Rocio Rodriguez is an immigration and civil litigation attorney practicing in Bayamón and San Juan. Rocio is fluent in Spanish and English.
Marysol Román is a bankruptcy (chapters 7, 12 & 13) and immigration attorney practicing in Hormigueros, Mayagüez, Moca, Ponce, Yauco, Aguada, Aguadilla, Añasco, Cabo Rojo, and San Germán. Marysol is fluent in Spanish and English.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Immigration
Is Puerto Rico part of the U.S. immigration system?
Yes. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so federal immigration law applies and cases are handled by U.S. agencies such as USCIS and the immigration courts. People born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens by birth and do not need a visa to travel between the island and the mainland.
Can an immigration attorney in Puerto Rico help with green cards and visas?
Yes. Immigration attorneys in Puerto Rico assist with family-based and employment-based petitions, green card applications, naturalization, work and visitor visas, and removal defense. Because immigration law is federal, an attorney licensed in Puerto Rico can represent clients before USCIS and the immigration courts.
What should I do if I receive a notice to appear in immigration court?
Do not ignore it. A Notice to Appear begins removal proceedings, and missing a hearing can result in an order of removal in your absence. Contact an immigration attorney promptly to review your options, which may include relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status.
How long does a family-based green card take?
Timelines depend on the relationship, whether the petitioner is a citizen or resident, and whether the beneficiary is inside or outside the United States. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens generally move faster than other categories, and the process commonly takes from several months to a few years. An attorney can assess your specific category and current processing times.
What are the basic requirements to naturalize as a U.S. citizen?
Naturalization generally requires lawful permanent resident status, continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., good moral character, and demonstrated English and civics knowledge, among other criteria. Residency computations and exceptions can be technical, so it is worth having an immigration attorney review your record before filing.
Can I apply for a green card through marriage in Puerto Rico?
Yes. A U.S. citizen or resident spouse can petition for you, and the application is processed through federal agencies even when you live in Puerto Rico. You will need to prove the marriage is genuine through documents and interviews. An attorney can help prepare the petition and respond to any requests for evidence.
Do I need an immigration attorney to renew my residency or work permit?
Simple renewals can often be filed directly with USCIS, but an attorney is valuable if your record includes arrests, previous denials, gaps in status, or missed deadlines. Consulting a lawyer before filing is usually cheaper than fixing a denied application afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Puerto Rico part of the U.S. immigration system?
Can an immigration attorney in Puerto Rico help with green cards and visas?
Are you an Immigration attorney in Puerto Rico?
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