Ileana M Rivera

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Immigration Attorney with 10 years of experience. Hablo espanol.
  • Immigration Law
  • Puerto Rico
Review This Lawyer
Lawyer Rating and Reviews
Legal Knowledge
5.0/5.0
Legal Analysis
5.0/5.0
Communication Skills
5.0/5.0
Ethics and Professionalism
5.0/5.0
Marife Nazario-Yordan
Marife Nazario-Yordan February 14, 2021
Rating: 10 Lawyer Rating - 10 out of 10
Ileana is very knowledgeable about most if not all areas of Immigration Law, and she is especially good at caring about her clients' wellbeing and cases' outcomes. She's incredibly organized and thorough, and she was a pleasure to work with. Clients can be sure that she will do everything legally possible to get the most favorable outcome for their case.
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Biography

Ileana M. Rivera speaks English and Spanish and has 11 years of experience in the immigration field. She takes pride in being one of the fully bilingual and highly experienced attorneys in the Orlando area, offering full-service immigration representation.

Focusing exclusively on immigration law, Attorney Rivera has successfully represented thousands of clients in a wide range of processes, including naturalizations, family petitions, PERMs, EB2 NIWs, I-601 waivers, I-290B motions, removal of conditions with waivers, L1A visas, and E2 visas, among others. Serving the large Hispanic community, many of whom struggle to find competent legal representation, has been both a privilege and a rewarding aspect of her career.

Attorney Rivera graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In 2013, she earned her Juris Doctor from the Interamerican University and subsequently passed the Puerto Rico Bar and the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico Bar.

Her legal career began with impactful internships, including roles at the Public Defender’s Office in criminal defense and the Interamerican University Legal Clinic. She also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Brian K. Tester, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge. Demonstrating her dedication to public service, Rivera worked Pro Bono with the Puerto Rico Bar Association for one year and spent two years at the Supreme Court, where she developed an educational program to teach thousands of visitors about the judicial system and the historic Supreme Court.

Since 2013, Rivera has owned and managed immigration law firms. She offers CLE courses through AILA and serves as a senior instructor for immigration forms training.

Attorney Rivera’s dedication, expertise, and comprehensive immigration services make her a trusted advocate for clients navigating complex immigration matters.

Practice Area
Immigration Law
Asylum, Citizenship, Family Visas, Green Cards, Immigration Appeals, Investment Visas, Marriage & Fiancé(e) Visas, Student Visas, Visitor Visas, Work Visas
Video Conferencing
  • Google Meet
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • WhatsApp
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
    Credit card and debit cards accepted.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Call for a quote on attorney's fees.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Puerto Rico
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11th Circuit
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Federal Circuit
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Educator
The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico
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Law Clerk
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
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Education
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law
J.D. | Law
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Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law Logo
Professional Associations
La Rama Judicial de Puerto Rico  # 19962
Member
Current
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American Immigration Lawyers Association Florida
- Current
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Federal Bar Association
- Current
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Speaking Engagements
Citizenship Application Seminar, Conference, Orlando, Florida
Unidos por Ecuador
Citizenship, Workshop, 5601 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822
Ana G. Mendez University - Metro Orlando Campus
This Citizenship workshop helps green cardholders through the citizenship application process. The applicants received one on one orientation on how to qualify, which documents to submit, and how to fill out the application form.
Know Yor Rights, Conference, Alco - Adult Learning Center
Mi Familia Vota
Close to one hundred adults from different ages and nationalities attended the "Know your Rights" Conference. After the conference, many participants asked questions about asylum, citizenship, and how to apply for a green card. Thanks to the Osceola County community for participating and learning about Immigration law.
Websites & Blogs
Website
Immigration Universe
Blog
Immigration Universe
Legal Answers
32 Questions Answered
Q. Can I travel to the UK and return if my resident card expires and citizenship is pending?
A: Thank you for your question. If your permanent resident card (green card) is expired or will expire while you are traveling outside the U.S., you may encounter difficulties re-entering the United States, even if your naturalization (citizenship) application is pending. Airlines may not let you board your flight back to the U.S. without valid proof of permanent residency, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will require evidence that you continue to hold lawful permanent resident status.

To avoid any issues, I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment at your local USCIS office before traveling to request an I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) in your valid, unexpired passport. This stamp serves as temporary proof of your permanent resident status, usually valid for up to one year, and will allow you to re-enter the U.S. without a valid physical green card. All the best. ... Read More
Q. How can a non-resident US citizen start paying taxes to the IRS without a SSN?
A: Thank you for reaching out with your question.

Given the complexity of U.S. tax obligations for U.S. citizens living abroad, it would be best for you to consult with an experienced accountant or tax advisor in the United States who specializes in international or expatriate tax matters. They will be able to guide you properly based on your specific circumstances, including how to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN), whether you need to file tax returns with the IRS, and how your foreign income is treated under U.S. tax laws. All the best.
Q. Need lawyer help with USCIS visa application issues for mom due to file size limitations.
A: It sounds like you're facing a few challenges, but you're on the right track by seeking assistance from an experienced immigration lawyer. A lawyer with years of experience in USCIS visa applications should be able to take over your case and guide you through the process, ensuring it's done properly. They can also help resolve the technical issues you're encountering with uploading the affidavit papers due to file size limitations.n All the best.
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Contact & Map
Immigration Universe
7901 Kingspointe Pkwy
Suite 208
Orlando, FL 32819
US
Telephone: (407) 818-1244
Cell: (407) 720-8983
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Mon-Fri 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Free Parking in front of the building. Suite 8 - number is located at the top of the entrance door.