Eric A. Orellana

Highly motivated U.S. Army veteran with a strong passion for helping the immigrant community. Equipped with over three years of paralegal experience specializing in immigration law, offering broad knowledge across various departments within the field.

Level: Secret

(2019 - Active)

• (3x) Army Achievement Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• Armed Forces Service Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ "M" Device
• Overseas Service Ribbon

Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

• Managed clients cases in Removal Proceedings, including the timely response to IJ Scheduling Orders, motion preparation, and tracking case progress via EOIR Courts & Appeals System (ECAS).
• Conducted interviews with asylum seekers to obtain affidavits, compiled evidence, and assisted in the preparation of Form I-589.
• Worked closely with Attorneys to research, draft, and finalize briefs for clients' Individual Hearings.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

• Prepared and filed family based petitions (Form: I-130/I-130A) for client's both inside and outside the U.S.
• Handled diverse employment authorizations petitions (Form: I-765) under various categories.
• Facilitated the adjustment of status for families by preparing and filing Form I-485, ensuring all supporting documentation was gathered and accurate.

Probate Court (Fairfield County)

• Skilled at identifying the elements of negligence, abandonment, or abuse that are essential for Special Immigrant Juvenile findings/decrees.
• Managed the preparations and filing of petitions such as Removal of Guardian, Appointment of Voluntary Guardian, and Appointment of Co-Guardianship with Probate Courts throughout Fairfield County.
• Acted as a certified translator for Spanish-speaking clients, offering support during telephonic and in-person hearings.

National Visa Center (NVC)

• Managed consular processing procedures for beneficiaries both domestic and international.
• Collected necessary income documentation, such as tax returns, W-2s, and 1099s, and prepared the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) accordingly.
• Submitted all essential documentation via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) system to facilitate the generation of interview date for the immigrant's entry into the United States.