Marely Ibarra
Houston
Summary
Bilingual Immigration Paralegal with experience supporting attorneys in removal defense, humanitarian, and family-based immigration matters before USCIS, EOIR, and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Skilled in preparing legal filings, drafting affidavits and hardship declarations, coordinating evidence collection, and assisting with hearing preparation and federal court matters. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy in fast-paced legal environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Immigration Paralegal
The Law Office of Omar O Vargas
2025.02 - Current
- Manage immigration matters before USCIS, EOIR, and the BIA, including removal defense, humanitarian relief, and family-based immigration cases.
- Prepare and file EOIR-42A, EOIR-42B, VAWA, asylum, bond, and stay of removal applications, as well as adjustment of status, waivers, U visas, T visas, and naturalization applications.
- Draft affidavits, declarations, legal briefs, motions, and hardship statements supporting immigration relief applications and court proceedings.
- Assist attorneys with Master Calendar Hearings, Bond Hearings, Individual Merits Hearings, and federal habeas corpus litigation in the Southern District of Texas.
- Coordinate evidence collection with clients, medical providers, and expert witnesses while ensuring compliance with court deadlines and filing requirements.
- File pleadings and supporting evidence through ECAS and monitor case status through EOIR and USCIS systems.
Legal Assistant
The Law Office of Fernando Alvarez
2024.04 - 2025.02
- Assisted attorneys with case preparation, legal document drafting, and client communications.
- Prepared and organized immigration applications, supporting evidence, and filing packets for submission to USCIS and Immigration Court.
- Communicated with clients regarding case updates, document requests, and appointment scheduling.
- Collected, reviewed, and organized supporting documentation to ensure complete and accurate filings.
- Drafted correspondence, affidavits, and declarations in support of immigration cases.
- Maintained case files and monitored deadlines to ensure timely filings and responses.
- Coordinated with clients and third parties to obtain records and supporting evidence.
- Assisted with intake interviews and gathered information necessary for case preparation.
- Prepared bilingual correspondence and translated documents between English and Spanish as needed.
Receptionist
Skyland Transport
2021.05 - 2024.04
- Served as the first point of contact for customers, drivers, and vendors, providing professional and bilingual customer service in English and Spanish.
- Processed customer payments, issued receipts, and maintained accurate payment records and transactions.
- Coordinated communication between drivers, dispatch personnel, customers, and management regarding schedules and operational updates.
- Scheduled appointments, managed calendars, and handled high-volume phone and email communications.
- Maintained records, processed documentation, and assisted with invoicing and data entry.
- Handled incoming and outgoing correspondence and maintained organized physical and electronic filing systems.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Texas Southern University
Houston, TXSkills
- Immigration Case Management
- Legal Drafting
- Case Analysis
- Deadline Management
- Document Preparation
- ECAS Filing
- Client Relations
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Notary Public (Texas)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Immigration Paralegal
The Law Office of Omar O Vargas
2025.02 - Current
Legal Assistant
The Law Office of Fernando Alvarez
2024.04 - 2025.02
Receptionist
Skyland Transport
2021.05 - 2024.04
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Texas Southern University