Maria Paulino
Bronx,USA
Summary
Experienced Immigration Services Officer with a strong background in fraud detection, adjudication, and national security matters. Demonstrated expertise in identifying and addressing complex fraudulent immigration schemes and safeguarding national interests. Serve as the primary liaison for congressional inquiries at the New York City Field Office, ensuring timely, accurate, and policy-compliant responses. Proven ability to navigate high-stakes cases with discretion, efficiency, and integrity.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Immigration Services Officer II GS-12 - Fulltime
USCIS
NY, NY
03.2022 - Current
- Interviewing applicants and petitioners to gather critical information and ensure accurate, fair case assessments. Make determinations on complex immigration cases, including those with national security or serious public safety implications, while performing thorough security screenings and fraud detection efforts. Implement anti-fraud tools and analytical methodologies to collect, assess, and interpret data in order to identify fraud patterns, systemic vulnerabilities, and recommend corrective measures.
- Evaluating the impact and efficiency of current and proposed regulations, policies, and procedures to support informed decision-making, and continuous improvement.
- Conducting independent legal research and drafting a wide range of legal documents, including briefs, legal opinions, decisions, notices of intent, motions, as well as Notices to Appear (NTA) for individuals in removal proceedings in accordance with immigration laws and agency policies.
- Designing and implementing standard operating procedures to proactively detect and prevent benefit fraud, while monitoring progress to ensure key objectives and performance goals are achieved.
- Experience using systems like DNS-DS NexGen, TECS, NCIC, CPMS, ICMS, EDMS, CIS2, CITRIX, ADIS, CSP, RAILS, PCQS, ELIS, PCIS UI, VIBE, CCD-IVANS, CCDO-FUO, STACKS, NASS, ROSS, IMPACT, ECCHO, STAR-LETS, SRMT, Benefits Hub, sworn statements, as well as other law enforcement databases. Participated in several details and recognitions, such as the FDNS Pilot Program, the FDNS Travel Along Program, the Credible Fear Detail, the HSI Forensic Laboratory Course, Wicklander Certification on Interviewing Techniques, and lastly, USCIS’ FY24 Grant Application Merit Review..
- Serve as the primary liaison for congressional inquiries in the New York City region, coordinating directly with congressional offices to address complex immigration casework, and ensure accurate and timely responses.
- Supervisor: Juan Contreras, Cell Phone: (646) 628-3853.
Immigration Services Assistant (OA) GS-7 - Full-time (40hr - $49,976)
USCIS
NY, NY
04.2019 - 03.2022
- Review disaster assistance needs, prepare supporting documentation, and forward to supervisor for further action. Provide applicants with appropriate referrals to other Federal, State, and local agencies, voluntary organizations, and faith-based organizations. Verify applicants that are referred to Individual Assistance Program. Refer individual applicant for further case inquires.
- Communicate directly with disaster survivors, to discuss case status and provide clarification with the assistance process, disaster assistance programs, and the status of their case. Thoroughly review issues to be addressed to assist disaster survivor.
- Supervisor: William Silva Cell Phone: 646-254-2122
Applicant Services Program Specialist
FEMA
03.2016 - 04.2019
- Communicate directly with disaster survivors to discuss case status and provide clarification on the assistance process, disaster assistance programs, and the status of their case.
- Review, research, and analyze applicant case files to determine eligibility and recommend appropriate action.
- Respond to inquiries from applicants via phone, email, or in person, providing detailed and compassionate guidance.
- Communicate program policies and procedures to the public and partner organizations.
- Coordinate with internal departments and external agencies to resolve complex case issues.
- Maintain accurate case documentation in FEMA systems and databases.
- Participate in community outreach events or Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), as assigned.
- May supervise or train temporary staff during major disaster responses.
- Serie: IH 00 - Supervisor: Several
Organized Retail Crime Specialist
Gap Inc.
04.2012 - 04.2019
- As an ORC Specialist for Gap Inc. for the entire Northeast Region Team, I work closely with criminal investigators and other law enforcement personnel on active investigations, utilizing advanced investigative methods to collect evidence and intelligence that supports the prosecution of criminal offenses.
- Provides courtroom testimony regarding surveillance operations and evidence-gathering activities, including serving as an expert witness in matters related to electronic surveillance.
- Offers specialized knowledge in planning and conducting the electronic surveillance components of major law enforcement investigations and operations;
- Conducts covert, court-authorized entries into locations such as residences, businesses, or vehicles of investigation targets to install electronic surveillance tools and collect critical evidence.
- Acts as a subject matter expert, delivering training and guidance to other retai specialist, and other law enforcement staff involved in surveillance and investigative duties.
- Full-time (40hr Salary$50,000)
Education
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security & Risk Management
Mercy College
Westchester County04.2014
Advance High School Diploma - Liberal Arts - High School
International School For Liberal Arts (ISLA)
The Bronx06.2010
Skills
- Immigration Adjudication & Fraud Detection
- Homeland Security & Risk Assessment
- Interviewing & Case Analysis
- FOIA Requests & Congressional Liaison
- Microsoft Office & Federal Databases
- Bilingual: Fluent in Spanish
- Effective Time Management
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
- Exceptional Customer Service
Timeline
Immigration Services Officer II GS-12 - Fulltime
USCIS
03.2022 - Current
Immigration Services Assistant (OA) GS-7 - Full-time (40hr - $49,976)
USCIS
04.2019 - 03.2022
Applicant Services Program Specialist
FEMA
03.2016 - 04.2019
Organized Retail Crime Specialist
Gap Inc.
04.2012 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security & Risk Management
Mercy College
Advance High School Diploma - Liberal Arts - High School
International School For Liberal Arts (ISLA)