Janina Santiago

Joining US-ILC has been a highly rewarding experience. Working in the immigration field has provided me with the opportunity to connect with individuals experiencing complex legal processes and to support them during these challenging times. I value my interactions with both my teammates and our clients. This experience has strengthened my ability to approach each case with empathy. By remaining current on immigration news and developments, I also have the tools to share accurate information and offer meaningful support to friends, family, and those I serve. I take pride in being a source of guidance.

I have always enjoyed working directly with people, from my early experience in retail to supporting patients in medical offices and now assisting immigration clients. Prior to transitioning into immigration law, I spent over six years working in various medical specialties, primarily managing records and handling contracts. My professional background is deeply rooted in recordkeeping and contract management.

I am a FOIA/Records Associate within US-ILC’s Records Department. In this role, I am responsible for submitting Freedom of Information Act requests to various agencies, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. FOIA requests are essential for helping us to understand our clients’ immigration history and assess their eligibility for immigration benefits. My prior experience in the medical field has provided a solid foundation for my current work. Whether obtaining records for a patient or an immigration client, I am dedicated to helping people access the information they need to make informed decisions.

In my personal time, I enjoy spending staycations at home with my husband and two sons, engaging in simple but meaningful activities such as watching movies together. I also appreciate outdoor activities, including fishing and camping. In addition, crafting is my creative outlet, and I design custom stickers, iron-on transfers, personalized mugs, and decorative face masks. I have devoted considerable time to developing and refining my crafting skills.