Armando Ortiz

What I respect most about US-ILC is the consistent support I receive from my case coordinator and colleagues, as well as the excellent work environment. I appreciate being part of a team I can turn to for guidance and support. US-ILC also provides us with the tools and Standard Operating Procedures necessary to ensure that we have access to useful information for our immigration cases.

For the past several years, I have worked as a legal assistant in the immigration field, supporting attorneys, clients, and case teams throughout the immigration process. I began my immigration legal career at a law firm, where I worked in the family-based immigration department. While there, I gained hands-on experience managing case statuses and USCIS processing times, submitting inquiries for delayed applications, and assisting with National Visa Center inquiries related to alien relative petitions. I was responsible for following up on FOIA results from the FBI and other federal agencies, as well as coordinating attorney-client calls and in-person meetings.

Since joining US-ILC, I have worked as a legal assistant in the Litigation Department. My main responsibilities include reviewing, interpreting, and filing notices, motions, and orders received through the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s secure messaging system. I also set reminders for master calendar hearings, individual hearings, and other important deadlines; coordinate attorney assignments; and help ensure that supporting evidence is prepared before hearing dates.

I credit my legal background with giving me the ability to understand a variety of immigration scenarios and identify the documents and information most important to each type of case. This experience has enabled me to take on multiple roles and responsibilities within the immigration field.

Beyond my work in immigration law, I studied English at language academies and independently improved my conversational skills. Although Spanish is my native language, I am also fluent in Portuguese, which I was inspired to learn because of my interest in Brazilian culture. I also hope to continue learning German and Japanese. Running and swimming are important parts of my routine because they help me manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.