Elsy Ramos Velasquez is an Associate with the Immigration business unit in Clark Hill’s Washington D.C.’s office.
Elsy Ramos Velasquez
Elsy has experience in preparing and submitting complex asylum, family-based, SIJS, VAWA, and U visa as well as waiver applications. She also counsels and assists in preparing and submitting non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications to U.S. consulates.
Elsy represents clients before immigration courts, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and Maryland family courts.
What led you to a career in the law?
I always knew I wanted to help people. In high school, I was placed in a law academy where I met attorneys and judges, and I also interned for two weeks at the state house in Maryland. This opened my eyes to the legal field. I did not realize I wanted to specialize in immigration until college when I volunteered at a non-profit organization in Miami. I saw that I could help people and also challenge myself to always keep learning.
How long have you been practicing and what are significant changes you’ve seen during your career?
I have been in the legal field for approximately 11 years, but I have been practicing for 2.5 years. After graduating from college, I worked as a paralegal for five years before going to law school. Over the last 11 years, I have seen significant changes in the law and also the policies and procedures that have been implemented by the federal agencies we deal with. Since being admitted as an attorney, there have been constant changes in the law. What has been most significant are the policies being implemented under the current administration and how each federal agency interprets and applies these policies.
What is on the horizon that causes you concern or that you see as an opportunity?
I am deeply concerned about continued changes to well-established policies and procedures. The simplest of cases have now become overly complex. People are now hesitant about seeking to obtain legal status in the United States because they do not believe they qualify.
While the constant changes are concerning, it is also a wonderful opportunity for attorneys to challenge these policies. It is also an opportunity for attorneys to step outside of their comfort zones.
What key piece of information or understanding do you hope every client has?
I want clients to know that they matter. Their case is important to us and we will work with them to find the best solution to their situation. It is also important for them to understand that immigration law is complex and what may work for their friend or family member may not work for them.