How to Petition for a Family Member with the I-601A Waiver for Unlawful Presence in the U.S.

Es Abogada Asociada en GF Immigration Law, donde se enorgullece de contribuir a generar un cambio significativo dentro de la comunidad inmigrante. Está admitida en el Colegio de Abogados de Florida y cuenta con un Doctorado en Derecho (J.D.) de la Boston University School of Law, además de una Maestría en Derecho Internacional y Empresarial Europeo de la Universidad Pontificia Comillas en Madrid.

Ha trabajado en una amplia variedad de casos de inmigración, incluyendo peticiones familiares y formas de alivio humanitario como las visas U, VAWA y la Acción Diferida. Ha representado a numerosos clientes en entrevistas ante USCIS, ayudándolos exitosamente a obtener la residencia permanente. También ha representado a clientes en procesos de deportación y ante ICE, abogando por asilo, cancelación de deportación y explorando opciones de alivio fuera de los tribunales.

Como inmigrante, se siente afortunada de poder apoyar a personas y familias que atraviesan el mismo camino que ella recorrió. Comprende los desafíos que enfrentan los inmigrantes y valora profundamente la fortaleza, resiliencia y contribuciones de estas comunidades.

Es fluida en inglés y español, y se esfuerza por garantizar que cada cliente se sienta escuchado, respetado y empoderado a lo largo de su proceso.

Julia es socia fundadora de  Abogada Julia – GF Immigration Law, PA, licenciada en Florida y Washington State, y autorizada para ejercer la ley federal de inmigración en los 50 estados. Cuenta con tres títulos en Derecho obtenidos en la Universidad de Miami y en Europa (Italia y España).

Her own immigration journey, from applying for visas to obtaining U.S. citizenship, allows her to personally understand the challenges and anxieties immigrants face. That experience fuels her commitment to guide every client with empathy and dedication.
Desde que fundó la firma, Julia ha liderado la representación de miles de personas en todo el país. Su misión es clara: ¡AUN SIN PAPELES, TIENES DERECHOS!.
Her passion for human rights and justice not only drives her work with clients, but also shapes the building of a strong and committed team. Under her leadership, the firm has grown into a movement that transforms lives and defends the dignity of immigrant communities.

Michael Tefel es Abogado Asociado Junior en GF Immigration Law, P.A., donde enfoca principalmente su práctica en visas T, apelaciones y ajuste de estatus. Asiste a clientes que buscan protección como víctimas de trata de personas a través de solicitudes de visa T, navega procesos complejos de apelaciones migratorias para impugnar decisiones adversas y ayuda a personas elegibles a ajustar su estatus a residencia permanente legal.

Michael obtuvo su título de Juris Doctor (J.D.) en la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de St. Thomas en mayo de 2025, graduándose magna cum laude y dentro del 10% superior de su clase. También completó el programa de Certificación en Práctica Migratoria. Durante la facultad de derecho, representó a clientes en la Clínica de Inmigración, defendiendo a personas de bajos recursos en procesos de deportación, y aportó más de 300 horas pro bono en una variedad de asuntos legales, reflejando su compromiso con el servicio y la defensa.

Antes de la facultad de derecho, Michael obtuvo una licenciatura en Historia en Sewanee: The University of the South. Fluido en inglés y español, logra conectar y abogar por una amplia diversidad de clientes.

En GF Immigration Law, P.A., Michael está comprometido en brindar una representación compasiva, diligente y eficaz a individuos y familias que buscan un mejor futuro en los Estados Unidos.

Ruth se graduó de la facultad de derecho en 2022 y ha dedicado su carrera jurídica al derecho de inmigración. Tiene experiencia en defensa contra deportación, peticiones familiares y formas humanitarias de alivio migratorio, trabajando de cerca con personas y familias que enfrentan algunos de los momentos más desafiantes de sus vidas.

Ingresó al campo del derecho de inmigración con un propósito claro: dar voz a quienes se han sentido silenciados. Ya sea defendiendo a sus clientes en los tribunales o ayudando a reunir familias, Ruth se esfuerza por brindar una representación sólida y compasiva en cada paso del camino.

Gemma Zeng is an Associate Attorney at GF Immigration Law, PA. She focuses on family-based immigration, T visas, and VAWA cases.

She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law and her LL.M. from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Gemma bridges cultural and linguistic gaps for her clients.

Her passion for immigrant advocacy stems from her cross-cultural experience and a strong belief in justice and fairness. She combines compassion with diligent legal strategy to make a meaningful difference.

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” – Benjamin Franklin

Asad Demetree is an Immigration Attorney focused on T visas and U visas. He previously served at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, where his passion for helping immigrant clients led him into immigration law.

A Syrian-American immigrant himself, Asad is fluent in Arabic and conversational in Spanish. His dedication is fueled by personal and family experiences, and he is committed to being a source of light and hope for vulnerable communities.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Humberto Marrero is an Associate Attorney in the Initial Filings team, focusing primarily on T visa cases. He earned his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 2024 and is licensed to practice law in Florida.

Humberto’s first exposure to law came through immigration, where he witnessed the challenges faced by immigrants and was inspired to advocate for vulnerable voices. Fluent in English and Spanish, he strives to make the legal process clear and accessible for every client.

Outside the office, he enjoys playing golf and spending time with family and friends.

Olta Gjoca is an Associate Attorney at GF Immigration Law. She focuses primarily on Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) in T visa cases.

Olta earned her B.A. in History from Creighton University and her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. During law school, she was part of the Moot Court Honor Society and interned with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York, where she assisted with asylum cases and adjustment of status petitions.

After graduation, Olta began her career at a medical malpractice defense litigation firm in Manhattan before moving to Miami to practice immigration law. She first worked at a business immigration firm before joining GF Immigration Law, where she has been dedicated to humanitarian immigration for the past two years.

Vanessa Baez is the Supervising Immigration Attorney for the Removal Defense Team at GF Immigration Law. A first-generation American with Dominican roots, she speaks Spanish fluently.

She graduated from Florida International University in 2015 and earned her J.D. magna cum laude from St. Thomas University School of Law in 2018, where she was a Merit Scholar and Pro Bono Service Award recipient. During law school, she represented low-income clients through the St. Thomas Immigration Clinic and participated in multiple national immigration pro bono projects.

With over six years of experience, Vanessa has represented clients in USCIS matters and removal defense cases nationwide. She is admitted to practice in Florida and is a member of The Florida Bar.

Xinia Bermúdez is a Supervising Attorney at GF Immigration Law, PA. She leads the team handling T visas, U visas, VAWA, and other humanitarian cases before USCIS. She also prepares clients for residency and naturalization interviews.

Before joining GF Immigration Law, Xinia was a Supervising Attorney at Catholic Legal Services in Miami, representing families separated under the “Zero Tolerance” policy. She has also worked with the U.S. House of Representatives, Street Law, and the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL), supporting victims of human rights violations in Latin America.

Xinia earned her B.A. in Politics and Latin American Studies from New York University and her J.D. with honors and a concentration in International Law from Boston University School of Law.

Eric Suarez is a seasoned immigration attorney with over a decade of experience. He has successfully represented clients before USCIS, immigration courts, the U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. federal courts. His expertise spans asylum, cancellation of removal, permanent residence, and citizenship.

Eric served as a crimmigration expert in multiple high-profile cases in Maryland and secured a favorable published decision in A.G. v. Garland, 72 F.4th 22 (4th Cir. 2023).

He is licensed in Maryland, the U.S. District Court for Maryland, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Ana Amores is an Associate Attorney in the Initial Filings department. She has three years of experience in humanitarian immigration, with particular focus on T visas and VAWA cases.

Born in Cuba, Ana brings a personal perspective and a deep understanding of the immigrant experience to her work. She graduated from law school in 2022, is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.