In this episode, we address a fundamental topic: the importance of having legal representation in immigration cases. As immigration policies become more complex and the threats of deportation and family separation increase, having an expert attorney is crucial to protecting your rights and accessing the best available legal options.
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Lis is an Associate Attorney at GF Immigration Law, where she takes pride in helping create meaningful change within the immigrant community. She is admitted to The Florida Bar and holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Boston University School of Law, as well as a Master’s Degree in European and International Business Law from Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, Spain.
She has worked on a wide range of immigration matters, including family-based petitions and humanitarian forms of relief such as U Visas, VAWA petitions, and Deferred Action. She has successfully represented numerous clients in USCIS interviews, helping them obtain lawful permanent residency. She has also represented clients in removal proceedings and before ICE, advocating for asylum, cancellation of removal, and exploring alternative forms of relief outside of immigration court.
As an immigrant herself, she feels privileged to support individuals and families navigating the same journey she once experienced. She understands the challenges immigrants face and deeply values the strength, resilience, and contributions of immigrant communities.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is committed to ensuring that every client feels heard, respected, and empowered throughout their immigration journey.
Giulia "Julia" Fantacci is the Founding Partner of Abogada Julia – GF Immigration Law, P.A. She is licensed to practice law in Florida and Washington State and is authorized to practice federal immigration law in all 50 states. She holds three law degrees earned from the University of Miami and universities in Europe (Italy and Spain).
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.
Since founding the firm, Julia has led the representation of thousands of individuals and families across the country. Her mission is clear: Even without papers, you have rights®.
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 is a Junior Associate Attorney at GF Immigration Law, P.A., where he primarily focuses his practice on T visas, immigration appeals, and adjustment of status cases. He assists clients seeking protection as victims of human trafficking through T visa applications, navigates complex immigration appeals to challenge adverse decisions, and helps eligible individuals obtain lawful permanent residence through adjustment of status.
Michael earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from St. Thomas University College of Law in May 2025, graduating magna cum laude and in the top 10% of his class. He also completed the Immigration Practice Certification Program. During law school, he represented clients through the Immigration Clinic, advocating for low-income individuals in removal proceedings, and contributed more than 300 hours of pro bono legal service across a variety of matters, reflecting his strong commitment to public service and advocacy.
Before attending law school, Michael earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Sewanee: The University of the South. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is able to connect with and effectively advocate for a diverse range of clients.
At GF Immigration Law, P.A., Michael is dedicated to providing compassionate, diligent, and effective representation to individuals and families seeking a better future in the United States.
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 is an Associate Attorney at Abogada Julia | GF Immigration Law, P.A., focusing on family-based immigration cases, T visas, and VAWA cases. She graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law and is fluent in English and Mandarin, allowing her to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps for her clients.
With a strong commitment to justice and equity, Gemma approaches each case with empathy and strategic precision. Her multicultural perspective strengthens her advocacy for immigrant clients, and she is committed to providing thoughtful and effective legal solutions that create a lasting impact.
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.
