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How can I check the status of an immigration petition or application with USCIS or NVC?

by Jessica Stern | Oct 2, 2019 | Basic Immigration Information, Green Card, Immigration, Immigration Court, Naturalization, Pending Immigration Applications, Starting Immigration Petition

In order to check the status of your immigration petition or application with USCIS, you are free to check the status here: https://egov.uscis.gov/ casestatus/landing.do. You will be required to enter the receipt number of the application that you filed. This receipt...

What should I bring to an immigration interview?

by Jessica Stern | Sep 4, 2019 | Basic Immigration Information, Green Card, Immigration, Immigration Court, Naturalization, Pending Immigration Applications, Starting Immigration Petition

When deciding what to bring to an immigration interview, keep in mind that the immigration interview is designed for the officer to see if you are eligible for the benefit you are seeking. Always bring a full copy of everything that you filed for your application. It...

What should I wear to an immigration interview?

by Jessica Stern | Aug 28, 2019 | Basic Immigration Information, Green Card, Immigration, Immigration Court, Naturalization, Pending Immigration Applications, Starting Immigration Petition

When deciding what to wear for an immigration interview, the first thing to remember is that the immigration interview is a very important step in your process. We want the officer to know that you are taking it seriously and treating it with respect by reflecting...

How should I prepare for an immigration interview?

by Jessica Stern | Aug 21, 2019 | Basic Immigration Information, Green Card, Immigration, Immigration Court, Naturalization, Pending Immigration Applications, Starting Immigration Petition

No, non-U.S. Citizens should not be treated differently in criminal cases. The criminal justice system must treat any non-U.S. citizen the same as a U.S. citizen when they are charged with a crime. You have the right to an attorney in your criminal case, and you have...

Are non-U.S. Citizens treated differently in criminal cases?

by Jessica Stern | Aug 14, 2019 | Criminal Defense, Crimmigration, Immigration, Immigration Court

I’ve been arrested and I’m a non-U.S. citizen. Should I plead guilty to receive probation and avoid jail time?

by Jessica Stern | Jul 10, 2019 | Basic Immigration Information, Crimmigration, Green Card, Immigration, Immigration Court

It sounds appealing to plead guilty and get probation to avoid jail time. However, if you are not a U.S. citizen, this could be extremely damaging to your future chances of getting immigration status or even keeping your residency if you are a lawful permanent...

How do I get citizenship or a green card after marrying a U.S. Citizen?

by Jessica Stern | Jul 5, 2019 | Basic Immigration Information, Green Card, Immigration, Immigration Court

The process of getting citizenship or a green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen can vary A LOT depending on your circumstances. The immigration process is not a one-size-fits-all, so it’s important that you seek the counsel of an experienced attorney. If you...

Can a non-U.S. citizen be deported for driving without a license?

by Jessica Stern | Jun 5, 2019 | Criminal Defense, Crimmigration, Immigration, Removal (Deportation)

Technically, a driving without a license conviction by itself it not an offense you would be deported for. A person is deportable for being in the U.S. without legal status (which is usually why they are driving without a license). However, if you are in the United...

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Carolina Goyeneche Gomez, Outreach & Marketing Specialist

Carolina G. is a professional who applies her knowledge and expertise to develop marketing and outreach strategies in support of STERN Law's mission to help immigrants succeed to create a better life.

This work is essential for Carolina. Supporting minorities and standing up for what is right is a significant part of her life. Only recently emigrating from Colombia, Carolina has over ten years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Advertising. She launched several campaigns in the US and Colombia, and as a result, increased sales, opened new markets, and improved customer communications.

Carolina creates new opportunities for STERN Law by connecting the firm to those who need help most through marketing and communication strategies based on a "client-first" approach. She ensures that non-citizens have access to valuable information and is committed to growing the excellent relationships STERN Law has with the communities it serves.

When Carolina is not working, she likes running, hiking, and enjoying food and music with family and friends.

Pamela Gonzalez, Intake Specialist

Pamela was born in Colombia and raised both in Italy and Atlanta. She understands the challenges many can face as they rebuild better lives for themselves and their families in a new country. She is committed to providing compassionate support to every client who seeks the American Dream.

Pamela has shown a real passion for helping the disadvantaged and rooting for the underdog. She studied Political Science at Georgia State University to better understand how governments implement laws, their effect on the people they govern and how to bring about lasting positive change. She served Georgia’s leading civil rights fair housing for several years fighting housing discrimination and advocating for better treatment of all people, specifically in the Latino community and other underprivileged segments of society.

Pamela also enjoys spending as much time as possible in nature with her dog Mina, exploring new places and countries and going to the drive-in theater.

Carolina Melguizo, Director of 1st Impressions

Carolina M. was born in Medellin, Colombia. She graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in History and another in Political Science. She also has a paralegal certificate from the University of Georgia. Carolina has over 12 years of customer service experience and is passionate about helping people and the community. Her commitment to embody STERN Law’s mission stems from a personal struggle as an immigrant and the desire to assist others in achieving the American Dream.

Carolina is the first person to connect with our clients, colleagues and community members - either when they call us on the phone or walk through our doors. She connects them to the answers they need and makes sure they are headed on the right path. She also supports day-to-day office management to make sure our A-team has everything it needs to succeed.

She loves reading, hiking, salsa dancing and playing video games.

Ben Butera, Chief Operations Officer

Ben Butera joins Stern Law as COO after nearly 15 years working in the energy and utilities infrastructure industry. While Ben's personal focus has always been client-centric, his experience and responsibility has been equally split between business operations, strategic planning/growth enablement and technology development, giving him a diverse set of experiences to draw on to help contribute to the success of the Firm's clients.

Ben believes in the Firm's mission, and sees the application of new technology and innovative approaches to improving the client experience as an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our clients.

When not at STERN Law, Ben enjoys playing the piano, cooking and reading about economics and history.

Laura Cameron – Firm Administrator

Laura Cameron is a Georgia native who brings 20 years of firm administration experience - managing all aspects of day-to-day operations, administration and policy implementation at the human-to-human level. The motivating factor for Laura is helping provide staff with the tools and resources needed to excel in their individual roles and guide the success and objectives of the firm team.

As part of a proud military family, Laura knows firsthand the responsibility and sacrifice given for the bounty of having and enjoying all facets of the “American Dream.” She firmly believes those ideals shine brightest when others are provided the opportunity to share in that bounty and knows the core values that drive and guide STERN Law exemplify these values.

Some of her responsibilities include directing all support services, overseeing the firm’s human resources, finance, payroll, vendor, technology, facilities management, personnel and benefits. Laura credits her degrees in accounting and business administration for providing a solid foundation that continues to guide her success in the administrator role.

Laura’s off the job interests include volunteering in her community, spending time with her wonderful husband, enjoying the simple pleasures or pursing their like interests; Cooking and experimenting in the kitchen with her culinary student youngest son; learning the fine art of photography or the latest technology wonders with her oldest son, who will soon be married, adding a much needed daughter to the family mix.