Law Offices of Giselle M. Rodriguez, PLLC

Every once in a while, a case reminds me exactly why I do what I do. This is one of those moments. My client, originally from #Sudan, came to the U.S. with a dream - a better life for himself and his family. From the moment we met, his determination and work ethic stood out. We worked hard together, preparing for his immigration interview, going over every detail to make sure he felt confident and ready. And when the big day arrived? He passed on the spot! Not only was he approved, but he also had the opportunity to take his oath that same day. With his wife unable to attend, I was honored to be there to witness this moment. Becoming a U.S. citizen is no small achievement, it represents years of perseverance, sacrifices, and hope. To my client: Congratulations! Your journey is an inspiration, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish in this new chapter. #immigration #law #success #client

Giselle and NBC Boston: Immigration Question of the Day Series (5/12) Today’s Question: How long does it take to get a green card? I was recently interviewed by NBC Boston for their "Common Immigration Questions” series. NBC Boston is doing great work to support immigrant communities by sharing helpful information about immigration law. The timeline for obtaining a green card can vary greatly depending on your specific circumstances. Unfortunately, the process can be frustrating and unpredictable. There is no definitive standard timeline because the duration depends on several factors, including the type of green card you’re applying for, the processing center handling your case, and backlogs in the system. It’s important to stay informed about your case and remain patient. Consulting with an experienced immigration attorney or a qualified non-profit organization can help you navigate the process and address any challenges along the way. Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/uNQ550UWox2

"The most rewarding moment was receiving a picture from a client holding the American flag after she became a U.S. citizen...It felt like all the effort I had put in had truly paid off." -Valentina. Valentina met with clients with compassion and kindness, always listening intently and making them feel at ease. One of her tasks was to assist a client with her personal declaration detailing the abuse she endured from her U.S. citizen spouse. Valentina’s empathy and professionalism made the client feel incredibly comfortable. Thank you Valentina for all you did! Here is what she had to say: “I am a third-year student at Northeastern University, majoring in International Business & Affairs with a minor in Law and Public Policy. My academic journey, along with my personal experiences as an immigrant, has shaped my interest in understanding immigration law. Having gone through the process myself, I’ve always felt curious about how I could help others in similar transitions. I applied to GMR after hearing about the experiences of past interns, particularly Sofia Bedoya. Her stories about the mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities provided by Giselle and Tristian inspired me to apply. At GMR, I worked on a variety of tasks, each emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and empathy. Immigration law is not just about filling out forms--it’s about the people behind the cases, their dreams, struggles, and futures. The most rewarding moment was receiving a picture from a client holding the American flag after she became a U.S. citizen. I had assisted her in preparing for her citizenship exam by conducting a mock exam and helping her feel more confident. When I saw that picture, it felt like all the effort I had put in had truly paid off. I developed stronger communication skills and learned how to empathize with clients in challenging situations and communicate clearly. Giselle and Tristian played a huge role in my growth. One of the most impactful aspects of working with Giselle was the way she mentored her interns. She treated us as valuable members of the team, providing us with hands-on opportunities to engage in meaningful work. Tristian also played an essential role in my internship experience. He is a thoughtful and approachable professional who genuinely cares about the success and growth of the interns he works with. From the start, his down-to-earth nature made it easy to connect with him and feel comfortable in the workplace. He actively sought feedback about our internship experience. His dedication to making the internship meaningful highlighted the strong values he brings to GMR. Looking back, the experience at GMR was about much more than just learning immigration law. It was about understanding the broader context of immigration law and its impact on people’s lives..” You are missed Valentina! Northeastern University #Law #Immigration

Xaviyah interned for us last semester, and she played an important role in several U.S. citizenship client mock N-400 prep sessions, doing an excellent job. She also helped send a detailed list of resources to a client we weren’t able to assist directly, giving the extra mile and making sure they were still guided in the right direction. Grateful for her dedication and the impact she made during her time with us! Emmanuel College (Boston)Emmanuel College (Boston)Emmanuel College (Boston)ship #Intern #Law #Immigration

Giselle and NBC Boston: Immigration Question of the Day Series (4/12) Today’s Question: Can I work while my green card is pending? I was recently interviewed by NBC Boston for their "Common Immigration Questions" series. It’s a privilege to contribute to this conversation and help answer some of the community’s most frequently asked questions. The ability to work while your green card is pending depends on your specific case. If you are applying for a green card through adjustment of status in the United States, you may be eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This allows you to work legally while your green card application is being processed. However, if you are going through consular processing outside the United States, you would need to wait until your green card is approved before you can begin working. It’s not always straightforward, and complications can arise, so seeking guidance from an immigration attorney or a qualified non-profit is recommended. Tune in to NBC Boston as we address more of your immigration questions. Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/gvhI50URk0R

This is me with a client from the Dominican Republic who I was lucky enough to assist in her U.S. citizenship process. She had the opportunity to apply for citizenship years ago, but due to circumstances beyond her control, it didn’t happen at the time. Timing, however, works in mysterious ways, and this time, it worked perfectly. During her interview, we had an angel of an officer. There was one topic we thought he might ask about, and we had prepared thoroughly - but to our surprise, he didn’t ask any follow-up questions. Then came the words we had been waiting for: “I have approved your case.” The joy, relief, and excitement we felt in that moment are indescribable. Sometimes, the right timing and a little bit of grace make all the difference. Congratulations to my amazing client - you earned this moment, and it was truly a privilege to be part of your journey. #immigration #law #success #client

The U.S. citizenship ceremony is more than just a legal win - it’s a day my clients will remember for the rest of their lives. That’s why I make it a priority to assist them during their interviews whenever I can, and often times even attend the oath ceremony with them. For many clients, the process brings up a mix of emotions: nerves, anxiety, and anticipation. Some have never been in front of a USCIS officer before, while others may have had challenging or even negative experiences in the past. My goal is to help ease those worries, be a steady presence, and make sure the process goes as easy as possible. This day represents the end of years of hard work and hope. To stand beside my clients as they take this step is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. GMR Out!! #Immigration #Law

Giselle and NBC Boston: Immigration Question of the Day Series (3/12) Today’s Question: What should I bring to an immigration interview? As part of NBC Boston's "Common Immigration Questions" series, I had the opportunity to address concerns about immigration law. NBC Boston continues to support immigrant communities by sharing practical information, making these topics easier to understand. Attending an immigration interview can be stressful, but preparation is key. It’s essential to bring your complete case file, which includes original documents, supporting evidence, and copies of everything submitted to USCIS. Having an attorney with you is highly advisable. This ensures that if you encounter unexpected questions or issues, you have legal representation to protect your rights and guide you through the process. Immigration officers have a great deal of discretion, and while most interviews go smoothly, it’s always better to be prepared. The goal is to make the process as seamless as possible. Tune in to NBC Boston as we address more of your immigration questions. Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/GIij50UOJkj #Immigration

This past summer, I had the pleasure of working with Rebecca, one of our awesome interns from Boston University. To show my appreciation, I wanted to take our interns to the Envoy Rooftop for a goodbye lunch - and we had an amazing time! I first met Rebecca during a Women in Law panel at Boston University, and the rest, as they say, is history. From the very start, she stood out for her maturity, focus, and dedication to her work. She’s someone who takes her tasks seriously and always brings her best to the table. Rebecca, I’m so proud of the work you’ve done with us, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you. The legal world better be ready because you’re going to make waves. Thank you for being part of our team this summer, you are already missed!! Boston University #Internship #Intern #Law #Immigration

I was lucky enough to have been invited to participate in a panel hosted by AffiniPay in Austin, TX, and I just have to say - what an amazing experience! First, a huge thank you to Gabriela and Tyler for the invitation and for making this such a great event. I finally got to meet Gabriela, whom I had met virtually in the past - it was so nice to connect in person! I also met Ellen, Candace, who asked such thoughtful and engaging questions during a discussion, and Nicole, who approached me after the panel with such a warm welcome. It was great to meet fellow panelists: Greg, Alex, and Katrina, a fellow immigration lawyer, as well as Steven. I’m grateful for the chance to exchange ideas and insights with them. A special mention to the keynote speaker, Gabriela Thomas, whose perspective on life and the things she’s achieved through discipline was so inspiring. Thank you again to the entire AffiniPay team for such a warm and inviting experience. I left feeling energized, inspired, and grateful for the connections made and the knowledge shared! AffiniPay #Law #Immigration