Cristina María Santiago

Biography

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Cristina María Santiago obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Law in 2012. While in Puerto Rico, Ms. Santiago worked at a local law firm and served for 4 and a half years in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, where she held several positions.

In early 2018, Ms. Santiago began to practice immigration law after moving to Miami, Florida. She went on to server as an Associate Attorney at various firms, appearing in immigration courts and USCIS in various states, including Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, Louisiana, and California.

In late 2020, Ms. Santiago moved with her family to Dallas, Texas. Prior to joining Chavez & Valko, LLP, Ms. Santiago for another immigration law firm in the Dallas area. She has assisted clients with a complete range of family-based immigration matters including adjustments of status, naturalization, U Visas, TPS, and VAWA petitions. She has also represented clients in removal proceedings before the immigration court.

Ms. Santiago is admitted to the State Bar of Puerto Rico and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She is fluent in Spanish and English. She currently lives with her partner in Uptown Dallas. In her spare time, Ms. Santiago enjoys travelling, cooking, running, and spending time with her family.

Education

• University of Puerto Rico Law School, San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Juris Doctorate – 2012
• University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Puerto Rico
  • B.A., Political Science – 2009

Professional Associations and Memberships

• American Immigration Lawyers Association, Present

Languages

• Spanish