Meet the team that's ready to guide you through each step of your immigration process.
Conozca al equipo que está preparado para acompañarle en cada paso de su proceso de inmigración.
Conozca al equipo que está preparado para acompañarle en cada paso de su proceso de inmigración.
Raquel BalderasExecutive Director, Accredited Representative DOJRaquel Balderas is an approved legal representative accredited by the Department of Justice with over 11 years of experience as a paralegal. With an education built on the foundation of advocacy, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Minor in Spanish from Hope College, as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Legal Studies, and a Master's Degree in Urban Education from Davenport University, she efficiently changes lives in ways that extend beyond paperwork.
Raquel values providing equitable services, especially to underserved populations. She strives to be accessible, enjoys educating her clients, and makes client transparency a priority, so as to reduce anxiety and uncertainty. As a Hispanic herself, advocating for this vulnerable population is critical. After many client experiences of unauthorized practice of law, ineffective assistance of counsel, and other unethical legal practices, she founded the Immigrant Assistance Center of West Michigan in December of 2020, with the intention to provide credible reduced-fee legal services and make the American Dream financially attainable for anyone seeking these services. Raquel is the mother of two and understands the need to be flexible and patient. She is compassionate towards those fearing separation from their loved ones and looks forward to the opportunity to give back to her community. |
Roxanne DuranOffice ManagerRoxanne has experienced first-hand, the challenges that couples can face when pursuing an immigration process. Her experience in navigating the immigration system with her spouse allows her to approach client relationships with compassion and empathy.
She has over 20 years of customer service experience and spent the last 10 years working in nonprofit community health which provided her with a unique opportunity to advocate for client needs in mental health and wellness. She brings this experience to her interactions with clients as she assists in the navigation of their cases from start to finish. Roxanne has a heart for service, and looks forward to assisting clients on their immigration journey. |
Jessica Gonzalez MejiaLegal AssistantJessica was born into a Mexican immigrant family who, from a young age, has experienced the struggle and realities of what the immigration process entails.
Having seen firsthand how Raquel has assisted so many, including some of her own family members, Jessica is excited to play a role in helping others through their immigration journey. Jessica is currently working toward her degree in Business Administration through Grand Rapids Community College. She is a native Spanish speaker with 5 years of customer service experience and hopes to utilize these assets in her client interactions, and looks forward to assisting her fellow community in achieving the American Dream. |