Elina Magaly Santana
also known as Ely Santana, Elina M. Santana
About Elina
Biography
Immigration Attorney focused on marriage & family-based residency, citizenship, waivers, and deportation defense.
Elina Magaly Santana is an attorney licensed in the state of Florida, the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Ms. Santana is dedicated to representing the immigrant community nationwide. Ms. Santana focuses her practice on representing immigrants in affirmative petitions with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (“USCIS”), as well as providing direct representation at interviews and in deportation proceedings before U.S. Immigration Courts nationwide.
Ms. Santana earned her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law, where she served as an editor for the Public Interest Law Journal. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Spanish Literature at New York University with high honors.
Ms. Santana is a Board Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) South Florida, as well as a member of many other associations in the community. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 16 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Santana Rodriguez Law, P.A.
PO Box 141855, Coral Gables, FL, 33114
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Elina Magaly Santana's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 34 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 22, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
Excellent
Elina is not only an amazing attorney but also an outstanding person. She is caring, professional and a leading immigration attorney. She truly cares about her clients and is extremely involved in the legal community. Highly recommended.
Posted by J. Rodríguez | June 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Very knowledgeable!!
Even though my process took a little longer than I expected, it wasn’t her fault. (Thanks Trump!) Since day one she explained everything and all the possible scenarios and made feel very comfortable so I hired her. Along the process Elina and her team were very professional and helpful and I am real...
Posted by Maria | November 14, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
Knowledgeable and Efficient
Elina is amazing and truly cares about her clients. She reviewed a matter graciously and gave focused attention on how to best proceed. Based on the talking points, she ensures all available arguments are made. Her attention to detail and caring demeanor was great and much appreciated. Highly reco...
Posted by Angel | November 2, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
Immigration guru
I’ve known Elina for a few years now and I don’t know many lawyers who are as professional, friendly, and straightforward as she is. Highly knowledgeable and very trustworthy. I highly recommend her.
Posted by Ketruen | October 9, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Enlightening
I first called Santana Rodrigues Law P.A with a lot of questions about my husband's case. The first impression started when I was able to speak with Elina without paying anything. Her assistant scheduled a phone call where most of my questions were answered right away, and she provided us the best ...
Elina Magaly Santana's Lawyer Endorsements
"Elina is well-versed in all immigration issues and is one of my "go-to" professionals whenever I have client that may have an immigration issue. Moreover, she takes her time and provides the guidance and relief that many people need when in an immigration-related situation."
"Elina is a highly motivated and knowledgeable immigration attorney who truly cares for her clients. She is passionate about what she does and how she does it. I have recommended her to many of my clients and am happy to continue doing so!"
"Elina is a thoughtful, dedicated immigration attorney who truly cares about her clients and the community she serves. She approaches every case with professionalism, empathy, and a deep understanding of immigration law. I’ve seen her commitment to doing things the right way and advocating fiercely for her clients, and I would confidently recommend her to anyone in need of immigration counsel."
"Elina Santana is extremely well-respected in the legal community. Her expert-level knowledge in the areas of immigration waivers and family-based residency, coupled with an outstanding ability to effectively communicate complex immigration issues, makes her a distinct pleasure to work with."
"Elina is a fantastic immigration attorney and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a strong advocate."
"Elina Magaly Santana and I are members of some of the same professional groups and I have always found her to be incredibly knowledgeable and professional. Recommend her!"
"Ms. Santana is an excellent person and attorney, as she is highly motivated, genuine and intelligent. She truly cares about her work product and her clients. I’m proud to endorse her and her firm!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Santana has a passion for helping people. She is hardworking and very friendly! She would go the extra mile and put in the effort to see her clients' cases succeed. She runs a very organized office with a dedicated team and years of experience. You cannot go wrong with Santana Rodriguez Law!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Elina is very passionate about what she does. She is very knowledgeable, detail oriented and always ready, willing, and able to fight for her clients to get the best results. I highly recommend her for any and all your immigration needs."
"Elina is a great lawyer who knows her stuff and communicates well. I endorse her."
"I not only endorse this immigration lawyer, but I recommend that you call her if you have any questions about any facet of the law. Her AVVO rating says it all. She's a 10."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have had the pleasure of working with Elina on several cases. She is well versed in complex immigration litigation matters and she is very easy to work with. I endorse her."
"I worked with Elina previously, and she is very knowledgeable, driven and meticulous on the work she does. Now that she has her own firm, I know she does excellent work for each client. She really cares and takes the time to understand each client. I highly recommend her!"
"Elina's name was referred to me when I needed an attorney in the Miami area. She was very responsive and charismatic. I would def. work with her again."
"Elina is very active in AILA South Florida!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Elina is one of the most responsive attorneys I have ever met. She is never "too busy" to get back to her clients or colleagues. Truly impressive in today's day and age."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Client's Choice - Immigration Attorney, Avvo
2017
Client's Choice - Immigration Attorney, Avvo
2016
Top Immigration Attorney, Avvo
2015
Top Immigration Attorney, Avvo
2013
Most Valuable Member, BNI
2009
Pro Bono Honoree, Boston University School of Law
2006
Founder's Day Award, New York University
2006
Departmental High Honors, New York University
2003
University Honors Scholar, New York University
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Shareholder, Santana Rodriguez Law, PA
2012 - 2014
Senior Associate, Hermanni Law Group
2011 - 2012
Attorney, Galindo & Santana, PA
2009 - 2011
Associate, Immigration Group LLC
2008 - 2008
Law Clerk, Costa & Riccio LLP
2007 - 2007
Intern, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
Associations
2017 - Present
Women's Chamber of CommerceMember
2017 - Present
Florida Lawyer's NetworkMember; Director
2012 - Present
BNI Miami-DadeMember; President; Director
2009 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationPresident Elect; Board Member
2009 - Present
Miami-Dade County Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Hispanic National Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Red Dragon SocietyMember
2016 - 2017
American Immigration CouncilAmbassador
Sample of Legal Cases
Granted Residency
Granted Asylum
Granted Residency
Granted Citizenship
Granted Residency on her own based on Abuse of Spouse
Education
2009
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2020
Naturalize Miami Now: Tax, Child Support and Physical Presence issues
2020
When Love Across Borders Ends: The Immigration Consequences of Divorce
2020
After TPS Ends: Strategies to Keep Beneficiaries in the United States
2020
Strategies for I-601 Waivers in Adjustment of Status Cases
2020
Employment Authorization Issues and Solutions
2019
42B or Not to B: Presenting a Winning Cancellation Case
2019
Weaving Enchanted Tales When Filing Waivers in Immigration Court
2019
Unique Issues in LGBTQ Asylum
2018
Updates on Changes in Policies and Procedures by the Administration
2018
Marijuana and Immigration: How does the decriminalization of pot affect immigrants?
2018
Acquired and Derivative Citizenship
2017
2017
2016
The Intersection of Immigration and Family Law
2016
Waivers
2016
Publications
2020
2020
2020
2019
2018
2018
2018
2006
2005
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
I"m a US citizen living abroad, i'm filing i-130 for my husban and baby online. can my brother who has a credit card pay fee?
11 Aug 2021
My mom is a US citizen and she wants to claim my married brother for a green card. How long will the process take?
02 Nov 2020
I received a call from USCIS today but missed the call what should i do i apply for naturalization.?
10 Oct 2018