Navigating U.S. Immigration Law: Key Strategies for Legal Practitioners (Presented by Lawyer Stories)

Veronica Cardenas, Esq. | Cardenas Immigration Law

Veronica Cardenas, Esq. is an award-winning immigration attorney, entrepreneur, and first generation Latina committed to bringing humanity and justice to immigration law. As the daughter of Colombian and Peruvian immigrants and a proud mother of three, she understands firsthand the challenges and resilience that define the immigrant experience.

With nearly 13 years as an Assistant Chief Counsel for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Veronica advised DHS stakeholders, trained prosecutors, and worked with agencies like the U.S. Department of Justice and USCIS to navigate complex immigration cases. However, after witnessing the injustices within the system, she made the bold decision to resign in 2023 and fully dedicate herself to defending and empowering immigrants.

She is the founder of Cardenas Immigration Law, where she provides strategic, human-centered legal representation, and Humanigration, a mentorship platform that educates immigration attorneys on how to serve their clients with both expertise and empathy. A recognized thought leader and media contributor, Veronica has been featured in Business Insider, HuffPost, The Hill, ABC, MSNBC, Business Insider, and more. Her mission is clear: to reshape the immigration system through advocacy, mentorship, and education—because immigration is not just about policies, it’s about people.

I. Structure and stages of removal proceedings | 12:00pm – 12:15pm

II. Burdens of proof: government vs. respondent | 12:15pm – 12:30pm

III. Contesting removability and challenging charges | 12:30pm – 12:45pm

IV. Common relief applications | 12:45pm – 1:00pm

• Adjustment of Status
• Cancellation of Removal (LPR and Non-LPR)
• Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT
• Waivers (212(h), 237(a)(1)(H), 212(c))
• Voluntary Departure