The HMA Law FirM
PHONE: +1(703) 964-0245
FAX: +1(703) 997-8556
KDP@HMALEGAL.COM
EDUCATION
UNIVERSIDAD RAFAEL LANDIVAR (PSYCHOLOGY)
Karen is a Paralegal II specializing in Affirmative cases as well as Consular Processing Visas for The HMA Law Firm.
Education:
She studied at Rafael Landívar University (Psychology) in Guatemala.
Experience:
She worked at the U.S. Department of State with Law Enforcement Agencies and received extensive training in Consular Services, Immigration and Nationality Law Procedures and Visa Operations.
She worked for two years and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, processing Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqi nationals who became internally displaced because of their faithful and valuable service to the U.S. government during the U.S-Iraq war. Ensuring the authenticity of applications was part of her job. She handled over 400 SIV applications by herself. She established a network of contacts with local authorities, the international community, and the private sector to assist her with the SIV cases.
She also worked at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City processing Non-Immigrant visas, such as H-1B, F and B-2 visas; and Immigrant visas, such as K and U visas. As part of her job she investigated smuggling rings, gang activity and forged documents. She was experienced in handling large amounts of sensitive paperwork: Guatemala processed a total of 800 applicants per day, at one point, with a local employee team of six, total. and as a fraud prevention officer in Guatemala.
She has a deep understanding of State Department protocols and consular procedures. Her understanding of country dynamics coupled with her training enables her to help the Firm attorneys prepare very tailored, persuasive applications for relief, especially gang-related claims from Central America. And her deep knowledge of Titles 7 and 9 of the Foreign Affairs Manual helps in moving client cases through consular processing.
Other:
Karen is a citizen of the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala, bringing an extensive understanding of the dynamics of these countries and Central America, in general.
While representing the U. S. Department of State, she participated in web chats, outreach presentations, radio interviews on consular topics and co-published a bi-weekly newspaper column, “Ask the Consul”.
Karen is fluent in Spanish and English, and conversational in French.
