(803) 329-5999Tap to Call This Lawyer

Kelly M. Chicas

Law Office of Michael G. Matthews

18 years of experience
Immigration Law
Ohio, South Carolina

Badges

Claimed Lawyer Profile

Biography

Ms. Chicas has practiced immigration law exclusively since embarking on her legal career. She has considerable experience in a wide array of immigration matters, including deportation defense (cancellation of removal, 212(c) and 212(h) waivers for crimes, de novo TPS claims, and bond hearings), family-based immigration (adjustment of status and consular processing), visas for immigrant survivors of domestic violence and victims of crimes, waivers (for fraud, crimes, health-related bars and prior deportations), citizenship and naturalization, nonimmigrant ("temporary") visas, asylum, NACARA, and humanitarian relief (temporary protected status and parole). She has successfully represented clients in complex immigration matters before the Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals as well as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and various U.S. consulates and embassies abroad. Ms. Chicasr has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Spanish and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English from the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. She has also studied abroad in Toledo, Spain. Ms. Chicas's interest in immigration started when she worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at a local non-profit organization providing assistance to the immigrant and refugee community in northeast Ohio. During law school, Ms. Chicas pursued her interest in immigration law by working for a prominent employment-based immigration law firm and a non-profit organization providing legal assistance to migrant and seasonal farmworkers in southwest Michigan. After law school, Ms. Chicas began her legal career in the immigration field by working at a busy immigration law firm in Miami, Florida in 2006. In 2007, she joined an immigration law firm in Dallas, Texas where she helped to expand and develop the firm's practice. Prior to joining the Law Offices of Michael G. Matthews

Practice Area

Immigration Law: Asylum, Citizenship, Deportation Defense, Family Visas, Green Cards, Immigration Appeals, Investment Visas, Marriage & Fiancé(e) Visas, Student Visas, Visitor Visas, Work Visas

Fees

Credit Cards Accepted

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

Ohio
Since 2006

South Carolina
Since 2011

Languages

Spanish: Spoken, Written

Professional Experience

Associate Attorney: Law Office of Michael G. Matthews; 2009 - Current

Associate Attorney: Reina, Bates, & Kowalski Immigration Law Group; 2007 - 2009; Handled immigration matters including removal defense, family-based immigration (adjustment and consular processing), citizenship, naturalization, nonimmigrant visas, waivers, asylum, and humanitarian relief. Assisted immigrant survivors of domestic violence and crimes. Represented clients before the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court and the Board of Immigration Appeals. Drafted and filed briefs and motions at the trial and appellate levels.

Associate Attorney: Immigration Group, LLC; 2006 - 2007; Worked in immigration law practice catered to Spanish-speaking clients. Assisted clients with family-based immigration matters, asylum, naturalization, and deportation defense. Prepared legal briefs, appeals and motions. Appeared on behalf of clients before the Immigration Court and Citizenship and Immigration Services.