Carlina Tapia-Ruano
Immigration attorney · Chicago, IL · Admitted Illinois 1980
About this attorney
Carlina Tapia-Ruano is a highly distinguished immigration attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, with decades of dedicated experience in the field of immigration and nationality law. Throughout her career, she has counseled individuals, families, and businesses through complex immigration processes, including family-based petitions, employment authorization, consular processing, and citizenship.
A recognized leader in the legal community, Ms. Tapia-Ruano previously served as President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). She earned her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 1980 and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University, which later conferred upon her an Honorary Doctor of Laws. She has been repeatedly recognized as a Super Lawyer and honored with awards for diversity advocacy and community service.
Ms. Tapia-Ruano is dedicated to providing compassionate, strategic, and individualized counsel to clients navigating the intricacies of federal immigration procedures. Her approach emphasizes diligent advocacy, ethical practice, and empowering clients through clear and reliable legal guidance.
Matters handled
Practices before USCIS, EOIR immigration courts, and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA):
Asylum and refugee protection
Green cards
Marriage and family petitions
Work visas
Citizenship and naturalization
Deportation defense
Student visas
Business immigration
Admissions
Licensing and court practice jurisdictions:
Authorized to appear and represent clients before all United States Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and USCIS administrative interviews nationwide under 8 C.F.R. § 1292.1.
Languages
Languages consultations and case preparations are conducted in:
Consultations
Consultation formats, fee structures, and scheduling terms:
Initial assessments conducted via secure video conference (Zoom/Meet), telephone, or in-person at the firm office.
Consultation fee is credited directly toward total legal representation fees if you retain the attorney.
Office
Physical office location, remote availability, and jurisdictions served:
Because United States immigration law is strictly federal, this attorney represents clients living across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and abroad with electronic filings and secure video consultations.
Contact
Reach Carlina directly by phone or submit your inquiry below:
Direct Consultation
Browse all bar-admitted immigration practitioners serving Illinois residents.
View Illinois State Hub →Carlina Tapia-Ruano pays to be listed on Greenway Lawyer. This listing is advertising. It is not a recommendation, and Greenway Lawyer has not evaluated the quality of this attorney's work. We have confirmed that licensing is active in Illinois as of 4 September, 2026. Any attorney-client relationship you form is with Carlina Tapia-Ruano or their firm, not with Greenway Lawyer.