Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C. annonce la promotion de Kris Quadros-Ragar en tant qu'associée

Newport Beach, CA • May 14, 2025


Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., un cabinet d'avocats spécialisé dans le droit de l'immigration et d'envergure internationale, est fier d'annoncer la promotion de l'avocate Kris Quadros-Ragar, avec effet immédiat. Cette promotion marque une étape importante, puisque Kris devient la première associée de l'histoire du cabinet, ce qui reflète à la fois ses contributions exceptionnelles et la vision à long terme du cabinet en matière de croissance et de développement du leadership.


Titulaire d'une licence en droit de l'Université fédérale de Santa Catarina (UFSC) au Brésil et d'un Master of Laws (LL.M.) avec un certificat en droit des affaires de la Gould School of Law de l'Université de Californie du Sud (USC), Kris apporte une solide formation académique à son travail juridique. En tant qu'avocate titulaire d'une licence en Californie, son expérience internationale et son expérience personnelle en tant qu'immigrante offrent une perspective distincte et précieuse à la pratique de l'immigration mondiale du cabinet.


Kris est profondément engagée à aider ses clients à naviguer dans les complexités du système d'immigration américain, en combinant la perspicacité juridique, la réflexion stratégique et l'empathie pour soutenir leurs objectifs. Son travail a eu un impact significatif sur le succès du cabinet et sur la vie des personnes et des familles qu'elle sert.


En tant que cabinet d'avocats spécialisé dans le droit de l'immigration et doté d'une mission mondiale, nous reconnaissons qu'un leadership fort et fondé sur des principes est essentiel pour faire progresser les objectifs de nos clients et l'héritage de notre cabinet. La promotion de Kris en tant que première associée témoigne de son talent, de son intégrité et de son profond alignement sur les valeurs qui définissent le cabinet Santos Lloyd : l'excellence, la diversité et l'innovation. Sa perspicacité et son expérience joueront un rôle essentiel dans l'expansion de nos services et le maintien des normes élevées que nos clients attendent en matière d'affaires, de sport, de divertissement et d'immigration familiale.


Le cabinet Santos Lloyd Law Firm félicite Kris pour cette promotion bien méritée et se réjouit de son leadership continu dans ce nouveau rôle.



Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C. Announces Promotion of Kris Quadros-Ragar to Partner

By Newport Beach, CA • May 14, 2025
Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., a full-service immigration law firm with global reach, is proud to announce the promotion of attorney Kris Quadros-Ragar, effective immediately. This marks a significant milestone, as Kris becomes the first Partner in the firm’s history, reflecting both her outstanding contributions and the firm’s long-term vision for growth and leadership development. Holding a Law Degree from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in Brazil and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree with a Business Law certificate from the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law, Kris brings strong academic training to her legal work. As a California-licensed attorney, her international background and personal experience as an immigrant offer a distinct and valuable perspective to the firm’s global immigration practice. Kris is deeply committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, combining legal insight, strategic thinking, and empathy to support their goals. Her work has had a meaningful impact on the firm’s success and on the lives of the individuals and families she serves. As a full-service immigration law firm with a global mission, we recognize that strong, principled leadership is essential to advancing both our clients’ goals and our firm’s legacy. Kris’s promotion as our first Partner is a testament to her talent, integrity, and deep alignment with the values that define Santos Lloyd Law Firm: excellence, diversity, and innovation. Her insight and experience will play a vital role in expanding our services and maintaining the high standards our clients expect in business, sports, entertainment, and family immigration matters.  Santos Lloyd Law Firm congratulates Kris on this well-deserved promotion and looks forward to her continued leadership in this new role.

U Visa eligibility

By Denice Flores • May 9, 2025
The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) offers vital protection and legal relief to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. U visa recipients are granted a work authorization card and can live and work legally in the United States for up to four years, with a path to lawful permanent residency (green card) after having a U visa for three years. The U visa serves as a beacon of hope for survivors of crime who courageously step forward to help law enforcement while navigating their own recovery. Understanding the eligibility criteria and gathering the right documentation is essential to building a strong case. To qualify for a U visa, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Victim of a Qualifying Crime You must have been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity , such as: Domestic violence Sexual assault Human trafficking Kidnapping Felonious assault Extortion Witness tampering Other serious offenses A full list of qualifying crimes is provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under INA § 101(a)(15)(U). See also: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status . 2. Suffered Substantial Physical or Mental Abuse You must demonstrate that you suffered substantial harm as a result of the crime. This may include: Physical injuries Psychological trauma Lasting emotional distress 3. Helpful to Law Enforcement You must be, have been, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. This includes: Reporting the crime to authorities Cooperating with police or prosecutors Providing information that aids law enforcement efforts A law enforcement certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) is required as proof of this cooperation. 4. The Crime Occurred in the U.S. or Violated U.S. Laws The criminal activity must have: Taken place in the U.S., its territories, or possessions, and Violated U.S. federal, state, or local laws Applicants must also be admissible to the United States. If you are not, based on your immigration history, you may request a waiver using Form I-192 (Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant) . Certain qualifying family members may be included in your U visa petition: If you are under 21 years old: Your parents, unmarried siblings under 18, spouse, and children may be eligible to apply with you. If you are 21 years or older: Your spouse and children may qualify to apply with you. Each derivative must meet specific requirements and file appropriate forms. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the U visa eligibility requirements, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.

Stirring Up Opportunity: U.S. Visas for Chefs, Bakers, and Culinary Artisans

By Angelica Rice • May 2, 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing your culinary artistry to the United States —whether as a chef in a high-end kitchen, a pastry artisan designing edible masterpieces, or a baker introducing centuries-old family recipes to American diners—there may be a visa that fits you as well as your favorite apron. In the vibrant world of U.S. immigration, two options shine particularly bright for culinary professionals: the O-1B and the P-3 visa. While many assume these are only for Hollywood stars or folk musicians, the reality is that they’ve opened doors for creative professionals across fields—including those whose medium is flavor. Let’s start with the O-1B visa . This visa is for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in the arts, which USCIS defines as someone who has achieved distinction through national or international acclaim. Think of it as a spotlight on your achievements—whether you’ve been featured in culinary magazines, headlined food festivals, worked in renowned kitchens, or garnered praise from respected critics and chefs. You don’t need a Michelin star (though it doesn’t hurt)—you just need to prove that your skill and reputation put you in a class above the rest. With this visa, you can work in the U.S. for up to three years, with the possibility of extensions if you're still cooking up success. Now, if your passion lies in preserving and sharing your cultural heritage through cuisine, the P-3 visa may be the better fit. Designed for artists and entertainers coming to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach as part of a “culturally unique” program, the P-3 visa is perfect for chefs trained in traditional methods who want to introduce authentic ethnic flavors to American tables. For example, a Japanese sushi master teaching regional techniques at culinary schools, a French chef recreating the rustic dishes of Provence in a farm-to-table restaurant in California, or an Italian baker bringing regional specialties like Sicilian cassata or Roman maritozzi to a bakery in Brooklyn. According to USCIS, the program must aim to “further the understanding or development of your art form,” and can be commercial or noncommercial in nature. The visa lasts for one year, with extensions available. So why are these options such a win for culinary professionals? For one, they bypass the long timelines and complexities of labor certification. They’re faster, more affordable, and allow your talent—or your tradition—to speak for itself. In an era where Americans are increasingly craving authentic global flavors, having a native expert in the kitchen isn’t just a trend—it’s an experience. And the U.S. immigration system is catching on. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we’ve helped countless culinary professionals find the right visa to match their dreams. Whether your story is written in saffron and smoke or flour and sugar, we’re here to help you bring it to life in the United States. Ready to take your career stateside? Contact us to get started—because your next chapter may be just one visa away.
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