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

Newport Beach, CA • May 14, 2025

Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., un bufete de abogados de inmigración de servicio completo con alcance global, se enorgullece en anunciar la promoción de la abogada Kris Quadros-Ragar, con efecto inmediato. Esto marca un hito importante, ya que Kris se convierte en la primera socia en la historia del bufete, lo que refleja tanto sus destacadas contribuciones como la visión a largo plazo del bufete para el crecimiento y el desarrollo del liderazgo.


Licenciada en Derecho por la Universidad Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) en Brasil y Master en Derecho (LL.M.) con certificado en Derecho Empresarial por la Facultad de Derecho Gould de la Universidad del Sur de California (USC), Kris aporta una sólida formación académica a su trabajo jurídico. Como abogada licenciada en California, su formación internacional y su experiencia personal como inmigrante ofrecen una perspectiva distinta y valiosa a la práctica global de inmigración del bufete.


Kris está profundamente comprometida a ayudar a los clientes a navegar por las complejidades del sistema de inmigración de EE.UU., combinando la visión jurídica, el pensamiento estratégico y la empatía para apoyar sus objetivos. Su trabajo ha tenido un impacto significativo en el éxito de la empresa y en las vidas de las personas y familias a las que sirve.


Como un bufete de abogados de inmigración de servicio completo con una misión global, reconocemos que un liderazgo fuerte y de principios es esencial para avanzar tanto en los objetivos de nuestros clientes como en el legado de nuestra empresa. La promoción de Kris como nuestra primera socia es un testamento a su talento, integridad, y alineación profunda con los valores que definen Santos Lloyd Law Firm: excelencia, diversidad, e innovación. Su perspicacia y experiencia jugarán un papel vital en la expansión de nuestros servicios y el mantenimiento de los altos estándares que nuestros clientes esperan en los negocios, deportes, entretenimiento y asuntos de inmigración familiar.


Santos Lloyd Law Firm felicita a Kris en esta promoción bien merecida y espera su liderazgo continuo en este nuevo papel.

October 2026 Visa Bulletin: What a New Fiscal Year Means for Your Green Card Plans

By Santos Lloyd Team • October 15, 2026
October begins a new federal fiscal year, but that does not mean every green card applicant moves to the front of the line. The Department of State’s October 2026 Visa Bulletin sets out the visa availability that applicants in family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories need to review this month.

Flavia Santos Lloyd Named to the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation

By Santos Lloyd Team • October 8, 2026
Santos Lloyd Law Firm takes great pride in announcing that Partner Flavia Santos Lloyd has been invited to join the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. As a highly selective global network, the organization recognizes legal professionals across both the public and private sectors who embody the absolute highest standards of the practice. Admission to this distinguished group highlights Flavia’s outstanding legal career, professional integrity, and deep impact on the legal community. Our team celebrates Flavia on this well-deserved recognition!

UPDATE: Federal Court Postpones DHS Rule Eliminating “Duration of Status” (D/S)

By Juliana LaMendola • September 22, 2026
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security , halting the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that was scheduled to eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) on September 15, 2026. As a result of this nationwide order, DHS is blocked from enforcing fixed periods of admission for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I media representatives while the litigation moves forward. Because the current “duration of status” framework remains in full effect, F, J, and I visa holders are not required to file Form I-539 extension of stay applications to remain in valid status beyond program end dates at this time. Furthermore, restrictions on academic transfers, constraints on enrolling in second programs at the same degree level, 240-day caps on continued employment while extensions are pending, and shortened grace periods do not apply during the injunction. F-1 nonimmigrants retain the full 60-day post-completion grace period, and J-1 holders maintain their 30-day grace period. However, please note that this preliminary injunction is not a final ruling invalidating the rule , and a status conference is scheduled for October 2, 2026, to determine next steps in the litigation. Immediate Practice Tips: Inspect I-94 Travel Records Upon Reentry: F, J, and I visa holders currently admitted under D/S retain their status and should continue to be readmitted under D/S following international travel until the injunction is lifted. However, because the I-94 record controls legal stay, travelers must inspect their CBP-issued Form I-94 immediately upon reentry to confirm the "Admit Until Date" states "D/S" rather than a specific expiration date. If a specific date is mistakenly recorded, contact a local CPB Deferred Inspection Site. Notify HR and Review Workplace Compliance: Employers sponsoring F-1 or J-1 employees should inform HR and hiring managers that the September 15 fixed-period rule is postponed and standard D/S rules govern. This development does not alter standard filing windows or Form I-9 verification procedures for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extensions.  Maintain Operational Readiness and Defer Unnecessary Filings: Visa holders and employers should defer travel or filing strategy decisions made solely in anticipation of the fixed-admission rule. Because DHS may appeal or the court could alter the timeline on short notice, institutions and visa holders should maintain readiness to adjust plans if implementation resumes. There are many evolving components to this litigation. If you are an F-1, J-1, or I visa holder, sponsoring institution, or employer, you should proactively coordinate with your international student office and legal counsel to protect your status and monitor upcoming court proceedings.
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