Carina V. Guillen is an Immigration Paralegal with over 12 years of experience in family-based immigration, humanitarian relief, and deportation defense. She began her legal career in 2013 as a Legal Assistant, later working as a Paralegal and eventually serving as Operations Director for a couple law firms in Phoenix. Over the years, she has assisted attorneys in preparing asylum, adjustment of status, naturalization, waivers, and removal defense filings, while also guiding clients through interviews, hearings, and the complex documentation required in their cases. Known for her attention to detail and ability to put clients at ease, Carina ensures each matter is handled with care and precision.

Carina’s path to the legal field began with her work as a community organizer in Arizona’s immigrant rights movement following the passage of Proposition 300. Since 2006, she has served in grassroots and national organizations including Somos America, NALEO, SEIU, UFCW and Mi Familia Vota. She played an integral role in coordinating legal observers during Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s crime suppression sweeps, efforts that later contributed to the racial profiling lawsuit against his office. These experiences demanded courage and resilience, giving Carina a first-hand understanding of the challenges immigrant families face—a perspective she carries into her paralegal work every day.

Carina is also a proud first-generation college graduate. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Studies from Phoenix College and a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship from Arizona State University. A lifelong food lover, she loves cooking with the goal of one day opening her own restaurant, blending creativity with the perseverance that has shaped her journey.

Outside of her professional work, Carina finds joy in traveling, experimenting with new recipes, and creating craft cocktails. Her passions extend beyond the kitchen and into her community, where she dedicates her time to volunteer efforts in civic engagement, citizenship, and asylum—always with the purpose of educating and empowering immigrant families.