Episode 4: Martha Rodriguez on the (Chaotic) State of US Immigration

This week, we are lucky to have Martha Rodriguez as a guest on The EmpowHERment Show! Martha is an immigration attorney, advocate, and founder of MMR Law Group. She and Maddie met in the West Village of Manhattan in 2023 while getting their nails done. It just so happened Maddie needed to hire a lawyer to start the green card process with her Kiwi husband.

In this episode, Martha and the EmpowHERment ladies discuss what's going on with the US immigration system, the common biases and misconceptions, and what people need to know if they or someone they know is trying to immigrate here. There is a lot changing lately, so you definitely don't want to miss this conversation if you or someone you know are currently in the immigration process or considering it.

Here is the link to Martha's law group website if you are interested in contacting her. Additionally, below are some resources for women which were touched on this episode as well as some other avenues Martha recommends: 

• USCIS phone number: 1-800-375-5283 (make sure to say info pass to obtain an agent on the phone and request your service ID number)
• To check on USCIS processing times, click here.
• For updates on USCIS policy, news, and cases click here.
• For anyone looking for asylum or refugee news and information, check out the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, click here.
• U-Visa (USCIS): A special visa for undocumented immigrants who are victims of serious crimes (like domestic violence or trafficking) and who help law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution. It offers temporary legal status and a path to a green card.
• VAWA (USCIS): The Violence Against Women Act allows undocumented immigrants who’ve been abused by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or family member to apply for legal status independently—without the abuser’s knowledge or help.