Melissa Portillo

Melissa Portillo is an experienced legal advocate specializing in immigration law, currently serving as a DOJ Accredited Representative and Legal Advocate at the Urban Justice Center since July 2019. Melissa has a strong background in providing legal support to immigrant families, having previously worked as an Immigration Legal Advocate in the Domestic Violence Project at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York from May 2017 to July 2019, where responsibilities included screening for eligibility and managing immigration cases. Prior experience includes roles as an Immigration Paralegal at Immigration Advocacy Services, where case processing was conducted under attorney supervision, and as a Communications & Outreach Associate at Vita Center, Inc., coordinating community initiatives. Melissa's early career included an internship with the New York City Council, where assistance was provided on immigration-related matters. Education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government from Baruch College, earned between 2013 and 2015.