By Jon Carroll
Immigration law is often discussed in headlines and political debates, but for attorney Liza Galindo, the work is much more personal. During a recent conversation, Liza reflected on her journey into immigration law, the misconceptions she encounters most often, and the ways immigration issues affect families in Bay County. The following Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
Jon Carroll: Tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to Bay County?
Liza Galindo: I grew up in the Miami area. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Florida before attending law school at Regent University in Virginia Beach.
Bay County entered my life because of my brother. He interned with the Navy base as an electrical engineer and was eventually offered a job. Over the years, our family visited frequently, and about three years ago we purchased a home in Bay County.
Carroll: What led you to become an immigration attorney?
Galindo: I grew up attending a small Hispanic church. At that church, the women would always say, “Pray for my papers and pray for my husband.” Those experiences stayed with me.
I briefly practiced family law, but it wasn’t the right fit. Immigration law allowed me to combine my interest in helping families with a practice area that offers a great deal of variety. One day I may be conducting consultations in the office, another day attending immigration court, visiting a detained client, or representing someone in an interview with immigration authorities.
Carroll: How do you explain what an immigration attorney does?
Galindo: I like to say I’m in the business of keeping families together.
My role is helping people find legal pathways to remain with their loved ones. Sometimes that means helping someone already in the United States legalize their status. Other times it means helping a U.S. citizen bring a relative from abroad through the proper legal process. I also assist employers who need guidance on lawful immigration options for workers.
Carroll: What types of cases make up most of your practice?
Galindo: A large portion involves helping individuals determine whether they qualify for legal status through family relationships or other immigration programs.
More recently, especially in the Panama City area, I’ve also handled cases involving individuals who are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after routine traffic stops. In immigration court, unlike criminal court, a bond hearing is not automatic. We often must file a motion requesting a bond hearing before a judge can decide whether someone can be released while their case proceeds.
Carroll: What has been one of the most rewarding parts of your career?
Galindo: Working with immigrant children.
Years ago, there was a significant influx of unaccompanied minors entering the United States. Many arrived without parents or legal guardians. I became involved in a specialized area of law called Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, which can provide a path to lawful permanent residence for children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
The process requires both state court and immigration court involvement, making it highly specialized. At first, many attorneys avoided these cases because they were complicated and relatively uncommon. I decided to learn the area thoroughly and eventually became someone other attorneys referred these cases to. Looking back, helping vulnerable children obtain stability and legal status is one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of.
Carroll: What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about immigration law?
Galindo: The biggest one is probably the idea that there is a simple “line” people can get into.
People often ask, “Why didn’t they just come the legal way?” The reality is that immigration law is much more complicated. For many individuals, there is no available pathway. Even when there is one, the wait can be extraordinarily long.
For example, if a U.S. citizen petitions for a sibling living abroad, the process can easily take more than ten years. For some countries, including Mexico and the Philippines, wait times can exceed twenty years because of visa limitations and demand.
Another misconception is that simply living in the United States for a long period automatically creates eligibility for legal status. Unfortunately, that’s not how the law works. Length of residence alone generally does not create a path to a green card. People must qualify under a specific category established by immigration law.
Carroll: How does immigration affect Bay County specifically?
Galindo: Bay County has seen significant growth and rebuilding activity, particularly since Hurricane Michael. Many immigrants have been part of that workforce, especially in construction and related industries.
I’ve also seen situations involving workers who possess valid work authorization and have passed security requirements for employment, yet still encounter immigration enforcement issues. These situations can create uncertainty not only for the workers involved but also for families, employers, and the broader community.
One thing I’ve learned through bond hearings is that immigration cases rarely affect just one person. Family members, friends, employers, and neighbors often step forward to support someone facing detention. It reminds us that immigration issues have a direct impact on local communities.
Carroll: If there’s one thing you want readers to take away, what would it be?
Galindo: Learn the facts. Immigration law is complex, and many assumptions people make simply aren’t accurate. Understanding how the system actually works helps create more informed conversations and better solutions.
For Liza, immigration law is about the people and families. While the legal system may be complex, her mission remains straightforward: helping families stay together whenever the law allows.
Jon Carroll and Liza Galindo are licensed attorneys. The information in this column is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice, nor establish an attorney client relationship. Consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for legal advice specific to your situation.
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