Immigrants With A Passion For Helping Immigrants

Asylum And Deportation Defense Lawyers Who Will Fight For You

Facing removal proceedings can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. At American Immigration Law Firm LLP, we are here to protect your rights and fight for your future. Our firm, located in Monterey Park and serving clients throughout Los Angeles, provides skilled representation in asylum and deportation defense cases. As immigrants ourselves, we understand the fear and uncertainty you are going through. Mariano F. Herrera, originally from El Salvador, and Juliette Potter, from the Caribbean, are a husband-and-wife legal team dedicated to helping individuals and families stay together and pursue their American dreams.

Understanding How Asylum Works

Asylum provides protection to individuals who have fled their home countries because of persecution or the fear of persecution. To qualify for asylum in the United States, you must meet certain legal requirements, including
  • Having a well-founded fear of persecution
  • Facing persecution based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
  • Being physically present in the U.S. or seeking entry at a U.S. port of entry
Because asylum is not automatically granted, it’s crucial to build a strong case supported by credible evidence. Our attorneys can help you by
  • Collecting supporting evidence such as records, affidavits, and documents
  • Preparing and filing your asylum application accurately and on time
  • Representing you in immigration court, advocating for your protection and rights
We have successfully guided many clients through the asylum process — and we can help you, too.
Protecting You From Deportation
Deportation (removal) occurs when the U.S. government orders you to leave the country. This may happen for reasons such as:
  • Entering the U.S. illegally
  • Violating visa terms
  • Overstaying your visa
  • Being convicted of certain criminal offenses
If you have received a deportation notice, don’t wait. You have rights, and there are several legal options to challenge removal, such as:
  • Requesting a hearing before an immigration judge
  • Applying for asylum or other forms of relief
  • Filing a motion to terminate proceedings if legal errors exist
  • Filing a motion to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully
  • Seeking waivers for certain immigration or criminal issues
  • Applying for cancellation of removal, if eligible
Deportation defense is complex, but our attorneys have extensive experience successfully helping clients remain in the U.S. With the right representation, your chances of success increase dramatically.
Can Deportation Be Waived?
Yes. In some circumstances, deportation or inadmissibility may be waived. You might qualify for a waiver if you:
  • Have close family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
  • Are a victim of a crime and hold a U visa
  • Qualify under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
  • Can show that removal would cause extreme hardship to your family
Our lawyers will help determine whether you qualify and guide you through every step of the waiver application process.
How Long Does a Deportation Order Last?
A deportation order does not expire — it remains valid indefinitely. However, there may be legal ways to return to the United States, such as applying for certain waivers or forms of relief. The best way to protect your future is to consult an experienced deportation defense lawyer right away. We can review your situation, explain your options, and help you take the right legal steps.
Immigration Lawyers Who Truly Understand
At American Immigration Law Firm LLP, immigration law isn’t just our profession — it’s our personal story. Attorneys Juliette Potter and Mariano “Attorney Mario” Herrera have both navigated the U.S. immigration system themselves. Their firsthand experience gives them unique insight into what clients face, and their legal skill ensures that every case is handled with care, compassion, and precision. They know how overwhelming the process can be, and they use their deep legal knowledge to help clients seek asylum, apply for special visas, and defend against removal with confidence and hope.
Contact A Los Angeles Deportation Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing deportation or need help seeking asylum, don’t face it alone. Let our dedicated team help you fight for your right to stay in the U.S.
📞 Call American Immigration Law Firm LLP at 323-805-0445 or send us an email today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our compassionate deportation defense attorneys.
Employment Visas

Social

Contact Me:

Practice Areas:

  • Immigration Law
  • Affirmative and Defensive Asylum
  • Employment Immigration
  • Cancelation of Removal
  • Credible Fear Inerview

Education:

Florida International University College of Law, Miami, Florida
  • Miami – 2020
  • Honors: Dean’s List
Universidad Francisco Gavidia, San Salvador
  • B.S. – 2008
  • Major: Engineering

Representative Clients

  • Hispanic

Current Employment Position

  • Senior Partner

Mariano F. Herrera

Mariano Herrera is a passionate and dedicated United States Immigration Attorney originally from El Salvador, Central America. His personal journey as an immigrant to the United States inspired him to pursue a career devoted to helping others navigate the complex path of immigration law. After earning his Juris Doctor from Florida International University (FIU) College of Law and passing the bar exam, Mariano began his practice as an immigration attorney with an unwavering commitment to advocacy and justice. Drawing on his own immigrant experience, Mariano deeply understands the hopes and challenges faced by those seeking a new life in America. He brings empathy, precision, and determination to every case, representing clients before the Immigration Courts and USCIS. His mission is simple yet profound — to help as many immigrants as possible realize their American dream. Mariano’s legal expertise covers a wide range of immigration matters, including business and employment immigration, family-based petitions, asylum, deportation defense, and naturalization. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and steadfast dedication, he ensures that each client receives personalized guidance and strong representation. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mariano effectively serves a diverse community of clients from around the world. Beyond his legal practice, Mariano is actively engaged in community outreach and education. He regularly leads workshops and seminars to inform immigrants about their rights and legal options, and partners with nonprofit organizations to provide pro bono legal services to those in need. Outside the office, Mariano enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, and discovering new cuisines — experiences that broaden his worldview and deepen his empathy for clients from all backgrounds. A passionate reader and keen follower of global affairs, he continually enriches his knowledge of immigration trends and international issues. Mariano Herrera’s journey from El Salvador to the United States, combined with his compassion and professional excellence, has made him a trusted advocate and a respected figure in the field of immigration law.

Past Positions

  • Brandis and Associates, Associate Attorney, Feb. 2022 – July 2022

Professional Associations

  • State Bar of Wisconsin, Member, 2020
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2022 – 2023

Bar Admissions

  • El Salvador, 2003
  • Wisconsin, 2020
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
  • U.S. Immigration Court

Contact Me:

Practice Areas:

  • Immigration Law
  • Business Immigration
  • Employment Immigration
  • Family Based Immigration
  • Non-Immigrant Visas

Education:

Florida International University College of Law, Miami, Florida

  • LL.M – 2020
  • Honors: Dean’s List

Bowling Greend State University, Bowling Green, Ohio

  • M.A.
  • Honors: Dean’s List

Representative Clients

  • Caribbean

Current Employment Position

  • Partner

Juliette A. Potter

Juliette Potter is a highly accomplished United States Immigration Attorney with over two decades of legal experience. She began her legal journey as a Barrister in the United Kingdom and was later admitted as an Attorney-at-Law in Antigua and Barbuda before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

Ms. Potter’s academic background is equally distinguished. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Florida International University College of Law, a Bachelor of Laws (Honors) from the University of Wolverhampton, and a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica. She also earned a Master’s degree in Organization Development from Bowling Green State University’s College of Business in Ohio.

Her professional experience spans both the corporate and legal worlds. Before entering private immigration practice, she served as Chief Legal Officer for an international group of companies. Today, she is a Licensed Attorney in the State of New York, representing clients before the Federal Immigration Courts of the United States, while also maintaining her active law license in Antigua and Barbuda.

As an immigrant herself, Ms. Potter brings a unique perspective and deep empathy to her practice. Her personal experiences inspire her unwavering commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law with confidence and care.

Outside the courtroom, Ms. Potter enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring new cuisines — passions that reflect her appreciation for diversity and global cultures, both in life and in law.

Past Positions

  • The Fairweather Group, Chief Legal Officer, 2012 to 2018
  • Elite Island Holding Company Ltd., Legal Counsel, 2005 to 2012

Professional Associations

  • New York State Bar Association, Member, 2022
  • Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association, Member, 2005
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2023 – 2024

Bar Admissions

  • England and Wales, 2003
  • Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, 2005
  • New York, 2023