THE LAWYERS
STATUS PENDING features five first generation, Mexican-American Immigration lawyers who got their starts at the same high-intensity law firm. Each went on to start their own private practice but remained in touch daily. Araceli, Alma, Gladdys, Elizabeth and Jose provide each other with professional, personal, and emotional support, creating an informal support group that grew stronger under the previous administration.
Alma D. Puente, Esq.
Alma D. Puente has practiced immigration law for the last 16 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chapman University in English with an emphasis on Pre-Law and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School. Prior to practicing law, Alma worked for the Department of Homeland Security at the Calexico Port of Entry and as an Adjudicator in Los Angeles, California. As a first-generation Mexican-American, Alma has made it her life's work to help people navigate the complexities of immigration law in this country. Throughout her career, Almahas been dedicated to providing pro bono work for non-profits such as Kids In Need of Defense (KIND) and The Mexican American Bar Association (MABA). She has also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster children in Los Angeles County. She is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), MABA, and American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA). She currently serves on the board for the Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley and as a Councilwoman for the city of El Monte. Alma is married and has three sons.
Araceli G. Guerrero, Esq.
Araceli G. Guerrero opened her law practice in her hometown of Santa Ana, California, where she focuses on Immigration Law. She is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) and the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association. She volunteers at Serve the People in Santa Ana by providing free immigration consultations. Araceli’s parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico. She graduated from UCLA and Brigham Young University Law School.
Elizabeth P. Uribe, Esq.
Elizabeth P. Uribe was born and raised in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Jalisco, Mexico. She is a partner at Uribe & Uribe APLC, a boutique law firm defending non-U.S. citizens in criminal and immigration proceedings, including active criminal proceedings, post-conviction relief, and all aspects of deportation defense. Elizabeth is often featured as a legal commentator in English and Spanish news, including the L.A. Times, Hoy Los Angeles, CBS Los Angeles, and more. She is past President (2013) of the Mexican American Bar Association (MABA) and is currently a member of the MABA immigration committee. Elizabeth firmly believes in being an active participant of the community and currently serves on the legal advisory committee of the Immigration Resource Center of the San Gabriel Valley and as a mentor at Wilson High School (her alma mater) through the L.A. County Bar Association’s mentorship program. She holds a J.D. from UC Hastings School of Law and B.A. from UCLA.
Gladdys J. Uribe, Esq
Gladdys J. Uribe was born and raised in the Santa Ynez Valley along California’s Central Coast. She is the Principal and lead attorney with the Law Offices of Gladdys J. Uribe, an immigration law practice with offices in Culver City and Buellton, California. She serves on the Dunn School's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and on the MABA (Mexican American Bar Association) Immigration Committee. She previously served on the boards of the UCLA School of Law Marco Firebaugh Dream Fund, the Mexican American Bar Association, the Latina Lawyers Bar Association and the Dunn School. She has been featured as a legal commentator on MundoFOX 22 and Univision.
Jose Osorio, Esq.
Jose Osorio holds a J.D. from UC Hastings School of Law and B.A. from the University of Southern California. Jose is often featured as a legal commentator on news. He is the proud son of immigrants.