Diana Lopez

Diana has spent more than 19 years working in immigration law, and she came to it the way many of our clients come to us: through her own story.

She was two years old when her family brought her to the United States after fleeing the civil war in El Salvador. Her mother was twenty at the time, raising two children on her own. Diana grew up watching her work and sacrifice to build a life here, and that example shaped how she understands the American Dream. It was never about success being handed to anyone. It was about getting the chance to work for it.

Her family received Temporary Protected Status shortly after arriving. As a child, Diana didn't think much about what that meant. As she got older, she realized how much immigration status touches everything: whether you can work, go to school, travel, or simply plan ahead without worrying about what comes next. The United States is the only home she has ever known, and she is proud of her Salvadoran roots and grateful for what this country made possible for her family.

Diana started in immigration law right out of high school, answering phones as a receptionist. From there she worked her way up through every position in the field, from legal assistant to paralegal, then senior paralegal, and now managing paralegal. Along the way she earned her Associate of Arts degree with a focus in Psychology while working full time.

Much of Diana's experience is in removal defense, where the stakes are highest. She has spent years handling waivers, immigration bond, defensive asylum, and cancellation of removal cases, work that demands careful research, thorough preparation, and a steady hand when families are facing the possibility of separation.

At ARC Legal Services, Diana helps clients through the moments that change their lives. A work permit. A green card. The oath of citizenship. She knows what those milestones mean for a family because she knows what they would have meant for hers, and she treats every case with that in mind.

Clients describe Diana as warm, patient, and meticulous. She remembers that behind every file is a family and a story, and having once been in her clients' shoes, she offers them something most offices can't: the steadiness of someone who has actually been through it.

When she's not at the office, Diana volunteers with the Junior League of Fort Worth, reads, spends time with her family, and cares for her six beloved dogs.

Background & Credentials

Experience

• 19+ years in immigration law
• Managing Paralegal, ARC Legal Services

Areas of Focus

• Removal defense
• Waivers
• Immigration bond
• Defensive asylum
• Cancellation of removal
• Family-based immigration and naturalization

Education

• Associate of Arts, Psychology Field of Study

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Community Involvement

• Junior League of Fort Worth