Monique Carreras
Monique C. is a dedicated legal professional currently serving as an Immigration Judge for the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). With over 15 years of experience in immigration law, Monique has built a distinguished career advocating for individuals and families navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Prior to her appointment as a judge in 2022, she led her own practice, the Monique Carreras Immigration Law Studio, for nearly a decade, where she represented clients before agencies including USCIS, the Board of Immigration Appeals, CBP, and ICE/ERO.
Monique began her legal career as an Immigration Advocate at M.R. Immigration Attorneys, working in a fast-paced environment and managing cases across multiple East Coast jurisdictions. A graduate of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law and holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of Puerto Rico - Carolina Campus, she combines legal expertise with financial acumen. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Monique is also passionate about service; she has volunteered abroad in Guatemala, supporting children with disabilities. Her work is grounded in fairness, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice in a system where compassion and precision are essential.
• University of Puerto Rico-Carolina Campus- B.A.
• Interamerican University of Puerto Rico-School of Law- J.D.
What do you attribute your success to?
Monique attributes her success to her dedication to immigration law, the strong foundation she built through her legal education in Puerto Rico, and her ability to balance demanding professional responsibilities with consistent self-care and personal growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to be yourself—be authentic—and never waste energy trying to impress people who don’t need to be impressed.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the legal field is to prioritize work-life balance to prevent burnout, stay involved in professional communities like AILA, and always seek common ground—especially when advocating for families and justice.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in immigration law right now is navigating the constantly shifting political climate, which requires attorneys to be both adaptable and creative in how they advocate for and support their clients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Monica values authenticity, empathy, and lifelong learning, both in her legal career and personal life. She believes in treating everyone with compassion and fairness, regardless of background, and sees each person as human first—united by the shared goal of building a better future for their families.