Paralegal-Advocate, U.S. DOJ Fully Accredited Representative, Immigrant Justice Program 

Ruth Santana is a paralegal-advocate and an accredited representative for the U.S. Department of Justice for the Immigrant Justice Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.

Santana received her B.A. degree from Hunter College and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Long Island University in 1984. Before joining Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy in 2010, she worked as a paralegal and supervisor for the Kings County District Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, from 1984 to 2009. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. 

Santana grew up as a Spanish-speaker in the Bronx, New York, and was fascinated by law at an early age. Translating and investigating as a paralegal and supervisor for the District Attorney’s Office in N.Y., she had frequent interaction with victims of crimes and law enforcement. Coming to Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy was an easy transition as she continued to use her investigative skills and compassionately work with victims. The part of her position she enjoys most is being able to call clients to share good news: that they’re able to stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation. Santana works with human trafficking victims to determine eligibility for U-Visas as well as with immigrant minors and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status applicants. Her hobbies outside of the office include hiking, singing and volunteering at different non-profit organizations.