About

Honest, compassionate and client-centered legal advocacy

We understand what’s at stake

Immigration law is complex and can feel overwhelming. Experience is key. We combine 20 years of experience in immigration law with a client-centered approach to provide accessible and exceptional advocacy when you need it most.

Inclusive

Ethical

Collaborative

Compassionate

Community impact

Of Counsel, National Center for Lesbian Rights

Pro bono representation for LGBTQIA+ asylum applicants

Pro Bono Attorney, Bar Association of San Francisco

Volunteer attorney for unrepresented immigrants and their families

Mentor, Centro Legal de la Raza

Mentorship for attorneys regarding complex immigrant and family law cases

“Chelsea was amazing in helping both me and my daughter get through immigration court and obtain our residency. It was stressful and confusing and we would not have been able to do it without her help and support. I am so grateful!”

- Former Client

Meet the team

Chelsea HaleyNelson

Founder and Principal Attorney

Chelsea E. HaleyNelson is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law. She graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2005 with a Certificate in Public Interest Law. Before law school, she obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of California Santa Barbara in both Political Science and Security and Peace Studies. Her practice focuses on complex deportation defense, criminal and detention issues, LGBTQIA+ applications and federal court litigation. Chelsea is a mentor attorney and regular panel speaker for the pro bono asylum program of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights (LCCR), a mentor attorney for the California Rural Legal Assistance LGBT program, a volunteer attorney with CLR and serves “Of Counsel” to the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) immigration program. She presently serves on the BALIF Foundation Board and is an advisor to criminal defense counsel in the Bay Area regarding immigration consequences. Chelsea has served as co-chair of the National Lawyers Guild, San Francisco-Bay Area Chapter’ Immigration Committee, BALIF, the Advisory Board of American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Northern California Chapter and on the Advisory Board of the NCCIJ. Since 2011, Chelsea has been recognized by Northern California Super Lawyers. She regularly publishes and speaks on international human rights of women, LGBTQIA+ immigration, asylum, ethics, criminal and family-based petitions.

Kevin Santana

Senior Paralegal

Kevin Santana is a Bilingual Senior Paralegal. He helps clients gather documents, complete applications and find answers to client questions. Kevin is passionate about immigration law. He has previously worked as an immigration paralegal and has volunteered and interned with nonprofit organizations providing assistance to immigration attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives. He has completed the Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law (COIL) taught by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network. Kevin also holds a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Aileen Zamora

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Aileen Zamora is a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant for HaleyNelson Law. She earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Mathematics from San Francisco State University. Before joining HaleyNelson Law, Aileen volunteered as a JusticeCorps member at the Alameda County Superior Court’s Self-Help Center, assisting over 100 self-represented litigants with legal forms and resources, including those who spoke Spanish or had limited literacy skills. As the first point of contact at HaleyNelson Law, Aileen is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for clients. Her background in legal assistance, organizational skills and effective communication ensures clients receive the guidance and care they need.

Reyna Rodriguez

Receptionist/Intake Coordinator

Reyna graduated from Saint Matthew School and High School, and studied Business Administration at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras. After working as a customer service representative, Reyna decided to pursue a new challenge that aligns with her growing interest in immigration law. She enjoys helping individuals secure better opportunities for themselves and their families in the U.S. She is eager to apply her passion for helping others and her skills in a meaningful way. In her free time, she enjoys baking, especially cinnamon rolls, for her family.

Samuel Vasquez Armas

Billing Specialist

Samuel has a Bachelor Degree in International Trade, and six years of experience in administrative and customer care roles, specializing in accounting and data entry. As the Billing Specialist for HaleyNelson Law, Samuel is responsible for invoicing, managing client payments and payment plans, as well as accounts receivable bookkeeping. He is also the point of contact for client’s when there is a billing question. Samuel is bilingual, and loves Baseball.

“Thank you to Chelsea and the entire team for their expertise, professionalism and dedication so that I could obtain my asylum status. I had given up hope but she never gave up and today I am safe and home.”

- Former Client

20 years of experience exclusively in immigration law, removal defense & political asylum

RISING STAR 2013-2015
RATED 2019-2025

IMMIGRATION AND
NATIONALITY LAW

PRO BONO
PUBLICO AWARD

Let’s work together

Every story is unique. Tell us yours. Together we’ll create a path to empowerment, peace and freedom that is right for you and your family members.