Maritza Jaimes is a first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrant parents. Martiza currently resides in Beverly, Chicago, IL. She was raised in the neighborhoods of Pilsen, Back of the Yards, and Gage Park in Chicago, IL. Her upbringing amidst these predominantly immigrant communities exposed her to the intricate challenges they face, fueling her passion for advocating for immigrants’ human rights.

Maritza holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish Language and Literature, a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology, and a Juris Doctor from UIC John Marshall Law School. During her law studies, she honed her focus on criminal and immigration law, engaging in impactful work such as drafting legal policy for the Illinois Department of Corrections and contributing at the International Human Rights Clinic, where she concentrated on asylum cases.

After law school, Maritza joined a small law firm specializing in serving low-wage immigrants, handling complex cases involving asylum, employment-based petitions, temporary protected status, DACA, marriage-based applications, and other forms of immigration relief. Her commitment to making a difference continued to grow, and she expanded her involvement by collaborating with non-profit organizations to offer pro bono legal services to recent migrants.

Maritza continues to be a zealous advocate for the immigrant community. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Maritza effectively bridges communication gaps, ensuring access to essential legal representation and resources for immigrants.