Gloria Granados is a champion of immigrant rights and the founder of Light of Hope Immigration Law Center in Plano. Her passion for helping immigrants began when she first came to America from Mexico at age 20.
“Yes, I am myself an immigrant, and I’m proud of that,” Gloria says. “I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to be in this country and to do what I am doing as the executive director of this wonderful organization.”
After experiencing her own journey, and hearing stories of many others, she resolved to make a difference. After working for three years to earn the correct certifications, Gloria started Light of Hope in 2006.
Gloria holds legal credentials in immigration and nationality law granted by the U.S. Department of Justice. She is able to represent clients before the Department of Homeland Security, the Board of Immigration Appeals and immigration courts. And as the executive director of Light of Hope, she oversees all efforts to assist newcomers in the lawful pursuit of citizenship and other legal matters.
“Light of Hope helped me a lot with my case and now I have peace. I am now a resident thanks to this professional team,” says past client Maria Mendez. “My husband got his green card,” says another client, Alicia Sanchez. “Gloria also helped my mom and brothers get their green card, too.”
Here, Gloria’s efforts have the most impact on low-income families and those who feel they have nowhere to turn for immigration needs. Her team works hard to provide affordable assistance to people from her native country as well as others from around the world who move to North Texas. COVID-19 forced Light of Hope to move its services online, when there is a higher demand for help than ever.
“Immigration touches me deeply, because I understand how everything is and what you have to go through,” she says. “A lot of people have not had the luck I’ve had; many people have died because of their desire to come to this country.”
Gloria credits her Christian faith for giving her the strength and empathy required to do her job, and she hopes that her legacy will be one of compassion and love for immigrants.
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