Maria Crespo Santa Cruz – EOIR Associate Attorney
Maria Crespo Santa Cruz is an Associate Attorney at Fayad Law, P.C., where she focuses her practice on immigration law, representing clients in removal proceedings, before USCIS, and in state court proceedings for special immigrant juvenile cases. As an immigrant herself—born in Lima, Peru, and raised in the United States from the age of four—Maria brings not only legal skill, but also a profoundly personal connection to the work she does. Her own immigration journey is at the heart of her practice, fueling her commitment to help others navigate a system she understands both professionally and personally.
Maria’s early life experiences taught her resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of justice—qualities that now guide her approach to every client she represents. She deeply understands the emotional complexity of immigration cases and believes that behind every petition, application, or court hearing is a story worth fighting for. Her ability to connect with clients on a human level helps her provide thoughtful, compassionate, and effective advocacy.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Psychology from The College of William & Mary, where she developed a strong foundation in legal systems and the human behavior behind them. Maria went on to earn her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Delaware Law School. During law school, she gained hands-on experience in civil litigation, personal injury cases, and post-conviction relief efforts such as expungements and pardons—giving her a well-rounded legal perspective and reinforcing her commitment to second chances and equity under the law.
Maria began working in immigration law as a law clerk in December 2022 and was admitted to the D.C. Bar in June 2023. Since then, she has been on the front lines of immigration defense—appearing in court, filing applications, and advocating for vulnerable individuals, including children seeking protection through the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) process.
What sets Maria apart is her unwavering belief that every client deserves to be heard and treated with dignity. Her work at Fayad Law is a natural extension of that belief, aligning with the firm’s mission to provide not just strong legal representation, but also hope and support to those seeking a better life in the United States.
