Elizabeth Ricci | Source | Partner at Rambana & Ricci
Elizabeth Ricci
I am an award-winning, AV-rated immigration attorney practicing for 20+ years. My husband Neil St. John Rambana and I co-founded Ricci & Rambana, a personalized, full service, multi-lingual immigration law practice focusing on complex immigration, immigration litigation and administrative immigration issues. Representative clients range from large companies to families from Australia to Zimbabwe.
I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala before I attended Nova Southeastern School of Law. I have taught Immigration, among other subjects, at the college level. Frequently, I am a guest columnist and immigration law expert on CNN, Univision, Fox & Friends, and MSNBC, in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and on several regional and local sources. The Philadelphia Inquirer dubbed me the “Go-to Lawyer for Veterans” since I represent foreign-born veterans in pursuit of US citizenship at no charge and am a subject matter expert in the field.
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Rambana & Ricci
Partner
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Tallahassee immigration attorney weighs in on migrants’ lawsuit against DeSantis
A Tallahassee immigration attorney is weighing in on DeSantis sending migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, saying that what the Governor did qualifies as trafficking.
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Judicial Oversight Challenges Trump-Era Deportation Efforts
Elizabeth notes, "Due process applies to all," highlighting ICE's protocol failures. She questions the executive's limited discretion in removals and the use of the Alien Enemies Act without a declared war. Elizabeth observes bipartisan judicial skepticism towards Trump-era policies, indicating real legal issues rather than political bias. -
Legal Insight: Work Visas Required for Pet-Sitting Abroad
Elizabeth explains that most countries, including the U.S., consider pet-sitting as "employment" requiring a work visa. "The activity, not its duration, dictates the need for authorization." She advises consulting an immigration attorney in the specific country to ensure compliance, as even non-monetary compensation like room and board can be classified as work. -
Trump's Legal Challenges to Sanctuary Cities Face Constitutional Hurdles
Elizabeth explains that the Trump administration cannot force states to act as immigration deputies. She notes, “Courts have ruled against withholding federal funds to coerce compliance.” While Biden's administration argued immigration is a federal responsibility, states can't create competing systems. This balance means Trump's crackdown on sanctuary cities faces significant constitutional challenges.
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I’m already hearing from Venezuelan and Colombian clients that they’re very disappointed in the Governor. One client from Mexico was going to open up a large business in Florida and he’s decided to take it elsewhere, just because it’s a very anti-immigrant sentiment here, it’s not a welcoming state anymore.
