immigration lawyers

   Shirlyn Solas-Edwards

Ms. Solas-Edwards was born and raised on Nevis, a tiny island in the Eastern Caribbean.  She attended Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls,Texas, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Spanish. Ms. Solas-Edwards graduated with honors in May, 2004.  In 2004, Ms. Edwards received an award for academic excellence in International Studies and was recognized as the most outstanding International Studies student for that year.  In May 2007, Ms. Edwards graduated with honors from Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas.  While attending Texas Tech University, Ms. Edwards pursued courses in Immigration and International Law, and was a member of the International Law Association.  Ms. Edwards served as Constitutional Law Teaching Assistant for two semesters, and also served as Research Assistant for one of her professors.  She interned and volunteered with Legal Aid of Northwest, in Lubbock Texas.

Ms. Solas-Edwards first joined Reina & Bates in March 2008, working as a Law Clerk.  She received her license to practice law in Texas in June 2008 and became an Associate with the firm.  Since joining the firm, Ms. Solas-Edwards has had the opportunity to successfully litigate removal cases before the Dallas Immigration Court and the San Antonio Immigration Court, including Adjustment of Status with section 212(h) waivers for crimes and 212(i) waivers for fraud, and asylum and withholding of removal.  She also handles a number of cases involving cancellation of removal for certain non-permanent residents.  Within the past three years Ms. Solas-Edwards has also successfully completed an array of family-based immigration cases, including consular processing cases with waivers for unlawful presence and fraud, and a number of adjustment of status and naturalization cases before Citizenship and Immigration Services.  Currently, she manages a large number of cases involving victims of domestic violence and other crimes.  Ms. Solas-Edwards has obtained lawful permanent residence for survivors of domestic violence and U non-immigrant visas for victims of certain crimes.  She takes a particular interest in cases involving immigrants who are the victims of violent crimes.

Ms. Solas-Edwards is fluent in Spanish and familiar with the French language.