Carina Babenko

Contact: cb@jherrerolaw.com | Main: (786) 500-1200

Carina Babenko is a Staff Attorney at the Law Offices of Johanna Herrero, Miami Branch. A first-generation American born to immigrant parents from Kherson, Ukraine, Carina brings a unique personal perspective to her immigration practice.

She completed her Bachelor of Arts at Pace University in New York City, earning a dual degree in Political Science and *Women’s and Gender Studies. She later obtained her Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law, where she earned an Immigration Certificate. During law school, she was actively involved in the Immigration Law Society, served as a Staff Editor for the St. Thomas University Intercultural Human Rights Law Review, and gained hands-on experience through the renowned Immigration Clinic, where she successfully represented clients in removal defense hearings before the EOIR.

Before entering private practice, Carina contributed to global humanitarian efforts as a Diplomatic Advisor at the Permanent Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations. In this role, she participated in drafting refugee response plans for Ukrainian refugees following the Russian invasion, liaised with UN bodies, and advocated for displaced populations at the highest diplomatic levels.

Carina later joined a local immigration law firm, where she supported clients in a wide range of matters, including adjustment of status, naturalization, family-based petitions, VAWA, and consular processing. At the Law Offices of Johanna Herrero, she represents clients in removal defense (detained and non-detained cases), as well as affirmative relief before USCIS. She also handles Waivers of Inadmissibility, Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers, U Visas, BIA Appeals, and Motions to Reopen.

Education

• St. Thomas University School of Law – Miami Gardens, FL
• Juris Doctor, Immigration Certificate
• Activities: Immigration Law Society, Immigration Clinic
• Editorial Role: Staff Editor, Intercultural Human Rights Law Review
• Pace University – New York, NY
• Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Women’s & Gender Studies

Memberships and Admissions

• State of New Jersey
• U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
• Pennsylvania

Languages

• English
• Ukrainian (Conversational)