S. Ouya Maina

S. Ouya Maina is a Berkeley immigration attorney who represents individuals and families navigating the United States immigration system. Also known as Sam Ouya Maina, he has more than 27 years of experience with matters involving green cards, visas, asylum, and deportation or removal defense. His practice also assists clients seeking U visas and immigration benefits following domestic abuse. Maina’s work addresses both the formal filing requirements of immigration cases and the personal circumstances that lead families to seek protection or lawful status.

Sam earned an A.B. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1987 and a J.D. from George Washington University in 1992. He was admitted to practice in California in 1995. His legal education preceded a career devoted primarily to immigration questions affecting people with different family histories and legal circumstances. This background supports his work evaluating application requirements, presenting claims for humanitarian relief, and addressing legal issues that arise when immigration benefits or a person’s continued presence in the country are at stake.

Sam represents clients pursuing political asylum, family-based immigration benefits, U visas for qualifying victims of crime, and petitions connected with domestic violence. He also works on deportation and removal matters, where a person’s immigration history and available forms of relief must be assessed carefully. His practice includes immigration questions involving families seeking reunification and people pursuing permanent residence. These cases require assembling relevant personal records, explaining eligibility requirements, and preparing materials that address the specific grounds for relief.

S. Ouya Maina emphasizes individual attention and careful consideration of the challenges affecting people in immigration proceedings. He works with clients whose cases may involve fear of returning to another country, family separation, or the need for stable immigration status. His professional work focuses on explaining legal options, preparing claims supported by relevant facts, and guiding clients through required procedures. The aim is to help each person understand the steps involved and pursue the protection or benefits available under immigration law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Offices of S. Ouya Maina
• Member, The State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Indiana University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Illinois State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Education

• George Washington University National Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California, Berkeley
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges