Angel Z. Rodriguez was born in Van Nuys, California, to immigrant parents from Teuchitlan and Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. As the oldest of four children, Angel knows firsthand the challenges immigrant families face—navigating an unfamiliar system, living in fear of deportation, and striving for a better future while feeling like they must remain in the shadows. These personal experiences shaped Angel’s deep commitment to immigrant rights and justice.

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In 2015, Angel began working in the immigration field, directly assisting individuals and families in their pursuit of legal status and stability in the United States. Through years of hands-on experience, Angel has helped countless members of the immigrant community take vital steps toward achieving their version of the American dream.

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Determined to create a lasting impact, Angel founded Mercado-Ornelas Immigrant Aid in 2024. The organization is named in honor of Angel’s parents, Angel Mercado and Maria Ornelas, whose sacrifices paved the way for greater opportunities. Mercado-Ornelas Immigrant Aid is dedicated to empowering immigrants by providing guidance, advocacy, and resources to help them navigate the complexities of the immigration system. With a firm belief that every person deserves dignity, security, and opportunity, Angel continues to fight for immigrant justice.

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Beyond his work, Angel is happily married to his husband, Jesus Rodriguez. Together, they share a home filled with love—including their two dogs, Buddy (a terrier mix) and Kenya (a pug), and their two cats, Oslo and Salem.