Removal Defense Attorney — San Francisco/Concord Immigration Courts

If you or a loved one received a Notice to Appear (NTA) from the Department of Homeland Security, or if you have an upcoming hearing in immigration court, you are in removal (deportation) proceedings. What you do in the next few weeks matters enormously. The right defense — filed on time, in the right form, before the right adjudicator — can be the difference between staying with your family in the United States and being deported to a country you may not have seen in years.

I'm Anna Ignatenko McLean (formerly known as Anna Ignatenko McLean). I've practiced immigration law exclusively for 15+ years and have represented clients in removal proceedings in immigration courts primarily in San Francisco, Concord, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Memphis, before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. I conduct consultations and prepare your case directly in English, Russian, or Spanish. I represent clients nationwide, wherever in the United States your immigration court is located.

Call (415) 212-9009 or message WhatsApp at the same number. Initial consultations: $200 / 30 minutes by phone or in person.

Why Removal Proceedings Begin

The most common reasons a person is placed into removal proceedings:

  • Entering the U.S. without inspection

  • Overstaying a visa

  • Violating the terms of a particular visa

  • Being convicted of certain crimes

  • Committing immigration fraud

  • Losing an asylum case at the Asylum Office

Removal proceedings are initiated when the government serves you with a Notice to Appear (NTA) and files it with the immigration court.

What the Process Looks Like

From the moment your NTA is filed, your case moves through a structured process. Missing any deadline — even by one day — can permanently extinguish your right to relief. This is not a process to navigate alone.

Master Calendar Hearing

A brief, scheduling-focused hearing. You (or your attorney) respond to the charges in the NTA, identify any factual disputes, and announce what defenses you intend to raise.

Individual Merits Hearing

The trial. You testify, witnesses testify, evidence is submitted, and the immigration judge decides whether you are removable and whether any form of relief applies.

Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)

If the judge orders removal, you generally have 30 days to file a Notice of Appeal. The BIA reviews the judge's legal and factual conclusions. While your appeal is pending, ICE cannot remove you from the United States. This protection is one of the most important reasons to file on time.

Petition for Review to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

If the BIA denies relief, you can ask the federal court of appeals to review the decision. I am admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit and have handled cases at this level — meaning if your case requires appeal, your representation continues without interruption.

Forms of Relief I Pursue

Depending on your circumstances, several forms of relief from removal may be available. Each has its own eligibility requirements:

Cancellation of Removal for Lawful Permanent Residents. For green card holders who have held LPR status for at least 5 years and lived in the U.S. for 7+ years, without certain disqualifying criminal convictions.

Cancellation of Removal for Non-Permanent Residents. For people who have lived in the U.S. continuously for 10+ years and can show removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child.

VAWA Cancellation of Removal. A reduced 3-year residency requirement for survivors of abuse by a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent.

Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection. For people who fear persecution or torture if returned to their home country. Can be filed defensively before the immigration judge even if your one-year asylum filing deadline has passed.

Adjustment of Status. For people eligible for a green card through a family member or employer who can adjust in court rather than through USCIS.

Waivers of Inadmissibility. Including I-601, I-601A, I-212, and 212(h) waivers, which can cure prior immigration violations or certain criminal issues.

U-Visa, T-Visa, and VAWA Self-Petitions. For survivors of crime, human trafficking, and domestic violence. Can be pursued in parallel with court proceedings.

Prosecutorial Discretion, Administrative Closure, and Termination. Depending on current DHS policy, your case may be paused, closed, or terminated without a removal order.

Voluntary Departure. When no other relief is available, this option preserves your ability to return to the U.S. lawfully in the future.

Motions to Reopen and Old Removal Orders

Many people have removal orders against them and do not realize it — for example, if they failed to appear at a hearing years ago. It is critical to find out whether you have an outstanding order before any contact with immigration authorities.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for a Motion to Reopen or a Motion to Reconsider. Some motions have strict deadlines; others (such as motions based on changed country conditions for asylum) do not. These motions are time-sensitive.

A Note on Detained Cases

I do not currently represent clients who are detained by ICE or in detained removal proceedings. If a family member is in ICE custody, please contact an attorney who handles detention work — speed matters, and I want you to reach the right help quickly. I am happy to take over a case once a client is released and proceedings continue in the non-detained docket.

Why Choose This Office for Removal Defense

Immigration is the only thing I practice. Every brief, every hearing, every appeal I file is in this one area of law.

You work with me, from start to finish. I am the attorney who reviews your file, helps you prepare your declaration, signs every brief, and appears at every Master Calendar and Individual Hearing. Larger firms often pass cases between associates because of high staff turnover — by the time of your Individual Hearing, the attorney representing you may not be the one you originally hired. That does not happen here.

Federal court and BIA experience. If your case requires appeal, your representation continues without interruption.

Three languages, no interpreter required. I work with you directly in English, Russian, or Spanish.

Immigrant from Kazakhstan. I came to the U.S. as an immigrant teenager and became a naturalized citizen. I understand what is at stake.

Attorney advisor to the Consulate General of Guatemala (2017–2024). A role given only to attorneys the consulate independently vetted.

Flat fees and payment plans. You know the cost from day one. Payment plans available in most cases.

What to Do Right Now If You Received an NTA

  1. Do not miss your first court date. Failure to appear can result in an automatic in-absentia removal order.

  2. Gather your NTA and any other documents from DHS or the immigration court — including your A-number (the 9-digit number starting with A on every immigration document).

  3. Write down your full immigration history — all entries to the U.S., visa applications, prior arrests or convictions, and family members in the U.S. and their immigration status.

  4. Call me at (415) 212-9009 or message WhatsApp at the same number. Consultations: $200 / 30 minutes by phone, video, or in person at my San Francisco office.

Everything you tell me in our consultation is protected by attorney-client privilege — even if you do not ultimately hire me.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my immigration court hearing take place?

The San Francisco Immigration Court at 100 Montgomery Street is closing, and pending cases are being moved to the Concord Immigration Court or 630 Sansome Street San Francisco Immigration Court. If you previously had hearings scheduled in San Francisco, expect future appearances to be in Concord or 630 Sansome Street San Francisco location. I appear in both courts and can advise on travel logistics and any remote-appearance options.

Can I be represented in immigration court even if I don't live in San Francisco?

Yes. Immigration law is federal, and I represent clients in immigration courts throughout the United States. Most non-detained appearances are now hybrid (in person or by video), and I appear remotely where the court allows.

What if I already have a removal order against me?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for a Motion to Reopen or Motion to Reconsider. Some motions have strict deadlines; others (such as motions based on changed country conditions for asylum) do not. Contact me as soon as possible.

Do you represent people who are in ICE detention?

No. I do not currently take detained cases. I focus on the non-detained docket and on representation before the BIA and Ninth Circuit. If your family member is detained, I can help you find an attorney who specializes in detention work.

Will my consultation be confidential?

Yes. Everything you tell me is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you do not ultimately hire me.

Helpful Resources

  • Immigration Court hotline: 1-800-898-7180 (24-hour automated case information)

  • Check your case status online: EOIR Case Information

  • Find your A-number on any immigration document — it is a 9-digit number beginning with A.