# AIM Immigration Law Firm

> Immigration attorney in San Francisco, California — serving clients nationwide and internationally in English, Spanish, and Russian.

The full text of every published page on https://aimimmigration.com, in English. Spanish and Russian versions live at the same paths under /es and /ru. Site index: https://aimimmigration.com/llms.txt

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## About Anna Ignatenko McLean

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/about
Last updated: 2026-05-31

### Who I Am

I am a first-generation U.S. immigrant, originally from Kazakhstan. I came to the United States as a teenager through the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

I speak English, Russian, and Spanish, and I conduct consultations and represent clients directly in all three languages.

I founded the AIM Immigration Law Firm (formerly known as Law Office of Anna I. Garcia) in San Francisco, California to focus exclusively on U.S. immigration law. I represent individuals, families, and businesses across the United States and abroad.

### What I Do

My practice covers the full range of U.S. immigration matters:

- Asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture protection
- Removal (deportation) defense in immigration court (non-detained only)
- Family-based immigration, fiancé visas, and adjustment of status
- U.S. citizenship and naturalization, including derivative and acquired citizenship
- Waivers of inadmissibility (I-601, I-601A, I-212, 212(h))
- Medical N-400 waivers
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole, including Uniting for Ukraine (U4U)
- U-visas, T-visas, VAWA self-petitions, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and petitions for review to the Ninth Circuit
- Contract drafting, brief writing, and in-person special appearances for other attorneys
- Certified document translation (Russian, Ukrainian, and Spanish to English)

### Credentials

- **Doctor of Law (J.D.)** — University of Kentucky College of Law
- **Courses in LL.M.** — Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, Spain (Private International Legal Practice)
- **Bachelor of Business Administration, summa cum laude** — University of Pikeville, Kentucky
- **Bachelor of Business Administration, courses** — American University in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan
- **Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program** — U.S. Department of State

**Bar admission:** Kentucky Bar Association. Authorized to practice U.S. immigration law nationwide and advise clients abroad.

**Federal court admissions:** Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

**Languages:** English, Russian, Spanish.

### Professional Recognition

**Attorney Advisor to the Consulate General of Guatemala in San Francisco (2017–2024).** Selected by the Consulate to provide immigration legal advice and free consultations to Guatemalan nationals — a role given only to attorneys the Consulate independently vetted.

**Professional memberships:**

- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- American Bar Association
- Kentucky Bar Association

### Why I Do This Work

I am an immigrant. I understand what it is to leave one country for another, to navigate a foreign legal system, and to wait — sometimes for years — for a status that determines where your family lives and what you can build. I treat every client's case with the seriousness and care I would want for my own family. I tell the truth about what is possible. And when a case is winnable, I do the work to win it.

### How I Work With Clients

**You work with me, personally, from start to finish.** I am a solo practitioner. The attorney you hire is the attorney who reviews your file, drafts your filings, and appears at your interview, hearing, or court date. Your case will not be reassigned to an associate you have never met. For many clients, that continuity is the difference between a good immigration experience and a frustrating one.

*If you have an immigration question and want to know your options, I am happy to talk. Call or WhatsApp (415) 212-9009, email contact@aimimmigration.com, or schedule online.*

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## Practice Areas

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/practice-areas
Last updated: 2026-05-31

I represent clients on every common U.S. immigration matter. Because immigration law is federal, I handle cases nationwide — wherever in the United States your USCIS office or immigration court is located, and at U.S. consulates abroad. Consultations available in English, Spanish, and Russian.

### Removal (Deportation) Defense

For people who have received a Notice to Appear (NTA), have a hearing scheduled in immigration court, or have an outstanding removal order. I represent clients in non-detained removal proceedings, before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

[Learn more about Removal Defense →](https://aimimmigration.com/en/removal-defense)

### Asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

For people who fear persecution or torture if returned to their home country, and for nationals of countries currently designated for TPS. Includes affirmative asylum (filed with the USCIS Asylum Office), defensive asylum (filed in immigration court), withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture protection, and TPS applications and renewals.

[Learn more about Asylum & TPS →](https://aimimmigration.com/en/asylum-tps)

### Family-Based Immigration

For U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who want to sponsor a spouse, parent, child, or sibling for a green card. Includes adjustment of status, consular processing, K-1 fiancé visas, removal of conditions on residence (I-751), waivers of inadmissibility, and I-730 follow-to-join petitions for asylees and refugees.

[Learn more about Family Immigration →](https://aimimmigration.com/en/family-immigration)

### U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization

For lawful permanent residents who are ready to become U.S. citizens. Includes N-400 applications, derivative and acquired citizenship investigation, English and civics exam exemptions for older applicants, and medical waivers for clients who cannot complete the exams due to a qualifying condition.

[Learn more about U.S. Citizenship →](https://aimimmigration.com/en/u-s-citizenship)

### Victims of Crime (U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA, SIJS)

For survivors of qualifying crimes, human trafficking, domestic violence, and abused or neglected minors. These protections often apply regardless of current immigration status. Confidentiality is essential — VAWA self-petitions can be filed without the abuser's knowledge.

[Learn more about Victims of Crime →](https://aimimmigration.com/en/humanitarian)

### Other Immigration Matters

Green card renewals (I-90), work permits, extensions and changes of status, travel documents (advance parole, re-entry permits), humanitarian parole including Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), DACA renewals, military parole in place, deferred action requests, FOIA requests, and NACARA.

[Learn more about Other Immigration Matters →](https://aimimmigration.com/en/other-immigration-cases)

### Document Translation

Certified translation from Russian, Ukrainian, and Spanish to English for USCIS filings, immigration court submissions, and U.S. consular applications. Includes a signed Certificate of Translation as required by 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(3).

[Learn more about Translation Services →](https://aimimmigration.com/en/translation-services)

### For Other Attorneys — Contract Services & Special Appearances

In-person special appearances at the San Francisco Asylum Office, USCIS field offices, and San Francisco and Concord Immigration Court — particularly relevant after USCIS ended telephonic attorney appearances on May 18, 2026. Also: brief and motion drafting, BIA and Ninth Circuit appellate work, and Russian/Spanish client communication.

[Learn more about For Other Attorneys →](https://aimimmigration.com/en/for-attorneys)

*Not sure which practice area applies to you? Call (415) 212-9009 or email contact@aimimmigration.com. I will tell you in plain language what your options are, and whether I am the right attorney for your situation.*

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## Removal Defense Attorney — San Francisco /Concord Immigration Courts

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/removal-defense
Last updated: 2026-06-01

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 Garcia). 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](https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/)
- **Find your A-number** on any immigration document — it is a 9-digit number beginning with A.

---

## Asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/asylum-tps
Last updated: 2026-05-31

If you are afraid to return to your home country because of persecution, torture, or threats to your life or freedom, U.S. asylum law may protect you. If you are from a country whose conditions make safe return impossible, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) may allow you to stay in the United States legally with work authorization. These are different forms of protection — but they share one rule: timing and evidence matter enormously.

I am Anna Ignatenko McLean (formerly known as Anna Ignatenko Garcia). I have practiced immigration law exclusively for 15+ years, representing clients in affirmative asylum cases before the USCIS Asylum Office, defensive asylum cases in immigration court, withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture (CAT) claims, and appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. I work with clients directly in English, Russian, and Spanish — privately, in your language.

*Everything you tell me in our consultation is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you do not ultimately hire me. Call (415) 212-9009 or email contact@aimimmigration.com.*

### What Is Asylum?

Asylum is legal protection for individuals already in the United States who fear returning to their home country. To qualify, you must demonstrate:

1. Past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution;
2. Harm connected to one of five protected grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group; and
3. That the harm was caused by the government or by groups the government cannot control.

**Critical deadline:** You generally must file within **one year of arrival** in the United States. There are limited exceptions (such as changed personal or country circumstances), but the safer assumption is that the deadline is real. Do not wait.

### What Asylum Does Not Cover

Asylum does not cover fleeing war, civil disturbance, widespread violence, unstable governments, discrimination, government corruption, or poor economic conditions alone. Applicants must show specific personal reasons for persecution — general statements about a country being dangerous are not sufficient.

### How to Apply — Three Paths

#### 1. Affirmatively — File with the USCIS Asylum Office

If you are inside the United States and not in removal proceedings, you file Form I-589 with USCIS and attend an interview at the Asylum Office. If granted, you receive asylum and can apply for a green card one year later.

#### 2. At the Border — Request Asylum on Entry

If you arrive at the U.S. border or a port of entry and tell U.S. officials you fear returning home, you may be referred for a credible fear interview. If you pass, your case moves to immigration court for a defensive asylum hearing.

#### 3. Defensively — In Immigration Court

If you are in removal proceedings, you can file asylum as a defense before the immigration judge. This applies even if your one-year deadline has passed, in which case I will assess whether withholding of removal or CAT protection applies as an alternative.

### Benefits of Asylum

1. Work authorization 150 days after filing your I-589 (with the work permit issued shortly after).
2. Permission to remain in the United States legally while your case is pending.
3. Eligibility to include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 as derivatives on your application.
4. Eligibility to petition for your spouse and unmarried children abroad using Form I-730 (within 2 years of your grant).
5. Eligibility to apply for a green card one year after your asylum grant.
6. Eligibility for U.S. citizenship five years after becoming a permanent resident.

### What Is Persecution?

Persecution is generally defined as the infliction of suffering or harm, or a serious threat to life or freedom. It includes death threats, torture, imprisonment, surveillance, forced participation in illegal activity, and severe discrimination in areas such as housing, education, or passport issuance. Mere harassment is not enough. The threat must be nationwide — applicants generally cannot be expected to relocate internally to avoid harm.

### The Five Protected Grounds

**Race, Religion, Nationality.** These are self-explanatory categories.

**Political Opinion.** Holding views the authorities do not tolerate. Requires evidence that authorities knew of your opinions (public speaking, writing, protest participation). Can include LGBTQ rights advocacy, labor union activity, feminist views, or 'imputed political opinion' where authorities wrongly attribute opinions to you.

**Membership in a Particular Social Group.** The most complex category. Groups share fundamental characteristics members cannot change, have distinct boundaries, and are socially recognized. Examples include tribes, social classes, family relationships, women who have faced domestic violence, LGBTQ individuals, and witnesses to gang violence.

### Does Persecution Need to Come from the Government?

No. Persecution by groups the government cannot control — such as guerrillas, paramilitary organizations, gangs, or vigilantes — qualifies if it has a political or social basis. Criminal persecution for purely personal reasons (a private debt, for example) does not qualify under asylum law.

### Withholding of Removal and Convention Against Torture (CAT)

If you do not qualify for asylum — for example, because you missed the one-year deadline — you may still be eligible for withholding of removal or CAT protection. These are harder to win (the standard of proof is higher), but they prevent the government from removing you to a country where you would face persecution or torture. Withholding and CAT do not lead to a green card, but they prevent deportation.

### Family Reunification After You Are Granted Asylum

If you are granted asylum, you may petition for your spouse and unmarried children under 21 abroad through Form I-730. This petition must be filed within 2 years of your asylum grant unless an exception applies.

### Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Temporary Protected Status protects nationals of designated countries from deportation when their home country is unsafe due to civil war, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS provides work authorization and, in some cases, permission to travel.

**Countries currently designated for TPS include** Ukraine, Burma (Myanmar), Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, El Salvador, and Honduras (as of publication).

*TPS country designations and re-registration deadlines change frequently. Always check the current USCIS TPS page — uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status — before assuming your country is still designated or that your registration window is open.*

### Why This Office for Your Asylum Case

**You work with me, from start to finish.** Asylum cases require building trust over months — sometimes years. You will share difficult, sometimes traumatic, details to prepare your declaration. The attorney who hears that story is the attorney who sits next to you at your Asylum Office interview or your Individual Hearing in immigration court. Larger firms often shuffle asylum cases between associates because of high staff turnover — by the time of your interview, you may be meeting a new attorney for the first time. That does not happen here. I prepare your declaration, I conduct your interview preparation, and I represent you on the day.

**Three languages, no interpreter between us.** Your declaration and your interview preparation happen directly in English, Russian, or Spanish — without a stranger interpreting your story.

**Confidentiality.** Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege. The U.S. government does not notify your home country that you have filed for asylum.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### I have been in the United States more than one year. Am I too late to file for asylum?

Possibly not. The one-year deadline has exceptions for changed personal circumstances (such as a new persecutor coming to power, a recent diagnosis of a condition that increases your risk, or coming out as LGBTQ) and for extraordinary circumstances (serious illness, ineffective prior counsel). Even if no exception applies, you may still qualify for withholding of removal or CAT protection.

#### Will the U.S. government tell my home country I am seeking asylum?

No. U.S. asylum proceedings are confidential. The U.S. government does not notify your home country that you have filed for asylum.

#### Can my family be included in my asylum application?

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 who are in the United States with you can be included as derivatives on your asylum application. Family members abroad can be petitioned for through Form I-730 after asylum is granted.

#### How long does an asylum case take?

Affirmative asylum cases at the USCIS Asylum Office can take from months to several years depending on the office and your nationality. Defensive cases in immigration court generally take 1–3+ years. Work authorization is typically available within months of filing.

#### What if I have already filed asylum on my own and it was denied?

If you filed affirmatively and were referred to immigration court, you can renew your asylum claim there. If you lost in immigration court, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals. Contact me as soon as possible — these deadlines are strict.

---

## Family-Based Immigration

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/family-immigration
Last updated: 2026-05-31

Family is the most common reason people immigrate to the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and you want to bring a spouse, parent, child, fiancé(e), or sibling to live with you in the U.S. — or if you are a family member trying to immigrate through a relative — I can help you understand which path applies and prepare a strong petition.

I am Anna Ignatenko McLean (formerly known as Anna Ignatenko Garcia). I have practiced immigration exclusively for 15+ years and handle family-based cases from the initial I-130 petition through consular processing, adjustment of status, removal of conditions, and waivers when needed. Consultations in English, Russian, and Spanish.

*Most family-based cases are won or lost on documentation. The earlier you involve an attorney, the cleaner your case. Call (415) 212-9009 or email contact@aimimmigration.com.*

### Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?

#### U.S. Citizens May Petition For:

- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried adult children (21 or older)
- Married children of any age
- Parents (biological, step-, or adoptive — petitioner must be 21 or older)
- Siblings (petitioner must be 21 or older)

#### Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) May Petition For:

- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
- Unmarried adult children

### Immediate Relative vs. Preference Categories

#### Immediate Relatives — No Visa Cap, No Waiting

Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens are "immediate relatives." There is no annual numerical cap on these visas, so there is generally no waiting line beyond normal USCIS processing times.

#### Preference Categories — Annual Caps Create Waiting Lines

- **F1:** Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
- **F2A:** Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of permanent residents
- **F2B:** Unmarried adult children of permanent residents
- **F3:** Married children of U.S. citizens
- **F4:** Siblings of U.S. citizens

These categories have annual visa caps. Wait times range from a few years to two decades or more — particularly for applicants from Mexico, the Philippines, India, and China. The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin showing current wait times. I will tell you, in our consultation, what wait time to expect for your category and country.

### How the Process Works

#### Consular Processing — When the Relative Is Abroad

1. U.S. citizen or LPR petitioner files Form I-130 with USCIS.
2. After approval, the case transfers to the National Visa Center (NVC).
3. NVC collects fees, supporting documents, and the visa application.
4. The case is sent to the appropriate U.S. consulate or embassy.
5. The relative attends a visa interview. An approved visa allows entry to the U.S.

#### Adjustment of Status — When the Relative Is Inside the U.S.

1. Petitioner submits Form I-130.
2. Eligible relatives file Forms I-485 (adjustment), I-765 (work permit), and I-131 (advance parole) concurrently with — or after — the I-130.
3. USCIS schedules an interview.
4. If approved, the relative becomes a lawful permanent resident.

### Marriage-Based Cases — What USCIS Looks For

**Marriage fraud is taken seriously and carries severe civil and criminal penalties.** USCIS examines whether a marriage is bona fide — entered into for the purpose of building a life together, not for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. Strong evidence of a bona fide marriage includes:

- Joint lease or mortgage, joint bank and credit accounts, joint tax returns
- Insurance policies naming the spouse as beneficiary
- Children of the marriage
- Photographs over time with family and friends
- Travel records and shared experiences
- Affidavits from family, friends, employers, neighbors

USCIS officers conduct interviews and, in some cases, home visits. I prepare clients carefully for the interview, including separated interviews when USCIS requests them.

### Fiancé (K-1) Visas

Only U.S. citizens may file fiancé visa petitions. Requirements:

- The U.S. citizen and fiancé(e) must have met in person within the last 2 years (with limited cultural/medical exceptions).
- Both parties must be free to marry.
- After visa issuance, the fiancé(e) must enter the U.S. within 6 months.
- The marriage must take place within 90 days of entry.
- The K-1 holder must file for adjustment of status after marriage.

### Removal of Conditions on Residence (Form I-751)

If you obtained your green card through marriage that was less than 2 years old at the time of approval, you received conditional permanent residence. Within the 90-day window before your conditional green card expires, you must file Form I-751 — typically jointly with your spouse — to remove the conditions and obtain a 10-year green card.

If you are separated, divorced, or are a survivor of abuse, you may file the I-751 with a waiver request and supporting evidence. Failure to file on time risks termination of status and removal proceedings.

### Waivers of Inadmissibility

Several grounds of inadmissibility — including unlawful presence, certain criminal convictions, immigration fraud, prior removal orders, public charge concerns, and certain health conditions — can be cured with a waiver if you qualify. Common waivers include:

- **I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver** — allows certain applicants to apply for a waiver from inside the U.S. before traveling for consular processing.
- **I-601 Waiver** — for a broader range of grounds of inadmissibility, generally filed in connection with a consular case.
- **I-212 Consent to Reapply for Admission** — for applicants who were previously removed and need permission to apply for a new visa.
- **212(h) Waiver** — for certain criminal grounds of inadmissibility.

Most waivers require demonstrating extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.

### I-730 Follow-to-Join (for Asylees and Refugees)

If you have been granted asylum or refugee status, you may petition for your spouse and unmarried children under 21 abroad using Form I-730. The petition must generally be filed within 2 years of your grant of asylum or refugee status (limited humanitarian exceptions exist).

### Affidavit of Support

Most family-based petitioners must file Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, demonstrating income at or above 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for the household size. Joint sponsors may substitute when the petitioner's income alone is not sufficient.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### How long does a marriage-based green card take?

If your spouse is a U.S. citizen and you are inside the U.S., adjustment of status currently runs from approximately 10 to 18+ months depending on the USCIS field office. Consular processing varies by post but is generally 12–24 months. LPR-spouse cases take longer due to F2A category wait times — though F2A has been current or near-current in recent years.

#### My spouse and I had a fight at the USCIS interview. Will our case be denied?

Not necessarily. USCIS officers expect couples to disagree on small details. Denials happen when there is evidence of fraud — not when spouses give different answers about who took out the trash. If you are concerned about an interview, I prepare clients carefully.

#### What if my I-751 (removal of conditions) is denied?

A denied I-751 typically results in the issuance of a Notice to Appear and removal proceedings. The case can often be renewed before the immigration judge. Contact me as soon as you receive a denial — there are strict timelines.

#### Can I sponsor my parents if I am a green card holder?

No. Only U.S. citizens can sponsor parents. You must naturalize first.

#### My fiancé(e) and I have never met in person. Can I still file a K-1?

Generally, no — USCIS requires that the U.S. citizen and fiancé(e) have met in person within the last 2 years. Limited cultural or medical hardship exceptions exist but are rarely granted.

---

## Victims of Crime — Confidential Immigration Help

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/humanitarian
Last updated: 2026-06-01

U.S. immigration law provides specific protections for people who have survived crime, domestic violence, human trafficking, or childhood abuse and neglect. These protections — U-visas, T-visas, VAWA self-petitions, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status — can lead to lawful status and, eventually, a green card, often regardless of how you entered the United States or your current immigration status.

I am Anna Ignatenko McLean (formerly known as Anna Ignatenko Garcia). I have practiced immigration exclusively for 15+ years and represent survivors with confidentiality, care, and patience. Consultations in English, Russian, and Spanish.

*Your consultation with me is protected by attorney-client privilege. I do not share your information without your permission. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 first.*

### U-Visa — for Victims of Qualifying Crimes

The U-visa is available to people who have been victims of certain qualifying crimes in the United States, who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result, and who are helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

#### Qualifying crimes include:

Abduction, abusive sexual contact, blackmail, domestic violence, extortion, false imprisonment, female genital mutilation, fraud in foreign labor contracting, hostage-taking, human trafficking, incest, involuntary servitude, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, obstruction of justice, peonage, perjury, prostitution, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, slave trade, stalking, torture, trafficking, unlawful criminal restraint, witness tampering, and related crimes.

#### Key points:

- A law enforcement certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) is required, but the perpetrator does not need to have been arrested or convicted.
- U-visa provides four-year status with employment authorization.
- Eligible to apply for a green card after three years of continuous U.S. residence in U-visa status.
- Annual cap of 10,000 principal U-visas creates a multi-year wait, but applicants typically receive deferred action and work authorization while waiting.
- Spouses, children, and certain other family members may qualify as derivatives.

### T-Visa — for Victims of Human Trafficking

The T-visa is for survivors of severe forms of human trafficking — those subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for sex trafficking or for labor or services.

- Provides four-year status with employment authorization.
- Eligible to apply for a green card after three years of continuous U.S. residence (or sooner if the investigation/prosecution concludes).
- Cooperation with law enforcement is generally required, with limited exemptions including age and trauma.
- Family members may qualify as derivatives.

### VAWA Self-Petition — for Abused Spouses, Children, and Parents

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) — which applies to people of any gender — allows the abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to self-petition for immigration status without the abuser's knowledge, consent, or sponsorship.

**Important: VAWA does not require physical violence. Emotional abuse, psychological abuse, controlling behavior, and threats also qualify.**

#### Who can self-petition?

- Abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or LPR (including former spouse if the divorce was within 2 years and connected to the abuse)
- Abused child (unmarried, under 21) of a U.S. citizen or LPR
- Abused parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter who is 21 or older

#### What VAWA provides:

- Lawful status independent of the abuser
- Employment authorization
- Eligibility to apply for a green card (immediate for abused spouses of U.S. citizens; preference category for spouses of LPRs)
- Continued eligibility even if the abuser dies, divorces you, or loses status — within certain windows

### Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

SIJS is a path to permanent residency for unmarried children under 21 who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents and for whom returning to their home country is not in their best interest. SIJS is a three-step process:

1. Obtain a predicate order from a state juvenile, family, or probate court making the required findings.
2. File Form I-360 with USCIS within 180 days of the state court order.
3. Once a visa is available (subject to category and country wait times), file for adjustment of status to permanent residence.

### How I Work With Survivors

**You work with me, from start to finish.** You will not have to retell your story to a parade of attorneys, associates, or paralegals. I am the attorney who hears your situation, assists you in preparing your declaration and supporting evidence, files your petition, and represents you at your interview or hearing. For survivors, continuity matters — you work with one person who will carry your case to the end.

**Confidentiality.** Your information is protected by attorney-client privilege. I do not contact your abuser, your employer, or anyone else without your permission.

**Pace.** Survivors often need time to gather documents, decide what to share, and make decisions. I will not rush you.

**Multilingual.** I conduct your case in English, Russian, or Spanish — without an interpreter who is a stranger to your story.

**Practical safety planning.** I can help you think through where to receive mail, whom to list as emergency contacts, and how to communicate with my office safely.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Will my abuser find out I am filing for VAWA?

USCIS does not notify the abuser of a VAWA self-petition. There are strict confidentiality protections built into the program. I take additional steps to keep our communications secure and to coordinate where mail is sent.

#### I am undocumented. Can I still apply for a U-visa or VAWA?

Yes. These programs were designed specifically to protect survivors regardless of current immigration status.

#### Do I need to press charges or testify in court for a U-visa?

You must be helpful to law enforcement, but you do not need to press charges, and the perpetrator does not need to be arrested or convicted. The law enforcement certifying agency confirms your helpfulness.

#### My abuser is also a U.S. immigrant — does VAWA still apply?

VAWA self-petitions require that the abuser be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If your abuser does not have one of these statuses, the U-visa may apply if the underlying conduct is a qualifying crime.

#### Will applying affect my children?

In most cases, children of survivors can be included as derivatives or have their own protections. We will review each child's situation specifically.

### Resources

- **National Domestic Violence Hotline:** 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, confidential, multiple languages)
- **National Human Trafficking Hotline:** 1-888-373-7888 (24/7, confidential)
- **If you are in immediate danger:** Call 911.

---

## U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/u-s-citizenship
Last updated: 2026-06-01

Becoming a U.S. citizen is the final step in an immigration journey that often takes many years. It comes with the right to vote, the ability to sponsor parents and other family members, U.S. passport eligibility, freedom from green card renewals, protection from most grounds of removal, and access to certain federal jobs and benefits. For many of my clients, it is also the moment their family's status in the United States becomes truly permanent.

I am Anna Ignatenko McLean (formerly known as Anna Ignatenko Garcia). I have practiced immigration exclusively for 15+ years and represent applicants on naturalization (Form N-400), derivative and acquired citizenship, English and civics exam exemptions, and medical N-400 waivers for clients with qualifying conditions. Consultations in English, Russian, and Spanish.

*Most naturalization cases are straightforward. The cases that go wrong usually do so because of issues that could have been spotted in a single consultation — a missed travel record, an overlooked arrest, a gap in residency. Call (415) 212-9009 before you file.*

### Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

- Right to vote in federal, state, and local elections
- U.S. passport and consular protection abroad
- Eligibility to sponsor parents, siblings, and married adult children for green cards
- No more green card renewals (form I-90 every 10 years)
- Eligibility for federal jobs that require citizenship
- Protection from most grounds of removal/deportation
- Ability to pass U.S. citizenship to children born abroad
- Eligibility for certain federal benefits not available to LPRs

### General Eligibility for Naturalization

1. 18 years of age or older at the time of filing
2. Lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen for those 3 years)
3. Continuous residence in the United States during that 5-year (or 3-year) period — meaning no single absence of 6 months or longer without strong justification
4. Physical presence in the United States for at least half of the eligibility period (2½ years out of 5, or 1½ years out of 3)
5. Residence in the state or USCIS district where you file for at least 3 months prior to filing
6. Good moral character throughout the eligibility period (and ideally before)
7. Ability to read, write, and speak basic English
8. Knowledge of U.S. history and civics (the civics test)
9. Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution

### English and Civics Exam Exemptions

#### Age and Residency Exemptions

- **55/15 rule:** Applicants age 55 or older who have been LPRs for at least 15 years are exempt from the English exam (civics in their native language with an interpreter).
- **50/20 rule:** Applicants age 50 or older who have been LPRs for at least 20 years are exempt from the English exam.
- **65/20 rule:** Applicants age 65 or older who have been LPRs for at least 20 years are exempt from the English exam and take a simplified civics test from a smaller question set.

#### Medical Waivers (N-648)

Form N-648 allows applicants who cannot complete the English and/or civics exams due to a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment — such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, post-stroke cognitive impairment, severe depression, or other qualifying conditions — to be exempted. The form must be completed by a licensed medical professional. I help clients identify qualifying conditions, locate physicians familiar with the form, and prepare the supporting documentation USCIS expects.

### Application Process at a Glance

1. File Form N-400 with USCIS (online or by mail) with supporting documents and the filing fee.
2. USCIS sends a receipt notice, then a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment.
3. USCIS reviews your case and schedules an interview at a local field office.
4. At the interview: English and civics tests; questions about your application and background.
5. If approved, you take the Oath of Allegiance at a ceremony (often the same day or within a few weeks).
6. You receive your Certificate of Naturalization — you are a U.S. citizen as of the oath.

### Derivative and Acquired Citizenship

Many people are already U.S. citizens and do not know it. Two common paths:

#### Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (Acquired Citizenship for Children)

A child under 18 automatically becomes a U.S. citizen if all of the following are true:

1. At least one parent is a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization)
2. The child resides in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent
3. The child is a lawful permanent resident (has a green card)

If you or your child meets these conditions, you can file Form N-600 for a Certificate of Citizenship — no naturalization needed.

#### Derivative Citizenship Through a Parent's Earlier Naturalization

If your parent naturalized while you were under 18 and the other conditions above were met, you may already be a U.S. citizen even if you have never filed any paperwork to confirm it. I can investigate your family's immigration history to determine whether you qualify.

### Common Reasons N-400 Cases Go Wrong

- **Trips abroad longer than 6 months** can break continuous residence — a problem we can sometimes solve with documentation if planned for.
- **Old criminal records** — even arrests without conviction — that the applicant assumed didn't matter can affect good moral character determinations.
- **Selective Service registration** issues for men who lived in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26 without registering.
- **Tax issues** — filing as a non-resident, not filing at all, or owing back taxes can affect good moral character.
- **Disclosed-vs-undisclosed information** — USCIS knows what is in your A-file. Inconsistencies between what you wrote on past forms and what you write on the N-400 are a leading cause of denial.

If any of these may apply to you, do not file before talking to an attorney. A consultation costs less than a USCIS denial and re-filing fee.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### How long does naturalization take?

Currently, most N-400 cases take 8–14 months from filing to oath ceremony, though this varies by USCIS field office. Check current USCIS processing times for your field office before filing.

#### I have a DUI on my record. Can I still naturalize?

Usually yes, depending on when it happened, how it was resolved, and whether there are multiple offenses. The 5-year good moral character window is the key issue. Schedule a consultation before filing.

#### I was outside the U.S. for 9 months for a family emergency. Did I break continuous residence?

Possibly. Absences of 6 months to 1 year create a rebuttable presumption that continuous residence was broken. Strong evidence (medical records, family situation, ties maintained in the U.S.) can rebut the presumption.

#### Can I keep my original citizenship?

U.S. law allows dual citizenship. Whether your home country recognizes dual citizenship is a separate question — some countries (including a few from the former Soviet Union) do not. Ask me, or check with your country's consulate.

#### Do I have to learn English even though I'm 70?

If you have been a green card holder for at least 15 years and you are 55 or older, you are exempt from the English exam. If you are 65 or older with 20 years as an LPR, you take a simplified civics exam from a smaller question set.

---

## Other Immigration Matters

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/other-immigration-cases
Last updated: 2026-05-31

Immigration law covers an enormous range of case types, forms, and services. In addition to removal defense, asylum, family immigration, victims-of-crime relief, and U.S. citizenship, I handle the following matters. If your situation does not fit any category below, contact me — chances are I have handled it.

### Renewal & Maintenance of Status

**Green Card Renewal and Replacement (Form I-90).** For expired, expiring, lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed green cards, and for replacing a green card with corrected information.

**Removal of Conditions on Residence (Form I-751).** For 2-year conditional green card holders (typically through marriage). [See Family Immigration]

**Re-Entry Permits (Form I-131).** For LPRs planning to be outside the U.S. for an extended period (often 1–2 years) who want to preserve their LPR status and re-entry rights.

### Work & Travel

**Work Permit Applications and Renewals (Form I-765).** For asylum applicants, TPS holders, DACA recipients, certain visa categories, and others eligible to work in the U.S.

**Extension or Change of Status (Form I-539).** For nonimmigrants who need to extend their current visa status or switch to a different one — including B-2 (visitor), F-1 (student), H-1B (worker), TN, E-2, L-1, and others.

**Advance Parole (Form I-131).** For adjustment-of-status applicants, TPS holders, U-visa holders, asylum applicants, and others who need permission to travel and re-enter the U.S. while their case is pending.

**Refugee Travel Documents (Form I-131).** For asylees and refugees who need to travel internationally.

### Humanitarian

**Humanitarian Parole.** Temporary permission to enter or remain in the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Includes requests based on medical emergencies, family reunification, dangerous conditions abroad, and humanitarian programs such as Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) when available.

**Waivers of Inadmissibility (I-601A, I-601, I-212, 212(h)).** For applicants with prior unlawful presence, certain criminal convictions, immigration fraud, prior removal orders, or other grounds that would otherwise bar admission. Most require demonstrating extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR relative.

**Military Parole in Place.** For certain immediate relatives of current and former U.S. military service members who entered the U.S. without inspection — allowing adjustment of status without consular processing.

**Deferred Action Requests.** Requests for prosecutorial discretion allowing eligible individuals to remain temporarily in the United States without removal.

### Special Programs

**DACA Renewals.** Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals renewals. Note: new (initial) DACA applications are currently unavailable due to ongoing litigation; only renewals are processed.

**NACARA — Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.** Relief for eligible nationals of certain Central American and former Soviet countries who have been in the U.S. for many years.

**Cuban Adjustment Act.** Adjustment of status for eligible Cuban nationals.

### Records & Government Requests

**FOIA Requests (Freedom of Information Act).** To obtain your complete immigration file from USCIS, ICE, CBP, or EOIR. Often the necessary first step before filing or reopening a case to confirm exactly what the government has on you.

**FBI Identification (Criminal) Record Requests.** To obtain your complete federal criminal record — often necessary for citizenship applications, asylum cases, and waivers.

### See Also

- **Translation Services.** Certified Russian, Ukrainian, and Spanish-to-English translation for USCIS filings.
- **For Other Attorneys.** Contract drafting, brief writing, and in-person special appearances in the Bay Area.

*If your situation isn't listed above, ask. After 15+ years of immigration-exclusive practice, I have likely handled something similar. Call (415) 212-9009 or email contact@aimimmigration.com.*

---

## Immigration Resources

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/resources
Last updated: 2026-05-31

Useful U.S. immigration links, organized by category. These are official government sites and trusted nonprofit organizations. If you are working on your own case, these resources are a starting point — but for anything beyond a routine filing or status check, consult an attorney first.

### Case Status & Tracking

- **USCIS Case Status.** Check the status of your USCIS application by receipt number. [egov.uscis.gov/casestatus](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do)
- **USCIS Case Processing Times.** See how long different USCIS offices are taking to decide your case type. [egov.uscis.gov/processing-times](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/)
- **USCIS Case Inquiry (E-Request).** Submit questions or inquiries directly to USCIS using their web forms. [egov.uscis.gov/e-request](https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/Intro.do)
- **EOIR Immigration Court Case Status.** Look up your next hearing date by A-number. [acis.eoir.justice.gov](https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/)
- **Immigration Court 24-Hour Hotline.** 1-800-898-7180 (automated case information)
- **NVC Visa Case Status.** Check the status of an immigrant or non-immigrant visa case at the National Visa Center. [ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker](https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx)
- **ICE Detainee Locator.** Locate someone detained by ICE. [locator.ice.gov](https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/index)

### Forms, Filings & Fees

- **All USCIS Forms (free).** Download every USCIS form, fee schedule, and filing instructions. [uscis.gov/forms](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms)
- **DS-160.** Online nonimmigrant visa application. [ceac.state.gov/GenNIV](https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx)
- **DS-260.** Online immigrant visa application. [ceac.state.gov/IV](https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx)
- **myUSCIS Account.** Create an account to file forms online, receive notifications, and book appointments. [my.uscis.gov](https://my.uscis.gov/)
- **Visa Bulletin.** Monthly visa availability for family and employment preference categories. [travel.state.gov — Visa Bulletin](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html)

### Medical & Civic

- **USCIS Designated Civil Surgeon Locator.** Find a doctor authorized to complete the Form I-693 medical examination required for adjustment of status. [my.uscis.gov/findadoctor](https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor)
- **USCIS Civics Test Study Materials.** Free materials to prepare for the naturalization civics test. [uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources)

### Know Your Rights

- **ILRC Know Your Rights.** What to do during ICE or immigration raids at work, at home, or in public. In English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, and Arabic. [ilrc.org — Know Your Rights](https://www.ilrc.org/know-your-rights-and-what-immigrant-families-should-do-now)
- **San Francisco Immigrant Rights.** Local resources and protections. [immigrants.sf.gov](https://immigrants.sf.gov/)

### Find Help

- **AILA Find a Lawyer.** Directory of American Immigration Lawyers Association members. [ailalawyer.com](https://www.ailalawyer.com/)
- **USCIS Find Legal Services.** USCIS list of accredited representatives and free or low-cost legal service providers. [uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct/find-legal-services](https://www.uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct/find-legal-services)
- **USCIS Tools (avoiding scams).** How to avoid immigration scams ("notario" fraud). [uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct](https://www.uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct)

*Need help with your case after using these resources? Call (415) 212-9009 or email contact@aimimmigration.com. Most consultations are available within one week.*

---

## Contact the AIM Immigration Law Firm

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/contact
Last updated: 2026-05-31

Most clients reach me by phone, WhatsApp, or email. Initial consultations are $200 for up to 30 minutes, by phone, video, or in person at my San Francisco office.

### How to Reach Me

**Phone / Text / WhatsApp (English / Spanish / Russian):** (415) 212-9009

**Email:** contact@aimimmigration.com

**Address:** 500 Sutter Street, Suite 823, San Francisco, CA 94102

**Office hours:** Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (by appointment only)

*SE HABLA ESPAÑOL. МЫ ГОВОРИМ ПО-РУССКИ. I conduct consultations and represent clients directly in English, Spanish, and Russian.*

### Schedule a Consultation

**Cost:** $200 for up to 30 minutes (in-person, phone, or video).

**How to schedule:** Call (415) 212-9009, send a text or WhatsApp to the same number, email contact@aimimmigration.com.

**Currently:** Most initial consultations are conducted by phone or video. In-person consultations are available in limited circumstances.

### What to Expect in Your Consultation

During our 30 minutes together, I will:

- Review your immigration situation in detail
- Explain every benefit and option realistically available to you
- Answer your questions about your case
- Identify the documents you need to gather
- Provide a flat-fee quote and action plan if I am the right attorney for your case

### What to Have Ready Before the Consultation

- Your A-number (9-digit number starting with A) if you have one
- Your country of birth and country of citizenship
- A summary of all your prior immigration filings (and copies if you have them)
- Any USCIS or court notices you have received
- Information about your family members in the U.S. and their immigration status
- A summary of any U.S. arrests or convictions, including the disposition
- If you are applying through family or employment: information about your sponsor

### How Much Does an Immigration Case Cost?

I quote a flat fee for almost every case, based on complexity and the work involved. The flat fee is determined during our initial consultation. Payment plans are available in most cases.

### Getting to the Office

**Address:** 500 Sutter Street, Suite 823, San Francisco, CA 94102 — between Powell and Mason, two blocks from Union Square.

**BART:** Powell Street Station, 5-minute walk.

**MUNI:** Multiple bus lines stop within one block; Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde cable cars also nearby.

**Parking:** Sutter-Stockton Garage (444 Stockton St.) and Union Square Garage (333 Post St.) are the closest paid garages. Street parking is metered and limited.

**Accessibility:** Building is wheelchair accessible.

---

## Privacy Policy

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/privacy-policy
Last updated: 2026-05-31

**Last updated: May 2026**

The AIM Immigration Law Firm ("we," "our," or "the firm") is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to aimimmigration.com (the "Site") and the confidentiality of our clients. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information.

### Information We Collect

**Information you provide directly.** When you fill out a contact form, call, email, or schedule a consultation, you may provide your name, contact information, country of citizenship, immigration status, and a description of your situation.

**Information collected automatically.** When you visit the Site, our hosting provider and analytics tools may automatically collect your IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit. We use Google Analytics to understand site traffic.

### How We Use Your Information

- To respond to your inquiries
- To prepare for and conduct consultations and provide legal services
- To improve the Site and our services
- To analyze website traffic patterns
- To comply with legal and ethical obligations

### Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege

Information submitted through the contact form, by email, or in a consultation is treated as confidential. Note: an attorney-client relationship is formed only through a signed engagement letter. Submitting information through this Site does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship — though we still treat the information as confidential.

### Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with the Site. You may opt out of analytics tracking through your browser settings or through Google's opt-out tools.

### Third-Party Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share information only as necessary to comply with law (such as in response to a subpoena), to protect our rights or those of others, or with service providers (such as our website host or scheduling tools) who are bound to keep the information confidential.

### California Privacy Rights (CCPA / CPRA)

California residents have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act and the California Privacy Rights Act, including:

- The right to know what personal information we collect, use, and share
- The right to request deletion of personal information we have collected from you
- The right to correct inaccurate personal information
- The right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information (we do not sell or share)
- The right to non-discrimination for exercising these rights

To exercise these rights, email contact@aimimmigration.com with the subject line "Privacy Rights Request" and a description of your request. We will respond within 45 days as required by law.

### Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, contact us so we can delete it.

### Data Retention

We retain client files in accordance with applicable bar rules and tax requirements (generally a minimum of 5 years after the case closes). Website inquiry data is retained for up to 24 months and then deleted unless an engagement is formed.

### Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

### Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision. Material changes will be posted on this page.

### Contact Us About Privacy

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at **contact@aimimmigration.com** or by mail at: AIM Immigration Law Firm, 500 Sutter Street, Suite 823, San Francisco, CA 94102.

---

## Legal Disclaimer

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/disclaimer
Last updated: 2026-05-31

**Last updated: May 2026**

### Attorney Advertising Notice

This website is attorney advertising. The information presented is provided by the AIM Immigration Law Firm and is not intended as a guarantee of any particular outcome. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.

### Informational Purposes Only — Not Legal Advice

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice or a legal opinion, and it may not reflect the most current legal developments. U.S. immigration law changes frequently. You should not act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of information on this Site without seeking the advice of an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction about your specific situation.

### No Attorney-Client Relationship

Contacting the AIM Immigration Law Firm by telephone, text, WhatsApp, email, contact form, or other means — or transmitting information to us — does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only through a signed written engagement letter. Until that relationship is formed, please do not send confidential or time-sensitive information you would not be comfortable being treated as a general inquiry.

### Jurisdiction and Bar Admission

Attorney Anna Ignatenko McLean is admitted to the Kentucky Bar Association. Federal U.S. immigration law is governed by federal statutes, regulations, and the decisions of federal agencies and courts; admission to any U.S. state bar permits an attorney to practice U.S. immigration law nationwide and to advise clients abroad. Attorney McLean is also admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Nothing on this Site should be construed as advice on the laws of any state, country, or jurisdiction other than U.S. federal immigration law.

### Results Disclaimer

Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases. Every immigration case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. The outcome of any case depends on facts that are specific to that case, current U.S. immigration law and policy at the time, and the discretion of the adjudicators involved.

### External Links

This Site may contain links to external websites operated by government agencies, professional organizations, and other third parties. We provide these links as a convenience and are not responsible for the content, accuracy, privacy practices, or availability of those external sites.

### Translations

Portions of this Site may be available in languages other than English. The English-language version is the official and controlling version. In the event of any conflict between the English version and a translated version, the English version controls.

### Contact

Questions about this Disclaimer? Contact us at **contact@aimimmigration.com** or by mail at: AIM Immigration Law Firm, 500 Sutter Street, Suite 823, San Francisco, CA 94102.

---

## Contract Services & Special Appearances for Other Attorneys

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/for-attorneys
Last updated: 2026-05-31

**On May 18, 2026, USCIS ended telephonic attorney appearances at most field office interviews and at affirmative asylum interviews.** Attorneys outside the San Francisco Bay Area who previously covered these matters by phone now need an in-person attorney of record.

I cover Bay Area asylum offices, USCIS field offices, and immigration court appearances for out-of-area attorneys. I have 15+ years of immigration-exclusive experience, am admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and work in English, Spanish, and Russian.

*Need in-person coverage in San Francisco, Concord, or the Bay Area? Email contact@aimimmigration.com or call (415) 212-9009 for rates and availability.*

### Services I Provide to Other Attorneys

#### Special Appearances — In Person

- **Affirmative asylum interviews** at the San Francisco and Oaklan Asylum Offices
- **USCIS adjustment of status, naturalization, and marriage interviews** at the San Francisco and other Bay Area field offices
- **Master Calendar and Individual Merits hearings** at 630 Sansome San Francisco Immigration Court and Concord Immigration Court (and other immigration courts where you arrange travel coverage)
- **Bond hearings** for non-detained respondents
- **Asylum Office and Immigration Courts in-person filings**

#### Drafting and Research

- Briefs and motions before USCIS, EOIR, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Ninth Circuit
- Country conditions research and supporting evidence packages
- Waivers of inadmissibility (I-601, I-601A, I-212, 212(h))
- Motions to reopen and reconsider
- BIA appellate briefs and Ninth Circuit petitions for review
- Asylum applications and supporting declarations

#### Consultation and Co-Counsel

- Case strategy consultations on complex matters
- Co-counsel arrangements on Ninth Circuit cases
- Russian- or Spanish-language client communication when the case attorney does not speak the client's language

### Why Refer Coverage to This Office

**Immigration is the only thing I practice.** I am not a generalist taking immigration work on the side. Every appearance is in front of an adjudicator I have appeared before many times.

**15+ years exclusively in immigration.** Including affirmative asylum, defensive asylum, removal defense before EOIR, the BIA, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

**Multilingual.** I communicate with your client in English, Spanish, or Russian. No interpreter delays. No information lost between languages.

**Bay Area location.** My office is at 500 Sutter Street in downtown San Francisco — walking distance to the San Francisco USCIS Field Office and convenient to Concord Immigration Court and other Bay Area adjudicators.

**Independent professional reputation.** From 2017 to 2024, I served as immigration attorney advisor to the Consulate General of Guatemala in San Francisco — a role given only to attorneys the consulate independently vetted.

**Clear, flat-fee pricing.** Per-appearance and per-project flat fees. No hourly surprises. Quotes returned within one business day.

**Confidentiality and professional courtesy.** I do not solicit your client. The client remains yours; I appear on your authorization.

### How Engagement Works

1. **Email or call** with the case name, A-number, hearing or interview date, type of proceeding, and a short summary.
2. **I confirm conflicts and availability** within one business day and send a written flat-fee quote.
3. **Engagement letter and G-28** (or limited-scope appearance form, depending on the matter) are exchanged.
4. **I prepare from the case file** you provide, conduct any pre-interview/pre-hearing prep with the client by phone or video, and appear on the date.
5. **Post-appearance memo** delivered within 48 hours summarizing what happened, what was filed or argued, and recommended next steps.

### Geographic Coverage

Primary in-person coverage:

- San Francisco USCIS Field Office (444 Washington Street, San Francisco)
- San Francisco and Oakland Asylum Offices 
- 630 Sansome San Francisco Immigration Court and Concord Immigration Court 
- Other Bay Area USCIS field offices on a case-by-case basis

I also handle remote-friendly tasks (briefs, motions, waivers, BIA appeals, Ninth Circuit petitions) for attorneys anywhere in the United States.

### Fees

Per-appearance flat fees vary by proceeding type, preparation time required, and location. Most special appearances quote at a single flat fee covering pre-appearance review of the file, pre-interview client preparation, the appearance itself, and a post-appearance memo. Brief and motion work is quoted as a project flat fee.

For a quote on a specific matter, email contact@aimimmigration.com with the case details listed in "How Engagement Works" above. Quotes are returned within one business day.

### Frequently Asked Questions — For Attorneys

#### Will you appear as the attorney of record or as a limited-scope appearance?

Either, depending on what your bar rules permit and how you have engaged the client. For most special appearances I file a G-28 noting limited representation for the specific interview or hearing, then withdraw after the appearance. For brief writing, I am not on the record at all.

#### Do you take cases away from referring attorneys?

No. I do not solicit your client. The attorney-client relationship remains with your office. I appear on your authorization and report back to you.

#### Can you handle in-person interviews in languages other than English?

Yes. I conduct client preparation and attend interviews fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian. For Ukrainian-speaking clients I can typically conduct preparation in Russian if the client is comfortable, or coordinate an interpreter if not. For other languages, I will arrange a USCIS-acceptable interpreter.

#### How quickly can you cover an urgent interview?

Same-week coverage is sometimes possible for special appearances if my calendar allows. Email or call as soon as you know the date. I confirm availability within one business day.

#### Do you take cases involving detained clients?

No. I do not currently appear in detained removal proceedings. For drafting and briefing work in detained cases, I can sometimes assist remotely — ask.

#### What is your conflict check process?

I run a conflict check against current and former clients within one business day of receiving the prospective case caption and parties. No engagement is confirmed before conflicts clear.

### Contact

**Anna Ignatenko McLean, Esq.**

AIM Immigration Law Firm

500 Sutter Street, Suite 823, San Francisco, CA 94102

**Email:** contact@aimimmigration.com

**Phone:** (415) 212-9009

**Languages:** English, Spanish, Russian

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## Document Translation Services — Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish to English

URL: https://aimimmigration.com/en/translation-services
Last updated: 2026-06-01

Almost every USCIS, immigration court, and U.S. consular filing requires that foreign-language documents be submitted with a complete English translation and a **Certificate of Translation** signed by a competent translator. Our office provides certified document translations from **Russian, Ukrainian, and Spanish to English**, reviewed by an attorney who reads these documents every day in actual immigration filings.

*Need a document translated for an immigration filing? Email scanned copies to contact@aimimmigration.com for a quote and turnaround estimate within one business day.*

### What Our Office Translates

Common documents I translate for immigration filings:

- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates and divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Passports and national ID cards
- Police clearance and criminal record certificates
- Court orders, judgments, and criminal records
- Diplomas, transcripts, and academic records
- Military service records
- Medical records and doctor's letters
- Bank statements, tax records, and employment letters
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Country-conditions evidence and personal declarations for asylum cases

### What USCIS Requires

Under 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(3), any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English translation, plus a signed certification from the translator stating:

1. That the translation is complete and accurate, and
2. That the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language to English.

Our office provides both the translation and the signed Certificate of Translation as standard with every project. The translation is delivered as a clean PDF formatted to match the original document's layout where possible, with the Certificate of Translation.

### Languages and Turnaround

#### Languages

- Russian → English
- Ukrainian → English
- Spanish → English

#### Standard Turnaround

- Single-page documents (birth, marriage, death certificates, single-page IDs): 1 –3 business days
- Multi-page documents (court orders, medical records, transcripts): 5–7 business days depending on length
- Rush turnaround often available — ask

### Pricing

Pricing is per project and depends on document length, complexity, and required turnaround. Single-page standard certificates (birth, marriage, death) are quoted at a flat per-document rate; multi-page documents are quoted by word count or page count. For an exact quote, email scanned copies of your document(s) to contact@aimimmigration.com and I will return a quote within one business day.

### How to Send Documents

1. **Scan or photograph** each page clearly. Make sure all text and stamps are legible — including text on the reverse side, if any.
2. **Email** the scans to contact@aimimmigration.com with a one-line description ("birth certificate, Russian, for I-130 filing").
3. **Receive a quote and turnaround estimate** within one business day.
4. **On approval,** I send a short engagement note and an invoice. Payment due before delivery for translation-only projects.
5. **Delivery** by email as a PDF (translation + Certificate of Translation). Hard copies available by mail on request.

### Why Use an Immigration Attorney for Translation

Many translation services produce technically acceptable translations but do not understand the immigration filing they are being used for. As an attorney who files immigration applications every day, I:

- Know how USCIS expects names and dates to be transliterated for consistency with other filings
- Catch issues that may matter for the underlying immigration case (a name discrepancy, an unmentioned prior marriage, a criminal disposition that affects admissibility) — and flag them before the document goes into a filing
- Match terminology to the immigration form vocabulary USCIS officers are looking for
- Maintain attorney-client confidentiality over the document and its contents

*If a translated document raises a legal issue for your immigration case, I will mention it in the delivery email. You are under no obligation to retain me for the underlying matter.*

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Do I need a "certified" translation or a "notarized" translation for USCIS?

USCIS requires a certified translation with a signed certificate of accuracy from the translator. Notarization is not required by USCIS. (Some consulates do require notarization for certain filings — confirm with the specific consulate before ordering.)

#### Can the same person translate and use the translation for their own immigration case?

USCIS technically allows self-translation by a competent person, but in practice, self-translations and translations by close family members are sometimes questioned. A third-party certified translation eliminates this issue.

#### Will you translate documents into Russian, Ukrainian, or Spanish?

I provide translation into English only, for use in U.S. immigration filings. I do not currently offer English-to-foreign-language translation.

#### Can I send a phone photo instead of a scan?

Yes, as long as the photo is sharp, well-lit, and shows the entire document clearly, including any stamps, seals, and reverse-side text.

#### Do you provide translations for non-immigration purposes (court, business, personal)?

Translation services are offered primarily in support of immigration matters. I can sometimes accommodate non-immigration requests — ask.

### Contact

**Anna Ignatenko McLean, Esq.**

AIM Immigration Law Firm

500 Sutter Street, Suite 823, San Francisco, CA 94102

**Email:** contact@aimimmigration.com

**Phone / WhatsApp:** (415) 212-9009