Law Publications And Articles
I-129F Vs. I-130: Which Petition Is Right For Bringing Your Partner To The USA?
16 August 2025New York Immigration Lawyer: ALENA SHAUTSOVA When love crosses borders, U.S. immigration law offers a few paths to unite couples. Two of the most common are Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) and Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). At first glance, they may seem interchangeable—but they serve very different purposes, and choosing the ...
EB-2 NIW RFE Guide – New York Immigration Lawyer Explains How To Respond And Win
16 August 2025Author: EB2 NIW Attorney Alena Shautsova Understanding EB-2 NIW RFEs A Request for Evidence (RFE) is issued by USCIS when they believe a petition may be approvable but lacks sufficient documentation to make a decision. It explicitly outlines what’s missing or unclear, giving you a chance to strengthen your case rather than being outright denied. ...
Do I Have To Carry My Green Card At All Times?
26 July 2025Author: New York Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova As a U.S. immigration lawyer based in New York, I am often asked by lawful permanent residents (LPRs): “Do I really have to carry my green card with me everywhere I go?” The short answer is yes—and the consequences for failing to do so may surprise you. Legal Requirement to Carry a Green Card ...
What To Expect At A USCIS Asylum Interview: Tips From A Top Asylum Lawyer
26 July 2025Author: New York Asylum Lawyer Alena Shautsova If you're applying for asylum in the United States, one of the most important—and often intimidating—steps in the process is the USCIS asylum interview. As a New York-based asylum lawyer with years of experience helping immigrants through this process, I know how overwhelming this day can be. But with ...
I-485 Denial: What It Means And What You Can Do Next
26 June 2025By Alena Shautsova | New York Immigration Lawyer Helping immigrants build a life in the United States—one case at a time. Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) is the final step in many U.S. immigration journeys. Whether based on family, employment, asylum, or other categories, it allows immigrants already in the U.S. to apply for ...
Green Card Through Marriage: What Can Go Wrong?
26 June 2025By Alena Shautsova, New York Immigration Lawyer Helping families unite and navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law. A green card through marriage is one of the most common and often the fastest ways to obtain permanent residency in the United States. However, this seemingly straightforward process is riddled with potential ...
I-601 Waiver: Overcoming Immigration Barriers With Expert Legal Help
26 June 2025By Alena Shautsova, Immigration Waiver Lawyer | Call 917-885-2261 Helping families stay united through strategic immigration waiver representation. The United States immigration system offers several pathways to lawful status—but it also imposes strict rules. Sometimes, a person applying for a visa or green card is found inadmissible due to cer ...
How To Prepare For Direct Examination During An Asylum Individual Hearing In Immigration Court
14 June 2025By Alena Shautsova, New York Immigration Lawyer The Best Immigration Lawyer in the USA Securing asylum in the United States requires more than just filing Form I-589. For many applicants, the most critical stage is the Individual Merits Hearing before an Immigration Judge (IJ). This is where your case will be decided. At the heart of that ...
How To Change Your Status From B1/B2 Visitor Visa To F-1 Student Visa: A Guide By A New York Immigration Lawyer
14 June 2025By Alena Shautsova, New York Immigration Lawyer Your Best Immigration Lawyer in the USA Changing your status from a B1/B2 visitor visa to an F-1 student visa can be a strategic pathway for individuals who decide to pursue education while already in the United States. However, this process involves detailed legal steps and strict compliance with i ...
What To Do During Increased Immigration Enforcement And Deportation: A Guide By A New York Immigration Lawyer
14 June 2025By Alena Shautsova, New York Immigration Lawyer Your Best Immigration Lawyer in the USA Recent years have brought a sharp increase in immigration enforcement, with more detentions, workplace raids, and deportation orders. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in coordination with local law enforcement and the Depart ...