Lawyer’s Publications
Latest Publications
EB-1 In 2024–2025: What AAO Decisions And USCIS Guidance Mean For Your Case (And How To Prepare)
EB-1 In 2024–2025: What AAO Decisions And USCIS Guidance Mean For Your Case (And How To Prepare)
As a New York immigration lawyer guiding EB-1 filings for researchers, founders, artists, and executives, I’m seeing clear patterns in how USCIS and the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) are reading …
Recent USCIS Memo On Good Moral Character For Naturalization (What It Changes And How To Prepare)
Recent USCIS Memo On Good Moral Character For Naturalization (What It Changes And How To Prepare)
By New York Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova On August 15, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0188, instructing officers to apply a rigorous, holistic “totality of …
USCIS Policy Update: “Anti-American Views” Now A Key Factor In Immigration Adjudications
USCIS Policy Update: “Anti-American Views” Now A Key Factor In Immigration Adjudications
By New York Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova What Changed? On August 19, 2025, USCIS updated its Policy Manual (Volume 1) to direct officers to assign “overwhelmingly negative discretionary weight” to …
I-129F Vs. I-130: Which Petition Is Right For Bringing Your Partner To The USA?
I-129F Vs. I-130: Which Petition Is Right For Bringing Your Partner To The USA?
New 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 …
EB-2 NIW RFE Guide – New York Immigration Lawyer Explains How To Respond And Win
EB-2 NIW RFE Guide – New York Immigration Lawyer Explains How To Respond And Win
Author: 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 …
Do I Have To Carry My Green Card At All Times?
Do I Have To Carry My Green Card At All Times?
Author: 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 …
I-485 Denial: What It Means And What You Can Do Next
I-485 Denial: What It Means And What You Can Do Next
By 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 …
Green Card Through Marriage: What Can Go Wrong?
Green Card Through Marriage: What Can Go Wrong?
By 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 …
I-601 Waiver: Overcoming Immigration Barriers With Expert Legal Help
I-601 Waiver: Overcoming Immigration Barriers With Expert Legal Help
By 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 …
How To Change Your Status From B1/B2 Visitor Visa To F-1 Student Visa: A Guide By A New York Immigration Lawyer
How To Change Your Status From B1/B2 Visitor Visa To F-1 Student Visa: A Guide By A New York Immigration Lawyer
By 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 …
