As the immigrant communities around the United States are facing fear and uncertainty, I want to share a bit of my own immigration story, as someone who has also walked the immigration path.

My own immigration journey was anything but simple.

When I came to the United States from Russia many years ago, I was completely unprepared for the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. I remember the endless waiting—every immigration application, every step in the process felt like it took forever. I remember the frustration—so many rules and legal terms that made little sense. And most of all, I remember the fear—never knowing for certain what my future held.

At one point, I found myself on the defensive side of the immigration process, fighting to stay in this country. It was one of the most difficult and uncertain times of my life.

I still recall a colleague accompanying me to consultations with immigration attorneys. One of them stood out. She took the time to truly listen, to understand my story, and to craft an effective strategy. But she didn't just give me legal advice—she gave me hope. I do not remember every legal argument she made, but I will never forget how she made me feel—heard, supported, and no longer alone.

With her expertise, advocacy, and compassion, I won my case.

That experience has shaped who I am and why I do what I do today—helping others navigate a system that once felt just as overwhelming and insurmountable to me. This personal experience is the foundation of my practice philosophy: to provide the same clarity, compassion, and determined advocacy that changed the course of my own immigration story.

If you're struggling with your immigration process, know this: you are not alone. There is hope. There is a way forward. And I am here to help.

~Anya Lear