• Immigration Law

Siana J. McLean has a general knowledge of most US Immigration and Nationality law matters with a particular focus on immigration court matters, immigrant/non-immigrant waivers and refugee/asylum matters. Ms. McLean has successfully handled immigration court matters and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals which provided relief in the form of cancellation of removal, asylum, withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture. Ms. McLean also handles other forms of relief before the immigration court including termination of proceedings, adjustment of status and waivers. In addition, Ms. McLean also provides assistance with issues surrounding prolonged detention and immigration bond.

Ms. McLean prides herself on ensuring that each client is provided with all possible options available to them prior to appearing in court. Ms. McLean makes every effort to understand the nuanced legal complexities that appear in each case to as to ensure that each client’s matter is presented in a compelling matter before each Immigration Judge. In addition to her court practice, Ms. McLean also prepares immigrant and non-immigrant waivers for clients who may have had prior convictions or prior immigration violations. Ms. McLean understands the requirements for such waivers and will prepare a compelling package to allow for her clients to join their families or visit the United States. Also, Ms. McLean provides representation in other areas of immigration law including family based immigration petitions, visitor’s visas and temporary worker petitions.

Prior to joining Muscato & Shatkin, Ms. McLean worked for a local immigration law firm where she honed her skills in immigration defense.

Ms. McLean worked for the University at Buffalo in their immigration services department where she handled matters involving international scholars through the J-1 Visa program as well as professors and scholars applying for permanent residency. Ms. McLean is very familiar with the time sensitive nature of immigration processing and has a proven ability to meet those concerns.

In addition to her experience with employment and family based immigration, Ms. McLean gained insightful experience in the area of refugee and asylum law and deportation defense. Ms. McLean’s externship with the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Immigration practice group allowed her to understand the complexities of immigration litigation.

As an immigrant herself, Ms. McLean understands the intricate personal details that underlie an immigration matter. Ms. McLean was born on the lovely island of Jamaica and migrated to Canada and is now working and residing in the United States. Ms. McLean and her family and friends deal daily with the ramifications of the immigration process and as such Ms. McLean brings a personalized approach to every matter brought before her.

Prior to attending law school, Ms. McLean was a law clerk for a full service law firm in Toronto, Canada where she assisted in such areas as will preparation, business incorporation, civil litigation and family law. This experience allows her to be more versatile in her approach to advocacy.

In addition to her extensive legal experience, Ms. McLean is an active participant in community service activities. Ms. McLean has always involved herself with programs that promote advocacy and general community outreach. She has been a member of numerous organizations and continues this practice as she has embarked on professional practice. As a former executive board member of the National Black Law Students Association, the largest student run organization in the United States, Ms. McLean continues her service as an Advisory Board member for the organization.

Finally, Ms. McLean is an active member of her local church body where she is dedicated to ministering to the community around her. Ms. McLean is a member of the First Seventh Day Baptist Church and currently worships at the Seventh Day Church of God Outreach Ministries in Buffalo, NY where she is the youth director, church administrator and member of the praise and worship team.

Education:

University of Toronto, B.A.
University at Buffalo Law School, J.D. (cum laude)

Bar Admissions

State of New York

Memberships & Associations

American Immigration Lawyers Association
American Association of Notaries
Erie County Bar Association
National Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
UB Law Alumni Association

CONTACT INFO

Office: 716-408-0489

E-mail: smclean@mswnylaw.com

Fax: 866-343-0884