Meet the Team

View from above of a tiled floor with the words "passion led us here" written on it. Two pairs of shoes are visible, one gold and one dark blue with white laces.

With over 30 years of combined experience at USCIS and in immigration law, our team has seen it all— from adjudicating cases to training new officers and managing both Field Offices and Service Center Operations.

What does this mean for you? We have hands-on experience with all the eligibility requirements for:

  • Immigrant and Non-immigrant visa petitions

  • Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing

  • Citizenship and Naturalization

  • Humanitarian Programs

  • Changes of Status and Extensions of Stay

And that’s just the beginning!

A woman with long brown hair wearing a dark blazer with gold buttons and gold necklaces, sitting in front of a window with trees outside.

Virginia Stateva, Founding Attorney

“My journey in immigration law started as a USCIS Officer at the New York City Field Office, where I decided Citizenship and Naturalization applications. I moved up through the ranks and eventually became Section Chief of the Brooklyn Field Office, where I led the Naturalization unit. I also worked and trained new officers on how to accurately adjudicate immigration cases.”

Over the years, Virginia has expanded her expertise to include Adjustment of Status, Student and Employment visas, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and work authorizations for Asylees—areas where she has seen firsthand how important it is to get things right. As a member of the New York State Bar and a graduate of Brooklyn Law School, her professional background is grounded in both legal expertise and personal experience. As a refugee herself, she has walked the path of her clients, making this work not just her profession but her passion. Virginia is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate their immigration journey with knowledge, dedication, and results.

Smiling woman with long brown hair in an office with large windows and bookshelves in the background.

Gina Pastore, Director of Operations

“I kicked off my journey with USCIS back in 2003 at the Newark, New Jersey Field Office, as an officer conducting interviews and processing applications for lawful permanent residency. Over the years, I leveled up through a series of managerial roles across three different offices and even at USCIS headquarters. There, I helped shape immigration policies and provided expert guidance to field offices nationwide.”

Gina served as the Field Office Director for the USCIS Brooklyn, New York Field Office for over five years, where she oversaw case adjudications, ensured policies were strictly followed, and led staff development initiatives. With more than 22 years of hands-on experience handling everything from family-based and employment-based residency cases to asylum, refugee statuses, waivers of inadmissibility, naturalization, and citizenship, she has truly seen it all. Today, Gina brings this depth of expertise to her clients, making their immigration journeys ones filled with hope, confidence, and new beginnings.

Let us help you build your own American Story.