For many immigrants living in the United States, the assumption is simple: get a green card, and you are protected. But according to Cincinnati immigration attorney Anna Korneeva, that assumption could cost someone everything.

"A lot of people don't realize that having a green card does not mean that they cannot deport you," says Korneeva. "Having a green card means that you can live here permanently in the United States and work. You have a lot of benefits, but certain crimes can make you removable. And a lot of people don't realize that."

Korneeva, who has been practicing immigration law and criminal defense since 2019, opened The Law Firm of Anna Korneeva, LLC in 2021. Now celebrating its five-year anniversary, the firm has grown to include three full-time employees and provides deportation defense, family immigration, and criminal defense services to clients across Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

The firm specializes in what immigration attorneys call "crimmigration"- a practice area covering cases where criminal charges and immigration status intersect.

"It's not like a real term," Korneeva explains. "It's just what immigration attorneys use for attorneys who practice both criminal defense and immigration." The stakes, she says, are frequently misunderstood. "Let's say an immigrant gets in a traffic accident. Traffic charges are filed in regular state court. That may trigger some sort of immigration problem for this person. Depending on what the underlying offense is, whether it's a traffic offense or a criminal offense, that may potentially affect your immigration status."

The firm was built around a philosophy Korneeva describes plainly. "I have my own strong beliefs," she says. "I wanted to build something that is based on what I truly believe in. And what I truly believe in is humanity, kindness, and excellent work product."

That belief is being tested by what Korneeva describes as the most difficult shift she has seen in her career: the rise of mandatory detention.

"Mandatory detention is heartbreaking," she says. "With immigration practice, there are so many changes depending on the administration. The focus of my work two years ago was completely different from what it is now. Now it's all detention."

Korneeva describes one client's case as emblematic of the current crisis. "I have one client who has been detained since September. He has been here for 30 years, no criminal history, paid taxes every year, has three US citizen children, two US citizen grandchildren, loved by the community, a volunteer. I got like 40 letters of support." His application for cancellation of removal was denied, and despite a successful habeas petition filed in federal court — which ordered immigration court to hold a bond hearing — the judge denied bond, ruling him a flight risk. "He wants to stay here," Korneeva says. "That makes no sense."

She explains that mandatory detention currently applies to people who entered the country without a visa, while green card holders retain the right to request bond — though that is no guarantee of relief. "I am not saying that the judges are being fair and neutral," she says, "because if the judge issues a bond, it can be as high as $50,000. And it's not like a criminal bond where you pay 10%. In immigration court, it has to be paid upfront."

Beginning in December 2025, immigration attorneys around the country began filing habeas petitions in federal court at scale. "Federal court is a separate branch of power from immigration court," Korneeva explains. "Federal court can order immigration court what to do." It is one of the few legal tools remaining for attorneys fighting detention cases.

For any non-citizen living in the United States, Korneeva's message is urgent: "Speak with a lawyer now. Don't wait till there is a problem. Know your rights. Know what the worst case scenario can be if you have contact with law enforcement. Be prepared. Always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst."

More information is available at www.annakorneevalaw.com.

ABOUT THE LAW FIRM OF ANNA KORNEEVA, LLC

The Law Firm of Anna Korneeva, LLC is a Cincinnati immigration attorney firm specializing in immigration law and criminal defense, including family immigration, deportation defense, US citizenship, crimmigration, and traffic defense. The firm serves clients across Ohio and Northern Kentucky and offers consultations in English, Spanish, and Russian. Anna Korneeva is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has been recognized by Super Lawyers.

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Company Name: The Law Firm of Anna Korneeva, LLC
Contact Person: Chris Moreno
Email: Send Email
Phone: (513) 334-3008
Address:810 Sycamore Street, 3rd Floor
City: Cincinnati
State: OH 45202
Country: United States
Website: www.annakorneevalaw.com