Immigrations Essentials: Rights, Resources & Next Steps

Join us for an informative virtual session designed to guide and orient you on the latest immigration laws and policies. This event is open to Southern New England Conference employees, pastors, teachers, church members, and community members. Learn about your rights, available resources, and the next steps to navigate the immigration process with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from experts and ask important questions. Get to know our speakers for the evening.

Speakers:

Witer DeSiqueira, Esq. is a founder and current Senior Attorney at Witer, Pessoni & Moore, an International Law Corporation. A lawyer in Brazil and the United States, he specializes in immigration, having served as DA (District Attorney) in Los Angeles-CA and has over 35 years of legal experience in American immigration.

Abdoul A. Konare, Esq. Managing Attorney Primary Focus & Experience 

Abdoul founded Konare Law in 2011. He has just over eighteen years of practicing law and ten years of experience providing guidance in immigration and nationality law, advising clients in removal proceedings, and filing applications with USCIS. Abdoul specializes in Appeals, Crimmigration, and Removal Defense. His commitment to excellence furthers the firm’s tradition of aggressive, insightful, and proficient representation of our clients. 

Community Outreach: Abdoul has been a board member at Centro Hispano since 2012, located in Frederick, Maryland. Language: English (Fluent), French (Native). Georgetown University Law Center L.L.M of Securities and Financial Regulation and Michigan State University College Law J.D.

Katherine Canto, Esq. is originally from the Dominican Republic and exemplifies improvement and effort. With her experience and hard work, she helps the Hispanic Community. She obtained the degree of Doctor of Law from the Universidad Ibero Americana in the Dominican Republic.  

Then, she revalidated her studies and obtained a Master’s degree in law, studying at the University of Baltimore, United States. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, D.C., which granted her the license to practice as an attorney in the United States. Attorney Katherine Canto had to experience the immigration process herself to obtain her citizenship and settle in this country, so she understands every person who leaves their home country in search of better opportunities.  

Her area of expertise is Family Immigration and Deportation Defense; with her work, he guides anyone who needs to legalize their immigration status in the United States and abroad. If there is a way to legalize the person, she represents them in the Immigration Court or carries out the visa application procedures that lead to obtaining the residence and, subsequently, Citizenship. 

Nelli Nikova, Esq. is a board certified in Immigration and Nationality Law, Nelli has twelve years of experience in a national law firm where she established the Houston immigration practice. She assists corporate clients with non-immigrant and immigrant visa petitions for skilled professionals, provides guidance on I-9 compliance, and supports investors in achieving their business objectives. Nelli has successfully secured Legal Permanent Resident status for artists, athletes, and healthcare professionals in underserved areas. 

Beginning her legal career in the Panhandle of Texas, Nelli developed a comprehensive immigration practice that includes family-based petitions, asylum applications, deportation proceedings, naturalization issues, and various work visas. 

Before graduating from the University of Houston Law Center in 2002, Nelli earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Baylor University after emigrating from Bulgaria during the Perestroika period. She also believes that feta cheese can complement any meal and enjoys films such as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Hair." 

Ms. Nikova specializes in employment-based non-immigrant visas, including O-1, H-1B, H-2B, and L-1. She also assists with employment-based immigrant visa applications and provides expertise in E-2 and EB-5 visas. Her diverse experience includes handling country-specific employment visas and collaborating with corporate clients on emerging immigration policies and I-9 compliance.