Oni Taffe

I truly appreciate the information-sharing, mentorship, and collaborative nature at USILC. We are encouraged to aid junior team members in gaining an understanding of functions out of their scope, as well as of the Firm’s back-end processes. In Jamaica, we have a saying that no man is an island, and Attorney Saman embodies that philosophy and has imbued it into the Firm. 

I have practiced law for over 15 years, including 10 years in the immigration field. My immigration law background encompasses extensive experience in family-based petitions, removal of conditions, waivers, and naturalization. I am also well-versed in humanitarian work, and particularly in Asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), family reunification, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and T visa cases. At USILC, I can leverage my expertise in these areas, furthering my ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients. My empathy towards others is my superpower.  

I am an Associate Attorney in the Legal Department at USILC, where I serve in a multifaceted role. I provide significant input in case strategy sessions and meticulously review immigration packets to ensure accuracy and increase the likelihood of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. My responsibilities include conducting interview preparation, verifying the sufficiency of documentary evidence, and acting as their primary point of contact throughout the process. I also regularly attend interviews at USCIS field offices to acquire various immigration benefits for clients and provide them with direct support and representation. 

At age five, I immigrated to the US and became a naturalized citizen, then returned to Jamaica at ten before returning to the US several years later to begin college. Because I consider myself an island girl, my immigrant background is a critical part of my story, and it inspired me to cater to marginalized individuals. I believe that every foreign national should have the opportunity to live, work, or study in the US. If you possess a good work ethic, you can do well.  

On the personal side, my parents and my son are my greatest supporters who inspire me to be my best self. When it comes to finding ways to relax, I enjoy dancing, especially to reggae/dancehall, and hip-hop music. Reading is also one of my most treasured pastimes and I joined a book club to share this passion with other readers. I particularly enjoy the works of self-help authors such as Eckhart Tolle and those featured in Oprah’s Book Club, and my favorite books include The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store; Unbroken, a biography by Jamaican billionaire, Trisha Bailey; and Michelle Obama’s book, The Light We Carry.