team-member

Clare Hanusz

N/A

Licensed for 22 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Immigration

Language

Spanish English

About

Clare Hanusz is the Founding Partner of Aloha Immigration. Previously, Clare was a member of the Immigration Practice Group at Damon Key in an Of Counsel affiliation from October 2013 until June 2017.Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Clare graduated from Ohio University’s Honors Tutorial College and first came to Honolulu in 1995. A desire to advocate for immigrants after working with refugees in Arizona spurred Clare on to pursue a career in immigration law, and she enrolled in the William S. Richardson School of Law in 1996.While a first-year student, she was awarded a fellowship from the National Lawyers Guild for a summer internship with the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project in Florence, Arizona. It was there, in the summer of 1998, that Clare litigated her first deportation case for a Spanish-speaking detainee. Upon returning to Hawaii she continued her work with immigrants, serving on the Board of Directors with Na Loio (now the Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center at Legal Aid) where she also spent a summer as a legal intern.After graduating from law school in 1999, Clare worked at Na Loio heading up a Neighbor Island immigration project to bring legal services to immigrants in rural and isolated communities.Since then Clare has represented hundreds of individuals before the immigration court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. She has assisted clients with naturalization, adjustment of status, U visas (for immigrant victims of certain serious crimes) and T visas for victims of human trafficking, as well as consular processing, waivers of inadmissibility, asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, religious worker visas and options for immigrant survivors of domestic violence.Clare is the current Hawaii Chapter Chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and previously served as local AILA liaison to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and as co-chair for the Advocacy Committee. She is also a member of the National Lawyers Guild’s National Immigration Project and a founding member of the Hawaii Coalition for Immigration Reform.  She has partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union to litigate cutting-edge motions to suppress in immigration court and has spoken on immigration issues before many local groups and university classes.Clare lives in Honolulu with her husband Nevi, a professor of political science at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and two children.

Practices Areas

Immigration

Language

Spanish English

Contact

Aloha Immigration1050 Queen Street #100Honolulu, HI, 96814

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Brandon
November 23, 2018

My wife and I contacted Clare to advise us on our third USCIS interview for I130/I485 approval. We were extremely frustrated and drained with the process having been 6 years since we first applied. Clare helped us to look at the case objectively and inspired us to compose ourselves in a manner that would most likely yield a fair and just outcome. After the interview, she made every effort to keep the decision process moving as fast as possible. We are grateful for the kind and thoughtful way she guided us through our case. In the end, we were successful having our I130 approved the next day and our I485 approved the next week. It was a privilege to work with her. We can't thank her enough!

Anthony
August 25, 2018

We contacted Clare about my immigration status, knowing that we were a fringe case. I'd been here about twenty, entered legally but remained (long!) past my due departure date. Without being too personal, we're a bit of an odd couple and with a child between us, we were extremely worried about what future would be in store for us. Even with the situation being as it was, and our near total lack of knowledge about the immigration process, we weren't turned away from Aloha Immigration. In fact, we were given some very helpful advise and direction, even before being accepted, or having paid a single dime. It's a business, certainly, but in our experience at least, it's a business that put people first. Myself, I was very disorganized and because of that, I ended up causing a lot of delays in getting our forms processed. At first, I worried over being cut loose for being so unreliable, but as the year wore on... it never happened. Actually, when I tried to apologize for the delays, I was basically shushed and told, genuinely, that it isn't a problem. I'm sure it was frustrating for Clare and her staff, but there was never a terse word or sarcastic comment. No hint of frustration, annoyance or belittlement. The paperwork was no doubt very routine for them, but there was an understanding that we had absolutely no idea what to do and given the political climate (at the time of this posting at least), we were rather frightened of the prospect of what would happen with our family. When it came time for our interview, we'd had our face to face meeting and talked about the case. Moreover, we got to know each other as people, beyond just business. The interview itself, something I'd been dreading, was... easy. It was easy. I'd been prepared about what to expect, my wife was reassured and we walked in with confidence. Everything, absolutely every single thing from the time we walked into the building, went exactly how she said it would. It gave me a lot of confidence in the advice we'd been given, that she could walk us through the entire process from start to finish, without even needing to flip open a book or reference some papers. What stood out to me the most during the interview, was that she came across so cool and casual about everything, but whenever I'd glance over at her, she was scanning books, papers and notes being passed around the table, what was signed and interjecting precisely as needed, without being obtrusive or challenging about it. She was very professional, personable, but razor sharp and it was hard not to be impressed by it. It was mentally reinforcing having someone there with us, who had the presence of an experienced veteran... in a system that, in my opinion, is designed to stymie progress and scare people away. I had only limited interaction with her supporting staff, but they seemed on point whenever we did. My case was resolved successfully and I now have a green card. It isn't enough to say I'm satisfied with the results; I worried for years about being separated from my family and what would happen to them without me. I am grateful in a way words can't articulate, and Clare has earned the respect and friendship of my family. I absolutely recommend her and her staff to anyone staring down the intimidating and confusing immigration system. You'll be in good hands and most importantly, treated like human beings. Like people who matter.

Evelyn & Derrick
September 16, 2017

We chose Clare, because she had high reviews and a good reputation in immigration law. Our experience with Clare: She is a amazing, strong, trustworthy, honest and a humble woman! It was easy to work with her as she guided us through the immigration process. We highly recommend Clare for peace of mind and immigration law! We are happy we chose her and even happier with our results! Derrick & Evelyn

Karen
June 15, 2016

Clare is a awesome, knowledgable, kindly, communicative person and to make it even better she is very good in her Spanish which made it more comfortable and easier for my parents. She helped my parents obtain their Permanent Residency. The process was fast but it was all thanks to her because she explains and answers any question you may have plus she's quick to respond back whether it's by email or phone. She is very organize and will always remind you of what needs to be done or needed with anticipation. There is so much great things I could say about Clare but just know if you decide to contact her you wont regret it because she is GREAT!!! My family and I will always be thankful for all your hard work and making this dream become reality. You will always be our !ANGEL GUARDIAN OF JUSTICE

Brandon
November 23, 2018

My wife and I contacted Clare to advise us on our third USCIS interview for I130/I485 approval. We were extremely frustrated and drained with the process having been 6 years since we first applied. Clare helped us to look at the case objectively and inspired us to compose ourselves in a manner that would most likely yield a fair and just outcome. After the interview, she made every effort to keep the decision process moving as fast as possible. We are grateful for the kind and thoughtful way she guided us through our case. In the end, we were successful having our I130 approved the next day and our I485 approved the next week. It was a privilege to work with her. We can't thank her enough!

Anthony
August 25, 2018

We contacted Clare about my immigration status, knowing that we were a fringe case. I'd been here about twenty, entered legally but remained (long!) past my due departure date. Without being too personal, we're a bit of an odd couple and with a child between us, we were extremely worried about what future would be in store for us. Even with the situation being as it was, and our near total lack of knowledge about the immigration process, we weren't turned away from Aloha Immigration. In fact, we were given some very helpful advise and direction, even before being accepted, or having paid a single dime. It's a business, certainly, but in our experience at least, it's a business that put people first. Myself, I was very disorganized and because of that, I ended up causing a lot of delays in getting our forms processed. At first, I worried over being cut loose for being so unreliable, but as the year wore on... it never happened. Actually, when I tried to apologize for the delays, I was basically shushed and told, genuinely, that it isn't a problem. I'm sure it was frustrating for Clare and her staff, but there was never a terse word or sarcastic comment. No hint of frustration, annoyance or belittlement. The paperwork was no doubt very routine for them, but there was an understanding that we had absolutely no idea what to do and given the political climate (at the time of this posting at least), we were rather frightened of the prospect of what would happen with our family. When it came time for our interview, we'd had our face to face meeting and talked about the case. Moreover, we got to know each other as people, beyond just business. The interview itself, something I'd been dreading, was... easy. It was easy. I'd been prepared about what to expect, my wife was reassured and we walked in with confidence. Everything, absolutely every single thing from the time we walked into the building, went exactly how she said it would. It gave me a lot of confidence in the advice we'd been given, that she could walk us through the entire process from start to finish, without even needing to flip open a book or reference some papers. What stood out to me the most during the interview, was that she came across so cool and casual about everything, but whenever I'd glance over at her, she was scanning books, papers and notes being passed around the table, what was signed and interjecting precisely as needed, without being obtrusive or challenging about it. She was very professional, personable, but razor sharp and it was hard not to be impressed by it. It was mentally reinforcing having someone there with us, who had the presence of an experienced veteran... in a system that, in my opinion, is designed to stymie progress and scare people away. I had only limited interaction with her supporting staff, but they seemed on point whenever we did. My case was resolved successfully and I now have a green card. It isn't enough to say I'm satisfied with the results; I worried for years about being separated from my family and what would happen to them without me. I am grateful in a way words can't articulate, and Clare has earned the respect and friendship of my family. I absolutely recommend her and her staff to anyone staring down the intimidating and confusing immigration system. You'll be in good hands and most importantly, treated like human beings. Like people who matter.

Evelyn & Derrick
September 16, 2017

We chose Clare, because she had high reviews and a good reputation in immigration law. Our experience with Clare: She is a amazing, strong, trustworthy, honest and a humble woman! It was easy to work with her as she guided us through the immigration process. We highly recommend Clare for peace of mind and immigration law! We are happy we chose her and even happier with our results! Derrick & Evelyn

Karen
June 15, 2016

Clare is a awesome, knowledgable, kindly, communicative person and to make it even better she is very good in her Spanish which made it more comfortable and easier for my parents. She helped my parents obtain their Permanent Residency. The process was fast but it was all thanks to her because she explains and answers any question you may have plus she's quick to respond back whether it's by email or phone. She is very organize and will always remind you of what needs to be done or needed with anticipation. There is so much great things I could say about Clare but just know if you decide to contact her you wont regret it because she is GREAT!!! My family and I will always be thankful for all your hard work and making this dream become reality. You will always be our !ANGEL GUARDIAN OF JUSTICE

Brandon
November 23, 2018

My wife and I contacted Clare to advise us on our third USCIS interview for I130/I485 approval. We were extremely frustrated and drained with the process having been 6 years since we first applied. Clare helped us to look at the case objectively and inspired us to compose ourselves in a manner that would most likely yield a fair and just outcome. After the interview, she made every effort to keep the decision process moving as fast as possible. We are grateful for the kind and thoughtful way she guided us through our case. In the end, we were successful having our I130 approved the next day and our I485 approved the next week. It was a privilege to work with her. We can't thank her enough!

Anthony
August 25, 2018

We contacted Clare about my immigration status, knowing that we were a fringe case. I'd been here about twenty, entered legally but remained (long!) past my due departure date. Without being too personal, we're a bit of an odd couple and with a child between us, we were extremely worried about what future would be in store for us. Even with the situation being as it was, and our near total lack of knowledge about the immigration process, we weren't turned away from Aloha Immigration. In fact, we were given some very helpful advise and direction, even before being accepted, or having paid a single dime. It's a business, certainly, but in our experience at least, it's a business that put people first. Myself, I was very disorganized and because of that, I ended up causing a lot of delays in getting our forms processed. At first, I worried over being cut loose for being so unreliable, but as the year wore on... it never happened. Actually, when I tried to apologize for the delays, I was basically shushed and told, genuinely, that it isn't a problem. I'm sure it was frustrating for Clare and her staff, but there was never a terse word or sarcastic comment. No hint of frustration, annoyance or belittlement. The paperwork was no doubt very routine for them, but there was an understanding that we had absolutely no idea what to do and given the political climate (at the time of this posting at least), we were rather frightened of the prospect of what would happen with our family. When it came time for our interview, we'd had our face to face meeting and talked about the case. Moreover, we got to know each other as people, beyond just business. The interview itself, something I'd been dreading, was... easy. It was easy. I'd been prepared about what to expect, my wife was reassured and we walked in with confidence. Everything, absolutely every single thing from the time we walked into the building, went exactly how she said it would. It gave me a lot of confidence in the advice we'd been given, that she could walk us through the entire process from start to finish, without even needing to flip open a book or reference some papers. What stood out to me the most during the interview, was that she came across so cool and casual about everything, but whenever I'd glance over at her, she was scanning books, papers and notes being passed around the table, what was signed and interjecting precisely as needed, without being obtrusive or challenging about it. She was very professional, personable, but razor sharp and it was hard not to be impressed by it. It was mentally reinforcing having someone there with us, who had the presence of an experienced veteran... in a system that, in my opinion, is designed to stymie progress and scare people away. I had only limited interaction with her supporting staff, but they seemed on point whenever we did. My case was resolved successfully and I now have a green card. It isn't enough to say I'm satisfied with the results; I worried for years about being separated from my family and what would happen to them without me. I am grateful in a way words can't articulate, and Clare has earned the respect and friendship of my family. I absolutely recommend her and her staff to anyone staring down the intimidating and confusing immigration system. You'll be in good hands and most importantly, treated like human beings. Like people who matter.

Evelyn & Derrick
September 16, 2017

We chose Clare, because she had high reviews and a good reputation in immigration law. Our experience with Clare: She is a amazing, strong, trustworthy, honest and a humble woman! It was easy to work with her as she guided us through the immigration process. We highly recommend Clare for peace of mind and immigration law! We are happy we chose her and even happier with our results! Derrick & Evelyn

Karen
June 15, 2016

Clare is a awesome, knowledgable, kindly, communicative person and to make it even better she is very good in her Spanish which made it more comfortable and easier for my parents. She helped my parents obtain their Permanent Residency. The process was fast but it was all thanks to her because she explains and answers any question you may have plus she's quick to respond back whether it's by email or phone. She is very organize and will always remind you of what needs to be done or needed with anticipation. There is so much great things I could say about Clare but just know if you decide to contact her you wont regret it because she is GREAT!!! My family and I will always be thankful for all your hard work and making this dream become reality. You will always be our !ANGEL GUARDIAN OF JUSTICE