Verna is a paralegal with Ryan Swanson’s Immigration group. She works closely with clients to prepare a wide variety of employment and family-based applications and petitions.
She has extensive experience working on a diverse range of employment-based matters such as: Intracompany Transferees (L-1), Treaty Trader/Investor (E-1/E-2), Specialty Occupation (H-1B/E-3 including cap-except employers), NAFTA Professionals (TN), PERM, Immigrant Petitions for Alien Workers (I-140), Adjustments of Status. In addition, she has extensive experience with family-based matters such as K-1, I-130/I-485, Re-Entry Permits, and Applications for Naturalization. Have prepared numerous I-360 VAWA cases and U and T visa applications, as well Humanitarian Parole Applications.
Verna has been elected to serve another four-year term on the Tukwila City Council and was sworn in on January 5, 2026. Her current term follows an appointment in March 2025 to fill a council vacancy, a role she held through November 2025. Verna previously served on the Tukwila City Council for 16 years, completing four consecutive terms from 2006 to 2021 before retiring from public office. Her return to the Council reflects a continued commitment to public service and to the Tukwila community. Throughout her tenure, she has been recognized for her experienced, collaborative leadership and her deep dedication to community engagement and effective local governance.
Verna joined the firm with more than 25 years of experience as an immigration paralegal. In her free time, Verna enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family which include her dogs.
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