Tell us about yourself, and your career as an immigration attorney. What drew you to this kind of work?
Values of social justice, and the commitment to assist society’s most vulnerable members, all informed my decision to study law, which in turn led to the practice of immigration law.

What is the most rewarding part of doing removal defense work?
A positive outcome in a case, especially a client’s grant of asylum, is one of the most rewarding aspects of removal defense. “Winning” a case typically results from dozens of hours of difficult work, a study of country conditions from the country of origin, collaborating with country condition experts.

What’s been the nature of your relationship with NewBridges over the years?
I’ve known about NewBridges for well over 10 years, and have had an ongoing working relationship with NB over at least the last five years. During this time, NewBridges has translated documents for my asylum cases. NewBridges’ staff have provided very important assistance participating in mock asylum interview to help prepare asylum applicants for their court hearings.

What drew you to join the NewBridges team?
NewBridges’ presence in Harrisonburg has been invaluable in guiding immigrants to needed resources, and referring clients to legal representatives when needed. It has earned the respect of national nonprofit agencies and attorneys throughout Virginia and beyond. NewBridges’ leadership has understood the importance of identifying competent representation, and has provided that representation through its Board-Accredited Representatives. I have especially appreciated how collaborative NB has been, and its readiness to seek assistance from its immigration advocacy affiliates throughout Virginia.

How do you feel your expertise will benefit the NewBridges Immigration program?
My experience as a removal defense immigration attorney will, I hope, compliment NewBridges ongoing work, with family petitions, DACA, and TPS, etc. Knowledge of our respective practice areas, I believe, will enhance our respective practiced areas. Where my work usually “ends” - with a grant of asylum - NewBridges work often begins - by representing the asylum grantee begin the adjustment of status process. Our respective experiences and practice areas will, I hope, create a continuum of services to create more consistent, competent representation for our clients. 

What hopes and dreams do you have for the Harrisonburg Community?
My hopes and dreams are for Harrisonburg leaders and residents to understand the need for competent legal representation for our areas’ most vulnerable non-citizen population. I also hope the community understands the dangers of ineffective or incompetent representation from untrained individuals whose operations are opaque, and who are not accountable to larger professional organizations, or to the community it serves.

What are some of your hobbies? How do you enjoy spending time outside of work? 
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Movies, literature, and music are a few of my hobbies.

Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I also hope that we continue to learn, from both immigration advocates, and immigrants themselves, the sometimes complex reasons why people flee their countries of origin.