The Most Important Lessons I’ve Learned From My Clients

I’m often asked by clients why I became an Immigration Attorney.  While I come from a family of immigrants, who taught me not only to value the freedoms that this country affords me and to share with and serve others who long for those freedoms, I find I'm also consistently inspired by my clients and the values they impart on me.

Over the last 15 years, I’ve had the privilege to meet and work with hundreds of foreign nationals from all over this planet.  Each and every single person has their own remarkable story, and they have imparted on me wisdom that I utilize every day.  Here’s some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned:

Work Hard. As you can probably imagine, the amount of obstacles foreign nationals typically have to face to adjust to a new life in the United States are large. How do they tend to respond to this adversity? By working even harder to achieve their American dream. Researchers have studied aspects of the immigrant work ethic, and what they have learned is telling: According to a study cited by The Washington Post, immigrants are about 16% more likely to take on jobs that involve working evenings and weekends than American-born employees. And the study indicates they are likelier to work these “off hours” whether they’re performing high-skilled jobs or low-skilled ones. Another report suggests that immigrants are about twice as likely as native-born individuals to become businesspeople. All of these findings illustrate the determined, entrepreneurial spirit that I’ve seen firsthand in many of the foreign nationals I’ve met or helped.

Take Calculated Risks. If you’ve ever moved out of state for a new job, you know how physically and mentally taxing it can be.  I remember doing this well over a decade ago and thinking I had accomplished something risky and tough.  The reality is that these moves pale in comparison to the real risks many of my clients make uprooting their entire lives and families to come to the U.S.  Oftentimes these are people making huge financial gambles that could impact their livelihoods and embracing odds that they’ll be able to achieve a successful work-life balance in a completely foreign country.

Be Flexible/Resilient. As foreign-born businesswoman Zynep Ilgaz told Entrepreneur magazine, “immigration is like a roller coaster. There are inevitable highs and lows along the way that require flexibility and a positive attitude.” As we’re all aware, the last four years were particularly difficult times for immigrants seeking to enter or remain the United States. Yet in spite of those challenges (along with a global pandemic), my clients exhibited incredible resiliency in their ability to adjust their lives or businesses in order to come to or remain in the U.S. They refused to give up on their dreams, even if they had to postpone them. It’s a level of determination that continually inspires me to work even harder at being a good attorney, husband, and father.