On March 3, the Alliance of Bukharian Americans (ABA) had the pleasure of welcoming Immigration Attorney and Mayor of Englewood, New Jersey, Mr. Michael Wildes. Mr. Michael Wildes joined the ABA to help clarify many of the immigration queries on everyone’s mind. The event’s format was a simple Question-and-Answer session with the ABA’s David Mordukhaev (event moderator). However, as Michael himself later remarked, he was asked every question from everybody before taking his coat off. By the end of the night, Mr. Michael Wildes’ warmth and sincere friendliness stood in great contrast to the evening’s snowy weather and seemingly cold subject material. To see a full video of the event, please visit ABAofNY on Facebook.
The first discussion of the night revolved around a central political issue in the national spotlight: What is the legal and social background to the expansive process commonly and too broadly labeled ‘illegal immigration’? The answer lies somewhere between the legendary American Ideal and the current toxic and expedient political atmosphere. Not too long ago, we used to hear about the benefits and opportunity of family reunification; something that is today discussed with the dispassionate term ‘chain-migration.’ A core source of patents, and the vast majority of positive risk-takers, comes from within our migrant communities. Fundamentally speaking, we need to readjust the discussion away from ‘bridges’ or ‘walls,’ and instead focus on doors that open to those who either add value or need mercy, or shut to those wishing to cause us harm.
Another point of the night’s discussion was the frustration many may deal with when working on immigration status issues in the U.S. What are the first points to know when hiring an attorney? The first point to stress is that legal work in this field should be charged per project and not by the hour (which is common for other areas of legal work). Furthermore, a prospective lawyer must also be given access to circumstances which may hinder or guide the process. Another key point to consider when choosing an immigration attorney: is there going to be a relationship? This means that the attorney must have the time and resources to collect all of the relevant information necessary for each case. Even if you find all of this in your Attorney, the process may seem like its stalling. Many times, an attorney may need to roll up his sleeves and humbly communicate that he needs to further research a particular issue. This is usually a sign of honesty and integrity.
All being said, the biggest catalyst in all immigration work remains the subject of the legal process him or herself. The personality behind any issue may be an unsung hero dealing with a seemingly minor issue, or a president whose rhetoric inflames the immigration status of entire swaths of people. In his new book, Safe Haven in America: Battles to Open the Golden Door, Michael Wildes discusses some of his most famous clients, and also points to those unsung heroes who have been unfairly neglected by the media and the law.
By Adam Suionov
Attorney Michael Wildes recently published his first book, Safe Haven in America: Battles to Open the Golden Door, chronicling his career as a leading immigration attorney who has represented numerous celebrities and prominent political and governmental figures. He was also recently re-elected the mayor of Englewood, New Jersey.
ABA Presents Clarity On Immigration Issues With Attorney Michael Wildes
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