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Navigating U.S. Immigration Laws and Policies with Expert Maryam Rahman | Ep.12
33 Plays7 months ago
Welcome to our twelfth podcast episode, where we have the privilege of delving into the world of immigration law with the insightful Maryam Rahman.
Join us as we uncover Maryam Rahman's journey, from her early legal career to becoming a trusted figure in US immigration law. In this episode, we'll explore Rahman's deep commitment to her clients, navigating complex legal landscapes, and advocating for justice.
Whether you're curious about immigration law, an aspiring lawyer, or simply intrigued by stories of resilience and expertise, this episode promises to offer valuable insights and inspiration from Maryam Rahman's distinguished career. Join us as we unravel the complexities and impact of immigration law with Maryam Rahman.
About Maryam Rahman:
Maryam Rahman is a seasoned immigration lawyer with over a decade of experience in the field. Admitted to the bars in Connecticut and Texas, Rahman has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate the intricacies of US immigration law. Her expertise spans employee-sponsored visas, permanent residency, adjustment of status, and deportation defense, making her a pivotal advocate for her diverse clientele.
To see the video version of this episode subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thezainabkhan
Website: https://thezainabkhan.com/
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/zainabkhanpodcast/
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Transcript
Introduction to Mariam Rahman's expertise
00:00:00
Speaker
Hi, I'm Zainab Khan, your host, and I welcome you all to the podcast where we explore incredible stories of people from different industries. Absolutely, Zainab. Today we have a remarkable guest, Mariam Rahman. Miriam Raman specializes in U.S. immigration law. She has over 10 years of experience and handles cases worldwide. Admitted to the bars in Connecticut and Texas, Miriam's expertise includes employer-sponsored visas, permanent residence, adjustment of status, and deportation defense. She has taught immigration law and is proficient in Urdu and Punjabi. Hi, welcome to the podcast. How are you?
00:00:42
Speaker
Thank you for having me. I'm doing well. How are you? Good. Thank you for joining in. Thank you for joining in. We are honored to have you on the podcast. Thank you guys. It's a really warm welcome.
Balancing law enforcement and human aspects
00:00:57
Speaker
Okay. As an immigration lawyer, how do you see the balance between enforcing immigration policies and recognizing the human aspects of each case? Yeah, I think it's ah it's a very tricky conversation. It's also very emotional and sensitive. um There's obviously a need for laws and structures for the US to protect itself as well as maintain um humanity in applying those laws and and the rules and everything.
00:01:28
Speaker
um It really comes down to balancing out, I think, the purpose of the laws when it comes to immigration needs. you know Majority of the people we get in contact with or that you know are contacting us for help are typically looking for ways to find um a way to live and work in the United States. That's typically the priority. And so right now it's it's fairly limited on how people are able to do that. And unfortunately, people take um steps to come into the United States without having authorization. And that's where it gets pretty into that gray area of how to handle a situation like that.
Cultural differences and immigration stress
00:02:13
Speaker
You've worked with clients worldwide on immigration cases. How do cultural differences impact the immigration experience, both for clients and legal professionals?
00:02:23
Speaker
Yes, so I do work with people from all over the world. Different countries have different options available to them, so that makes a difference as well. ah Different countries have different experiences going through an immigration process, so you do have to be culturally aware as well as sensitive to the different experiences people have. ah you know There's countries that have very limited options to come into the United States. So clients you know find it very difficult. It's ah you know very stressful for them as well. There are times where they're away from their families for extended periods of time. Sometimes we can't even,
00:03:05
Speaker
you know give them a good option just because there might not be laws in place for that particular country. ah you know People that are coming in from Europe tend to have some more options, a little more flexibility, as well as individuals with higher education. so you have to learn to adjust to the client need as well as cultural um atmosphere and and environment that they've been in and things that they hear from other people and the bad experiences that they might have had before. So there's a lot of managing um the sensitivities in the process.
Policy changes and adaptability for Iranian clients
00:03:43
Speaker
Can you shed light on the impact of recent immigration policy changes and how they have affected your clients and your practice?
00:03:52
Speaker
Sure. um you know it's been It's a constantly changing environment for immigration law. ah Most of the time, it's a slow process to change, but there have been some issues that have come up recently where it's limited people from certain countries, for example, Iran, um has faced a lot of difficulties and I have clients that are going through a green card process and um there have been some blocks put in place that we're working around and and trying to find a way to resolve but it is difficult. It's an ever-changing landscape so we're constantly learning and adapting and walking our clients through everything you know we have to make sure that they're aware of the changes as well and
00:04:37
Speaker
and make sure we address the issues as they're coming up. So it is quite an interesting field to be working in. Awesome. Very nice.
Challenges with asylum seekers and trauma
00:04:46
Speaker
How do you approach cases involving vulnerable populations, such as asylum seekers or undocumented minors? And what unique challenges do these cases present? ah There are a lot of challenges, ah you know, working with people from certain South American, Central American countries that are, you know, perhaps seeking asylum within the US. There's different aspects to it. So some are in immigration court.
00:05:13
Speaker
some are going through USCIS, so you have to um really inform the client of the process, what to expect. I try to give them a full outline of the different stages and so that they're prepared for the various outcomes that can happen. With immigration court, you know you're dealing with the government's attorneys, you're dealing with judges, and It's a very stressful environment for clients to be in. And you know depending on the client's background, they may not have a ah lot of experience with this type of procedural um experiment you know process. So you have to just be aware of that, make sure that they're aware of what's gonna come and they're prepared. ah Because the stress levels are always really high, especially dealing with asylum seekers, they've been through some terrible experiences.
00:06:10
Speaker
ah you know and Unfortunately, they do have to relive it yeah um several times, not just preparing the application, but if they're going through USCIS, there's an interview. ah you know We have to make sure that there we do the best we can to prepare the client, but you know talking about traumatic experiences, giving details. um about what may have happened to them or a family member. It's a very difficult um experience for the client. And so there are a lot of um things you have to be aware of to prepare, not just for the hearing or the interview, but also emotionally help the client deal with as well.
00:06:53
Speaker
you know There are a lot of situations where the client may not have in-depth educational backgrounds, so it's a very daunting experience when Judges are speaking to you in a certain way. Um, you know, there are interpreters in the court for non-English speakers, but and with interpretation, the things that are being discussed are very formal and, uh, you know, it, it can be very overwhelming. And, and so we try to do our best to, uh, you know, make sure the client feels secure and confident going in and, and as prepared as best as possible.
00:07:33
Speaker
There's a lot of challenges, short answers, a lot of challenges. right like you know Not just asylum, but other you know vulnerable right applications. There's also you know people that have gone through family violence type things.
Potential immigration reforms and community awareness
00:07:51
Speaker
so since you Since you're the expert in your field, looking into the future, what changes or improvements would you like to see in the field of immigration law and how can society contribute to positive transformations? Sure. I think being aware is probably the biggest part of being able to contribute positively. There's a lot of um conversations that are had between people that don't have the exposure to immigration law. um They may just be going off of bit what they're hearing on the news or through you know other people.
00:08:29
Speaker
But you know it's very important to keep in mind, immigrating to the United States is very limited. um The avenues are very limited. The opportunities to actually be able to come and work here are not that easy to come by. So personally, it would be great to see um some kind of reform that allows individuals that are intending on coming to the United States to work and live that are able to do that part of it. Um, I think we kind of get lost in the middle somewhere where it gets too extreme on either end. Uh, because, you know, from what I've seen, uh, and I'm not speaking for everyone, there's definitely bad apples everywhere and, and, you know, people take advantage of, of the, um, the country and the, the laws, but
00:09:20
Speaker
the ones that come here and and want to work and contribute and pay taxes and give back and and raise their family to be contributing members of society. It would be nice to see more avenues for that, but obviously there are reasons for limitations. so There has to be a bit of a balance there as well. But I think the most important part is understanding that um speaking to each other within the community and understanding what actually is happening with immigration and and how difficult it really truly is to come here.
00:09:55
Speaker
and and be able to flourish here. It's ah you know it's a great opportunity and the most of the people that I've worked with really appreciate it. They don't take it for granted and they do everything they can to do it the right way, to contribute the right way. and you know I've seen amazing examples of families just growing and and you know, their kids are doing well, their kids are going to school and and becoming successful adults. And it's really nice to see. So I think just having that awareness um and and understanding what's actually happening, even the border crisis, what that actually means and and what's actually happening down there and and why it's happening
00:10:37
Speaker
how it's being handled. I mean, these are all things that if you're not in it day to day, you can seem kind of like a whole big mess. But you know when you're when you're in it and you're working with people and you see the human aspect of it, I think that changes a lot of things for people. Well said. In your experience, what are some misconceptions about immigration law that you find yourself dispelling frequently?
Myths about U.S. work visas
00:11:02
Speaker
Yeah, I think a lot of it I get is that people are just like, okay, I just want to work here. Like, why can't I just work here? You know, what's the problem? Can I just get work authorization? I get, you know, I get a lot of people from Canada that get very frustrated because even they as Canadian citizens can't just cross the board and start working, you know, and they're like, well, I'm Canadian. I'm not.
00:11:25
Speaker
from you know some border town, like what what's the problem? And so you know that is a big part of it. I think also people that aren't in immigration or don't have experience with it think that the US has just this willy-nilly approach to just handing out visas and green cards to everybody. And and that's definitely not the case. ah So that's why it is such a valuable avenue to be able to do it. ah Not everyone gets the opportunity. And and when you do, it is ah it's a really big deal. And it makes me very happy when I'm able to walk people through that and and get them to the end there and and see how that changes their lives as well. Awesome.
Success stories and validation of hard work
00:12:07
Speaker
Your best of the best, can you share a success story or heartwarming experience from your career that highlights the positive impacts of immigration law?
00:12:17
Speaker
Yeah, I've been fortunate. I've had some really great um experiences with clients getting positive outcomes, but I think the the main thing is ah being able to have them obtain the ultimate goal, which typically with my clients is is getting a green card and being able to settle their families here and bring their kids here and watching their kids enroll in school and and better themselves. and you know It just changes the entire direction of and and of a family. and so um I've had several stories like that that you know when I do see the families and I hear from the clients, it you know it definitely validates all the hard work and as well as the disappointments in some cases. you know so
00:13:05
Speaker
We don't get a lot of wins easily. there It's a lot of hard work, um but seeing families flourish is probably the best the best kind of reward I get from this work.
Coping with stress and emotional investment
00:13:17
Speaker
Very nice. How do you stay motivated and maintain empathy when dealing with challenging or emotionally charged immigration cases? Yeah, it's tough. um It's a good question. um I try to balance the stress of it with the good parts in my personal life a little bit. you know Definitely having a positive outlet for the stress is very important. um I can't say that I've been able to be very separated from all the cases. i you know There are some times where
00:13:52
Speaker
You get emotionally invested. and you know Sometimes you have clients for several years and you're going through this process with them and and you're hitting disappointment after disappointment or um you're just kind of waiting for a result and it's stressful. so You do get emotionally invested in those situations. and you know I do get frustrated with the way the structure of immigration laws has been. There's definitely been instances where We are, as attorneys, so limited um that we can't do anything more for somebody. and and that you know I can't say that I'm above being frustrated by that, but I do try to keep my mode my um my focus on what good outcomes we can get, um try to find resolutions when we can, and you know try to think about what what outcomes have been helpful in the past as well. but
00:14:49
Speaker
You know, having a good support system, having other attorneys to discuss things with is helpful in dealing with kind of the more emotionally charged situations for sure. So, you know, it's also really important as an attorney in immigration to manage my stress levels so that the client feels supported. you know so They may be upset, but if I'm also upset, it doesn't you know it's just going to make the situation more you know unstable. so you know A part of being a lawyer in any field is the counseling part of it. right so we are
00:15:28
Speaker
also emotionally there for clients to kind of, you know, manage their stress levels. and And so it's a, it is an emotional field and, and having outlets for that is really important. So I i try to exercise, be around people that are, you know, loved ones and, you know, keep positive on the things that I can do to help people. So do you have any hobby you pursue like ah just to keep your sanity intact after going through all the stress and everything?
00:16:01
Speaker
Yeah, that's a big part of it. You know, I do, I try to stay active, definitely like physically be moving, going by nature, being around, you know, if I can be around water, mountains or trees or whatever, just be outdoors when I can. traveling just to kind of disconnect a little bit from the day-to-day is really helpful for me. And yeah, just spending time with people that, um you know, I care about that are not involved in immigration is helpful because exactly they don't know anything about what I'm doing. and And we can talk about all types of other things. It's all personal stuff, you know. Yeah, right. So I can talk about, you know, other things other than and other than work. So that's helpful.
00:16:47
Speaker
area Okay, as an immigration lawyer, what advice would you offer to individuals or families navigating the legal aspects of the immigration process for the first time? Yeah, I think it's important to have um an idea of what the ultimate goal is. you know If it is just to come and work or or visit or you know whatever it might be, have ah have an idea of what you want. And I do recommend seeking out legal advice before you start a process. um you know I've had several situations where people come to me after trying to do it on their own, and you definitely can do several things on your own.
00:17:28
Speaker
ah there There are some technical aspects that can get people in trouble if they do do it incorrectly and then Changing that or reversing it becomes ah more difficult and challenging. So I do recommend at least seeking out advice as far as um Someone that has experience with immigration expertise to give you an idea of where to start and then you know make a decision on on how you wanna approach it. But there are definitely areas that can get you into some some trouble there. Awesome. How have advancements in technology impacted the practice of immigration law and do you see further innovations shaping the field in the future?
Shift to online filings in immigration law
00:18:10
Speaker
Sure, ah you know, immigration is still pretty heavy on the physical filing um aspect. There are some applications that are now online filing, which is great. It reduces a lot of the paper waste and things like that. So hopefully it becomes more electronic, more online. I think it'll help um ease a lot of the backlog as well and all of that because right now most of the applications we deal with our physical filings are going in the postage and the mail and their service, you know, mail interruptions and all of that. And that causes delay and then mail gets lost. So it would be nice to see more of an electronic based immigration system. But obviously, you know, it's, that's kind of a long, long journey to get everything online like that. Right.
Trust and responsiveness in client relationships
00:19:02
Speaker
ah In your interaction with clients, are there specific qualities or traits that you find contribute to a positive and successful immigration case? like in the client yeah first a the car I think if you're going to work with an attorney, the best a thing is to work with someone that you trust, ah that you understand is going to be responsible or that you feel is going to take responsibility for the process. Obviously, it does require some involvement on the client side to just you know do the check-ins here and there, but overall, ah you definitely want to work with um
00:19:46
Speaker
a client that trusts you as counsel in the sense that you know they're they're taking your guidance and they're also responsive to it. ah you know There are situations where you might end up working with a client that has just had a bad experience with someone else and is a bit distrustful for attorneys and they may have good reason to be that way, but it tends to make the process more difficult and tedious you know if they're constantly kind of following up and and checking in and doing these things because it creates a lot of anxiety in the whole process. um you know And I can't speak for every attorney, but you know we have a system, every attorney has their own system on deadlines and responding responding to certain things. And there's ah there is a a lot of time sensitivity to immigration cases and you know there is a lot of monitoring that. so
00:20:43
Speaker
certain things take precedent over other things that may not be urgent at the time, but the client feels that it's urgent. and so um you know clients that tend to understand that are usually the the most kind of smoother process. Outcomes tend to be a little bit better, but I'm not saying that it's the client's fault if the outcome's bad, but um the process can be more difficult if the client doesn't trust the person they're working with. so Awesome.
00:21:16
Speaker
Sometimes it's like very tricky, even the client doesn't know what's going on. So he has to trust you. I mean, the lawyer, the immigration lawyers. Right. up so And it is a scary process. So I understand the anxiety and the stress and and all that. So what happens? Reflecting on your journey as an immigration lawyer, is there a piece of advice or a visit you would offer to aspiring legal professionals entering this field?
Motivations for entering immigration law
00:21:46
Speaker
that's a good question um
00:21:52
Speaker
Let's see. I mean, there's probably a lot of nice people. But ah yeah, I mean, coming into it, i you know if you're in Texas, it is a difficult place to practice immigration. um The Fifth Circuit, if you're doing asylum and deportation cases. So just to be mentally prepared for a lot of uphill battles in that case. But um as far as ah being an immigration, you know it's what I've been doing for so many years. do enjoy it because I know what a difference it can make. so I think someone that wants to come into immigration law specifically ah should kind of keep in mind what their motivations are to be in it. They should be um aware that it is an ever-changing environment. so You are going to have to continuously learn and adapt to changes and procedures and forms and application processes and things like that. so
00:22:51
Speaker
ah Just to be ready for that and also um be aware that it's a real sensitive experience for families and individuals and you know just be kind and sensitive to that part of it you know it. It can be difficult at times when we're overloaded with work and the client needs a lot of support emotionally, but you know that is definitely part of the process. Yeah. Okay. Before we conclude, what is the any ah piece of advice or any suggestion or anything you would like to say before we come to an end? Sure. um I mean, I don't know if I have a
00:23:31
Speaker
great piece of sage advice. But I think just in general with people dealing with people, just remember that ultimate, we all kind of want the same things. We want you know peace and harmony and we want people that we love in our lives to be safe and healthy. And I think There's a lot of um tension in everyone's lives for different reasons, but just to be aware that ultimately the motivations for individuals are similar as far as what we want.
00:24:01
Speaker
for ourselves and for our loved ones and just be kind to each other. and you know There's people coming from all parts of the world and they're in countries like the United States because these countries were that you know this country was made for that. It was made for people to come from places that they're from. to better themselves, better their lives, better their futures. and you know That's what we were built on. That's what the United States stands for. and and Be open to that. Be welcome welcoming to those people that are new here, that have been here. and Just be kind to one another and when possible.
00:24:40
Speaker
ah very well said, beautiful piece of advice. That's a great piece of advice. As our enlightened conversation concludes, a heartfelt thanks to Miriam for sharing her insights and experiences with us. Until next time, this is Zeno and Imran signing off from the podcast. Thank you so much. Thank you guys. Thank you. Thank you.