Immigration Stories You Must Read! (Part II)

- Peter Koutroubis -

Growing up in a Greek-American household, my parents and grandparents encouraged me to take pride in Greek culture. Since my childhood, I have met, worked with, and forged lasting friendships with immigrants hailing from countries throughout the world – themselves just as proud of their heritage as I am of mine. I came to appreciate the collective celebration of diversity within the United States, and the great value culture-sharing offers our country. As an immigration attorney, I am proud more-so to have the opportunity to help immigrants on their journey to the United States.”

- Helene Dang -

As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who fled a war-torn country, I am grateful for the sacrifices my parents made to seek a better life and future in America.?They worked hard to learn a new language, embraced a new culture, and developed new skills in the transportation and beauty industries so that they may contribute to society.?They raised their children to hold a sense of service and help to others, which I am fortunate and honored be able to do as an immigration attorney.

-Tony Kim -

Having grown up during my formative years in three different countries on three different continents, I have witnessed the various issues and obstacles immigrants like my parents encountered. Whether it was taking supplemental English lessons to pass the Canadian citizenship test or rehearsing answers to questions posed by British customs officers, my parents navigated the different immigration systems in search for better opportunities abroad. After graduating high school, I came to better understand how problems can unexpectedly arise during the immigration process as many of my peers and I applied for student or work visas in America. Because of my personal experience, I believe I am better able to connect with my clients and identify potential issues before they become a problem. Ultimately, I believe that immigrants like my family and peers make a country stronger and competitive on the global stage. My parent’s struggles as immigrants initially pushed me to practice immigration law and I work for my clients with the mindset that I am helping people like my family and friends.

- Liliana Kottwitz -

I decided to become an immigration attorney as I always felt an immigrant myself. I was born in the U.S. from immigrant parents, my grandparents on my paternal side were Dominican and French and my maternal grandparents were Colombian. Growing up?in Latin America and having U.S. citizenship made me feel that a part of me belonged and identified with different countries, and at the same time I felt like a foreigner everywhere I lived. I personally experienced the challenges immigrants have to face.

- Vi Nguyen -

As a first-generation child of immigrants who fled Vietnam during the Vietnam War, I understand how the immigration process can change lives for the better. After graduating law school, it was very important to me to practice in a field of law that would allow me the opportunity to help others achieve the American dream – the same way my parents did. The ability to practice Immigration Law allows me to help others achieve that same dream. For me, there is no other field of law that is as gratifying or fulfilling.?