Immigration attorney Spojmie Nasiri took some time to reflect on the story of just one of her clients, who she successfully helped coach through the process of becoming a U.S citizen. Read the heartwarming reflection below, which showcases exactly why our firm works so hard for our clients:
One of my female Afghan clients truly touched my heart today. The remarkable resilience of my Afghan sisters in the face of numerous challenges and hardships, including years of war, political instability, social and cultural barriers, and violence never ceases to amaze me.
As an immigration lawyer, there are few things more rewarding than seeing a client achieve their dream of becoming a U.S. citizen; when that client is someone who was once shy and received no formal education, the feeling is even more profound. I have had the privilege of helping many clients achieve their dream of becoming U.S. citizens. Seeing the joy on their faces when they pass the citizenship test is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I have seen clients break down in tears, hug their family members, and even do a little dance of joy. Each client is unique and has their own set of challenges and obstacles to overcome, but this client stood out to me today as truly special.
This client came to me six months ago with a dream of becoming a U.S. citizen but was facing a difficult road ahead. English was not her first language, and she had failed the naturalization test in the past. She had no formal education and struggled with English, which made navigating the immigration system all the more difficult for her. She was also very shy and hesitant to ask questions or seek help.
At first, I was uncertain if I could help my client pass her citizenship test. However, I quickly realized that she was eager to learn and willing to put in the hard work required to achieve her goal. Working closely with my client, we developed a personalized study plan that catered to her strengths and weaknesses. We practiced interview questions, reviewed civics materials, and focused on improving her English language skills. It was a challenging process, but she never gave up. I watched as she slowly gained confidence and knowledge about U.S. history and government and improve her reading and writing skills. I could tell that the process was not easy for her, but she remained steadfast in her determination.
Today was my client's citizenship interview at the USCIS office in Sacramento. She was understandably nervous this morning. However, I knew she had prepared well, and I was confident in her ability to pass the U.S. citizenship exam. I continuously gave her words of encouragement as she saw other immigrants and a few fellow Afghan immigrants exit their interviews and informed her that they had failed their naturalization exams. Finally, after two hours of anxiously waiting, her name was called and I gave her an encouraging smile as we both followed the USCIS officer to conduct her naturalization exam. I could see the nervousness on her face as she answered the questions posed by the USCIS officer.
I am thrilled to report that she passed with flying colors! When the USCIS officer finally told her that she had passed, she was overcome with emotion, and so was I. Seeing the tears of joy on her face, I felt an immense sense of pride and accomplishment. As an immigration lawyer, it is easy to get bogged down in the technicalities of the law, but moments like these remind me of the human impact of my work.
I couldn't be prouder of her accomplishment. The joy of passing the citizenship test is something that stays with you forever. It is a moment of triumph that you can look back on with pride. It is a reminder of all the hard work and sacrifices that went into making this dream a reality for someone who had never studied for any examination in her life. It is also a source of inspiration for other immigrants, particularly women, who are on the same journey.
The joy and pride I felt in helping my client achieve her dream is immeasurable. Her journey was not easy and was a testament to the power of hard work and determination. Her achievement showed me that education is not the only path to success. With the right mindset and guidance, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their background.
To my dear client, I want to say congratulations on this amazing achievement. You are a shining example of what is possible when we work hard and never give up on our dreams. You are proof that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. You have made your family proud, and you have made a positive contribution to our society. May your future be filled with happiness and continued success. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey.
As we celebrate my client's achievement, I am reminded of the countless other refugees and immigrants who are still fighting for their own American dream. We must continue to support and uplift these individuals, who have so much to contribute to our society.
To all of my clients, past, present, and future, I want you to know that I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and help you achieve your goals.
As an immigration lawyer, I am honored to play a small part in helping each of my clients achieve this dream and I am grateful for the opportunity to witness the joy that comes with passing the citizenship test.
