By:  E. Audrey Glover-Dichter
Attorney at Law
Copyright protected June 2011

I recently moved home and office at the same time.  The funny part of moving is that no matter how hard I tried to stay organized planned, and scheduled, the move took a life of its own.  I had to succumb to this life force that thrusted out of control.  I had planned to move in an organized fashion.  I figured if I moved the office first, then I could keep working while the home was being moved, at least it seemed like a great idea.  However, it turned out that everything happened all at once. Although this move was a good and happy occasion for our family, it has been nevertheless stressful.  I am sure that there are many out there who can relate.

Moving brought back so many memories for me.  I remember my move from Argentina back to the USA when I was around 10 years old.  Although I was born in the USA, I felt like a complete stranger in my own country.  I didn’t even speak English well enough to have a decent conversation.  The main reason why my family moved back to the USA was because of the political and economic turmoil in Argentina during the 70s, much like so many countries are experiencing around the world right now.  It is scary to see how the years go by, and there is still so much political and economic turmoil around the world.  So, I began thinking about my past, present and potential clients during the move.  I am stressed over moving just across town for various good reasons.  The stress of moving countries and having to leave friends, family and everything behind is so much harder; trust me, I know, I have been there.  Although I was truly not an immigrant, I sure felt like one.  All those memories and experiences allow me to understand my clients and bond with them.  Understanding and bonding with my clients is imperative to my work.  I work closely with each and every client to tell their individual stories to make their applications/petitions shine at Immigration.  Immigration law is not about simply filling out forms, but it is about getting Immigration to understand my clients, so it is obvious that they are human beings and not just another number to be adjudicated.

Creating and nurturing relationships is the main part of my law practice.  I have clients that call me years after their cases are finished for various reasons.  Recently I had an old client call me to get together, yes including all the kids, while she is in town.  I can’t wait to see her!  I have another friend who was a client twice.  This particular friend is so incredibly talented that when we bought our new house, I called her to help me decorate the house, and she did a fabulous job!  Another client recently called me because she needed help with the purchase of a new property. Of course, I referred her to another attorney since my practice is devoted to immigration law. A current client called last week to say she is expecting, I am so excited for her! All these clients are prime examples of the nurturing I provide my clients that outlasts their cases.

Yes, all moves are stressful regardless the reasons causing them.  Having an immigration attorney understand and bond with you, the client, while representing you during the immigration process is priceless.