Sara Varnado shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Sara, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Right now, the fight for immigration rights is constantly changing. We can expect that by Friday afternoon, the legal landscape will have changed since Monday morning, and the policies implementing those changes and the pattern of enforcement will continue to evolve. This makes daily research into legal updates necessary, so most mornings this past year have begun with a review of the changes, what they mean for people, and adjustments to how we proceed. This level of volatility also makes advocacy more important. So signing daily petitions and commenting on proposed rule-making changes in the Federal Register has become part of the daily routine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an immigration defense attorney and the owner of A New World Immigration Law. I have only ever practiced immigration law because I love this field and the work we do. Immigration is near and dear to my heart as a first-generation American, and I love having the opportunity to help protect other families’ rights to build their American Dream. Getting to help keep families together and work for my clients’ safety brings so much joy and satisfaction in life because we get to be a part of people’s journeys and be there for them during some of the most important parts of their lives.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Communication, the lack of it makes the best of relationships go cold and often all it takes it making a phone call or sending that message to get things started again.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Relax, you will get to where you want to go if you keep trucking along. There is no need to work yourself into an early grave or destroy your health to “make it.” Things won’t always happen when you want them to, but will often come along when you need them. It is completely possible to be a “success,” whatever that word means for you, and to still allow yourself to enjoy life. In fact, there’s every possibility you’ll do better at reaching your goals if you allow yourself to enjoy the process.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Freedom
It might sound abstract, but in immigration freedom is anything but theoretical. It’s deeply personal and urgent for every client. Most people are after the freedom to work, to live with their family, to change jobs, to marry the person of their choice, or even the ability to leave an abusive relationship without fear of immigration consequences. When we see yet another announcement from this administration, I wish we would ask ourselves, “Is this what freedom looks like? Is this what it means to be a free person living in a free country?” For those of us lucky enough not to be in the current line of fire, I’m reminded of the old Martin Niemöller quote, ” First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I personally love getting to participate in history and was set on going into law from early in life, so at least for me, it was really providential that I was admitted to the bar at the same time immigration defense became central to American politics. I am really grateful that I was positioned in the right place at the right time to be a part of the fight for immigration rights. When watching something scary on the news, there’s something so comforting about knowing you can do something and not just stand by.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anewworldimmigrationlaw.com/
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- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anewworldimmigrationlaw/
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- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-new-world-immigration-law-no-title
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0l1PYdFeE89qPossaoRPhw
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