An Indian friend of mine used the following words to introduce me to his friends in college: “Meet Tracie – she’s an international American.” I still consider the words my friend spoke as an incredible compliment – in a simple sentence my friend made clear that our identity isn’t dictated by where we are born, and that we all have the ability to shape our destiny regardless of our origin and where we started.
This belief is what’s led me to practice immigration law. I believe everyone deserves a chance to live their version of the American Dream. Some of our clients came to the U.S. temporarily and fell in love with an American and want to build their families here; some came to escape dire poverty; some came because they had no choice but to flee their home countries; others followed family here. Regardless of why they came to the United States and why they stayed, they want to remain here and contribute. I get to help them find ways to make that happen.
I lived the first 23 years of my life in Kansas and, after a brief stint teaching ESL in Poland, I moved to Atlanta in 2005. I never thought Atlanta would become home, but it has! I have found love, steadfast friendships, amazingly dedicated colleagues and the cutest dog ever. Every day, I am blessed to live in a place I choose and I work hard every day to ensure that our clients have that same freedom and independence.
