Think Immigration: Embracing Diversity - Navigating Cultural Nuances in Immigration Law

AILA welcomes this blog post from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Law Student Scholarship recipient Jacqueline Abraham, part of a series intended to highlight the important ways in which diversity, equity, and inclusion inform immigration law and policy. More information about AILA’s DEI Committee and its important work is available on AILA’s website.

There are a vast mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions that immigrants bring with them, enriching the fabric of our society. Each immigrant has a unique set of experiences, beliefs, and values shaped by their cultural heritage. Cultural nuances permeate every aspect of the immigration process, from language barriers to religious customs and social norms. By embracing diversity, we not only enhance our understanding of a client’s needs but also foster a more inclusive legal practice.

I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility toward my Nigerian parents for the sacrifices they made in raising me in America. To me, I could only honor their sacrifice by aligning myself with their worldview and respecting their values and beliefs as if they were my own. Initially, this sense of duty felt restrictive, leaving little space for self-discovery, but ultimately, it fostered a dual perspective: one where I learned to respect all forms of authority, and another that encouraged me to question them, seeking deeper understanding beyond what was said.

In my role as an immigration paralegal, I found this dual perspective invaluable. Working with foreign nationals taught me to connect with them on a human level, acknowledging the unique challenges they face. The common view on American immigration often centers on how immigrants and their children must assimilate into mainstream society, overshadowing the distinct and invaluable contributions they bring to American culture.

Many immigrants have taken high-risk career paths that require innovation and creativity, driven by their backgrounds marked by selectivity and marginality. Charles Hirschman emphasizes in The Contributions of Immigrants to American Culture that selectivity implies that those who migrate are often ambitious or resourceful, while marginality suggests that being on the outskirts of mainstream society can foster a willingness to take risks and prove oneself. These factors explain why immigrants frequently thrive in creative and innovative fields.

Moreover, immigrants and their children enrich American culture and compel society to become more inclusive and receptive to fresh ideas. By blending my upbringing with my inherent curiosity, I am better equipped to support my clients while respecting and understanding their journey on a personal level. This approach reflects the broader immigration narrative, where resilience and innovation fuel societal growth and transformation.

In some African cultures, deference to authority figures is paramount, while in others, a more egalitarian approach may be preferred. Understanding these cultural nuances allows attorneys to tailor their advocacy strategies to best serve their clients' needs. Moreover, cultural competence extends beyond individual interactions to the broader legal system. Immigrant communities often face systemic barriers rooted in cultural biases and prejudices. From visa policies to asylum determinations, cultural considerations play a significant role in shaping immigration law outcomes.

As legal advocates, it is our responsibility to challenge these biases and advocate for policies that uphold the principles of fairness and justice for all immigrants, regardless of their cultural background. While navigating cultural nuances in immigration law presents challenges, it also presents opportunities for innovation and growth within the legal profession. By embracing diversity, legal practitioners can broaden their perspectives, deepen their understanding of global issues, and cultivate cultural competency skills that are increasingly valuable in an interconnected world. While embodying my cultural values, I developed in immigration law the desire to impact people’s lives in a way that draws on my dual upbringing. My appreciation for sacrifice, authority, and culture is a reflection of a dream that not only my parents and my clients share, but also of my own ability to expand on this frame of mind and contribute to the legal community in a way that merges my cultural values and the law.

In conclusion, embracing diversity is not only essential in navigating cultural nuances in immigration law but also fundamental to the principles of justice and equality. By recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds of immigrant clients, legal practitioners can cultivate a more inclusive and equitable legal practice and work to create a legal system that truly embraces the richness of cultural diversity within the immigrant experience.

We hope you enjoyed this post on Think Immigration! We’re always looking for fresh perspectives and voices to join our community of contributors. If you’re an AILA member passionate about immigration and have insights, stories, or expertise to share, we invite you to write for us. Visit our FAQs to learn more about how you can contribute to the conversation and make sure you bookmark our Think Immigration page so you don’t miss any blog posts.