Our Law Firm Discusses Legislative Issues
Posted Nov 08, 2002

The Law Office of Sheela Murthy is proactive in its efforts to positively impact immigration law and policy. We recently arranged a meeting with Legislative Assistants in charge of Immigration Policy for U.S. Senators Paul Sarbanes and Barbara Mikulski representing Maryland. At this October 22, 2002 meeting, representatives of The Law Office of Sheela Murthy, acting on behalf of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Congressional Liaison Committee for the Washington D.C. Chapter, met with Ms. Susan Zentay from Senator Sarbanes' office and Ms. Carla Bucknor from Senator Mikulski's office.

The meetings were useful. As a starting point, Ms. Zentay and Ms. Bucknor emphasized that the U.S. senators are keenly tuned into the needs and wishes of their constituents and will look at how immigration legislation affects the people of their state when formulating policy and establishing a position. This focus on constituents is uppermost in the minds of all legislators from all over the country. Therefore, when communicating with any elected official it is important to emphasize the ways in which any issue or proposal may affect the local community represented by that particular elected official. We were able to submit that American businesses benefit from having specialized H1B workers and that families are united by strong pro-immigration laws. It helps the tax base and the local economy while also fostering diversity. Immigrants bring fresh ideas and, through their determination and hard work, are likely to become productive members of society.

We also offered the services of The Law Office of Sheela Murthy and AILA as reliable resources on immigration matters. We emphasized our ability to provide a balanced analysis of pending legislation from a national viewpoint as well as from a state perspective with respect to Maryland. We would thus be able to aid the Senators in making informed decisions on crucial legislation pertaining to immigration. Ms. Bucknor and Ms. Zentay received these suggestions favorably. They highlighted the Senators' need for immediate, accurate information at those times when a bill is on the Senate floor for a vote, as that is when quick, informed decisions are most vital. We look forward to a fruitful relationship and welcome the opportunity to be of assistance regarding these matters.

Tips When Meeting with Elected Officials or their Aides

The Law Office of Sheela Murthy would like to take this opportunity to encourage our clients to contact their representatives at the Federal and State governmental levels in order to draw their attention to pending legislation either favorable or detrimental to the interests of immigrants. In making this contact, we suggest one focus on the impact the proposed law would have on constituents. That is, demonstrate the effect, positive or negative, that the proposed law may have on the people and businesses in the elected official's district. It may be useful to work with local or national non-profit organizations that lobby on a regular basis, as there is greater strength in organized numbers.

Immigration legislation needs the personal perspective only immigrants can provide that otherwise would go unvoiced and, consequently, would not be considered. Keep your legislators and their appropriate staff members informed regarding issues that affect immigration and provide them with valid and balanced reasons for supporting or opposing particular pieces of legislation. Lastly, and importantly, please remember to thank legislators and their staff for their time and for providing any assistance or review of an issue. A simple thank you today could help bend someone's ear to your issues tomorrow.