Diversity, equity, inclusion & accessibility
At WR Immigration, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is a driving force behind our collective “journey forward” and the realization of our company’s mission. As we journey forward, we leverage innovation and excellence to establish and maintain an inclusive environment that empowers all employees and clients. Our goal is to enable individuals to reach their full potential and create the life of their dreams, wherever in the world that may be.
We believe it is our corporate responsibility to foster an inclusive and respectful workplace that combines innovation, excellence, compassion, and empathy. By upholding respect for individuals and the law, WR Immigration continues to lead in immigration law and serve as a model for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As we journey forward, we strive to:
- Promote innovation and excellence to surpass the expectations of our teammates, clients, and relationship partners.
- Attract and retain exceptional team members by expanding the diversity of our talent pool.
- Promote and maintain work-life balance for team members.
- Enhance the workplace with a diverse and inclusive environment, founded on shared prosperity, integrity, trust and kindness.
- Prioritize equal opportunity and cultivate a culture of respect in the workplace.
- Engage in fundraisers supporting organizations committed to racial and social justice.
- Host firm-wide learning experiences that foster dialogue about bias, gender expression, and respect in the workplace.
- Provide training and support for women and minorities in the legal profession.
- Recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences each teammate contributes to advance our mission and advocate for our clients.
- Leverage our distinctive role as immigration advocates to amplify diverse voices and facilitate positive change through trust and inclusive collaboration.
Creating a better world through our firm, our community, and our work
To be at our best, we built a firm that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible for everyone at WR Immigration. Our work in the immigration arena provides us an opportunity to help people from all nations. As leaders, we know our role goes beyond our crucial work. We have built a firm that prioritizes opportunity for all.
Firm leadership
We believe that diverse leadership is critical to our firm’s success and have an exemplary record of promoting women and minorities. Our mentorship model ensures that attorneys of all backgrounds are supported, encouraged, and recognized for their unique strengths.
Inclusion by the numbers:
- Women partners: 42%
- Women in leadership: 46%
- Minority partners: 35%
- Minorities in leadership: 40%
- Both women & minorities (partners): 50%
- Both women & minorities (leadership): 53%
Diversity, equity, inclusion & accessibility committee
Our DEIA programs celebrate differences, build inclusivity, and lend support to our employees and communities. Core initiatives include:
- Building equal opportunity and a culture of respect in the workplace through trainings, education, and fair employment practices;
- Fundraising to support organizations committed to racial and social justice;
- Hosting firm-wide learning experiences that create dialogue about bias, gender expression, and respect in the workplace;
- Providing training and support to women and minorities in the legal profession through our involvement with the American Bar
Association’s Women in Tech Summit, the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship, the Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and Asian American Bar Associations, and more.
Learning & education
We strive to ensure a positive working environment by promoting a diverse, equitable, inclusive and collaborative workplace. We are committed to our role in the legal profession by educating, promoting, and maintaining a respectful and inclusive culture. We dedicate resources through talent development, management trainings, and a collegial, open forum.
Our DE&I proactivity is embedded in our culture, giving us the tools and environment to attract and recruit talent and advance the skills of our team within the legal community.
WR Immigration Cares about Accessibility
This website follows or exceeds ADA website-related suggestions, in hopes that all are able to access it.
WR Immigration gives back
We care about our role in the communities we serve
The firm has a strong history of pro bono work. In 2016, we launched WR Immigration Gives Back to extend service opportunities to everyone, including our legal support and professional staff. Enjoy reading the posts below about our initiatives!
Women’s History Month: Inspiring Immigration Stories at WR Immigration | Josune Aguirre Gamez
Celebrate Women’s History Month with WR Immigration as we continue our “My Immigration Story” campaign, featuring the exceptional journey of Senior Associate Josune Aguirre Gamez. Last year, WR Immigration began our “My Immigration Story” campaign to showcase the exceptional accomplishments of our team members. In honor of Women’s History Month this year, we’re continuing to highlight the inspiring immigration journeys of our WR team, with a special focus on the outstanding contributions of Senior Associate Josune Aguirre Gamez. The video below is an initiative led by WR Immigration’s DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) Committee. We strive to create a firm that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible for everyone at WR Immigration. Our work in the immigration field allows us to help people from all around the world. As leaders, we understand that our role extends beyond our crucial work, and we’ve built a firm that prioritizes opportunity for all.
Celebrating Black History Month: WR Recognizes Two Important Figures
Here at WR Immigration, we strive for the pursuit of knowledge and a cultivation of an environment of diversity and inclusion. This foundation informs every aspect of our services as immigration professionals, and we prize a dedication to these pursuits in every employee. This Black History Month, we want to continue our learning by showcasing two prominent figures within the black immigrant community here in the United States who have made an amazing impact through their civil advocations and humanitarian efforts: Miriam Makeba and Dikembe Mutombo. Miriam Makeba Born in Johannesburg, Union of South Africa, Zenzile Miriam Makeba was a successful singer, songwriter, and actress, and a dedicated civil activist. Singing professionally since the 1950’s, Miriam performed a mixture of jazz, traditional African melodies, and Western pop music. Her brief role in “Come Back, Africa” in 1959 gave her the opportunity to travel and perform across the world to places such as Venice, London, and New York City. Miriam decided to officially move to New York and her career thrived in the U.S., winning her first Grammy award for Best Folk Recording in her 1965 album “An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba.” Miriam used this success to raise awareness of the evils […]
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Continues: WR Recognizes Two Important Figures
WR Immigration continues to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the contributions of two more trailblazers from within the community. Today we bring to light the exceptional political and economic accomplishments of Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Maria Contreras-Sweet. Starting her life in America as a seven-year-old refugee from Havana, Cuba, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen emerged as a powerful figure in the political sphere. She began her path to prominence by receiving her Bachelor of Arts in education and her Master of Arts in educational leadership from Florida International University and then attended the University of Miami to get an Ed.D in higher education. In Ileana’s early career she was an educator of a private school in Miami-Dade County where she routinely served as a liaison for immigrant parents needing assistance translating forms and navigating the complexities of the U.S. government. Ileana’s list of political achievements began in 1982 when won a seat in the Florida House of Representatives, becoming the first Hispanic woman to serve in the state legislature. Her political journey did not end there, and she was elected to the Florida senate in 1986. Only three years later, Ileana was once again making political headlines when she made history by becoming […]
WR Immigration Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: And the Oscar Goes to…Rita Moreno
Puerto Rican-born and New York-raised, Rita Moreno started her career early on Broadway at the age of 13, performing “Skydrift.” Since then, she has become a household name over the decades, starring in over 40 films and captivating audiences with her portrayal as Anita in the 1961 West Side Story. Moreno’s role in West Side Story has set her name in history by winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, becoming the first-ever Hispanic American woman to win an Academy Award. Born December 11, 1931 in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Moreno took her father’s last name after migrating to New York with her mother in 1936. Whether on the Broadway stage or the Hollywood screen, Moreno broke racial and gender barriers through her vast characters and riveting performances. Throughout her extensive career, Moreno became the only female performer to win all four of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious awards – the Oscar, the Emmy, the Tony and the Grammy. A brief glance at Moreno’s profile will attest to these achievements. Rita Moreno’s talent is unlike any other and has created a legacy that she has yet to end. She continues to steal the Hollywood screen as her name has been teased to […]
Gender at a X-Road in Global Mobility
Pride month takes place in June, and marks a celebration of the achievements, culture, and activism of the LGBTQ+ community. This June, WR Immigration is proud to be standing with the LGBTQ+ community by leading efforts to combat discrimination, violence, and disruptions for transgender, non-binary, and gender persons as they pursue career growth and opportunities abroad. Transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming travelers can face unique challenges when traveling, relocating, and immigrating internationally. For starters, gathering documents for travel or immigration purposes can be difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially when a passport, birth certificate, or other identifying document bears a name and/or photo that no longer corresponds to a person’s gender identity. Another challenge is navigating the patchwork of gender laws and attitudes across the global mobility landscape. Not all countries are welcoming or safe for LGBTQ+ individuals. In fact, according to the United Nations, same-sex relationships remain criminalized offenses in over 70 countries, and in five of these countries, they are punishable by death. WR Immigration is committed to helping clients with transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming identities overcome these challenges. One way we improve the mobility experience for these individuals is by meticulously researching international policies at the […]
Celebrating Juneteenth, the End of American Slavery
Juneteenth has long been celebrated by the African American community, but only recently became a federal holiday (June 2021). Short for June Nineteenth, the holiday celebrates the end of 245 years of slavery in the United States, beginning in the British colony of Virginia in 1619. With regards to its origins, Juneteenth marks the arrival of Federal troops in Galveston, Texas two months after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Although the Union had won the American Civil War, some areas in Texas were recalcitrant in releasing their slaves, and Federal troops were necessary to ensure compliance with the Emancipation Proclamation and newly ratified 13th Amendment. Today, communities celebrate Juneteenth with parades, BBQs, and the raising of a special Juneteenth flag, among other festivities. At WR Immigration, it’s a firm holiday and day of unity and remembrance. The importance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday cannot be understated. The institution of slavery is deeply rooted in American history and was the primary reason for the succession of Southern States from the American Union in 1861. Slavery had long served the economy of the pre-revolutionary American colonies and laid the foundation for the lucrative […]
My Immigration Story with Miki Kawashima Matrician – Being the Bridge
This May, WR Immigration is celebrating the outstanding contributions of our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) partners. Miki Kawashima Matrician is a partner at WR Immigration’s Boston office and a Japanese immigrant from Nara, Japan. Having experienced the immigration process herself, Miki seeks to provide a bridge between the complex, labyrinthian immigration process and her clients, who understandably have so much at stake in their immigration applications. “Education and transparency help build this bridge and create trust,” she says. The metaphor of a bridge also carries deep meaning for Miki with regard to her multicultural identity as a Japanese American. Although she has spent most of her life in the United States, Miki maintains a deep connection with Japanese culture and traditions. In fact, her love for Japan is a thread woven throughout the many facets of her life. As a child, Miki cultivated a deep appreciated for “Wa,” a Japanese principle emphasizing harmony, cooperation, and interdependence. Wa was instilled in Miki at home and through Japanese cultural experiences in New York City. Years later, Miki chose to deepen her formal knowledge of Japanese culture and history by studying East Asian Studies at Wesleyan University, and by serving as […]
My Immigration Story with Naveen Rahman Bhora – Lessons in Compassion
This May, WR Immigration is celebrating the outstanding contributions of our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) partners. Partner Naveen Rahman Bhora quickly stands out as a leader in the field, having cultivated an international reputation for her expertise in U.S. immigration matters. Her accomplishments include scores of publications on advanced immigration topics, presentations at local and national immigration forums, and leadership roles on several AILA committees. As a mother of twins and a Bangladeshi immigrant, Naveen also brings a unique perspective and skillset to the field of immigration. Naveen’s motto is “immigration is not a transaction, it’s a relationship.” Her practice is driven by a profound empathy for clients stemming from her early exposure to humanitarian work, as well as a passion for guiding individuals through complex legal processes. Naveen’s professional and academic experience is undeniably impressive, and her skillset produces optimal results for clients. At the end of the day, Naveen gets satisfaction knowing she makes a positive impact in people’s lives and for Naveen, that is the heart of immigration work. We are proud to share Naveen’s inspiring immigration journey. More About Naveen’s Immigration Story Labor shortages and U.S. immigration Immigrants play a key role in the […]
Invitation to Reflect on Buffalo Mass Shooting
The following is an open to letter that was sent last week to our entire WR Immigration staff from the DEIA committee. We share it here in hopes that its invitation might also prove fruitful to all WR Immigration circles. Dear WR Immigration Family, We are heartbroken by the mass shootings that have occurred over the past week. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee is inviting the firm to reflect on these tragedies and the responsibility we hold, both individually and at the collective level, to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and tolerant for all. We stand with those who have lost loved ones to senseless acts of violence this week motivated by racism and hate. In particular, we would like to express our condolences to the Black community in Buffalo, New York who was targeted in a mass shooting by a self-described fascist and white supremacist. The perpetrator killed 10 innocent shoppers and left 3 wounded when he opened fire at a grocery store in Buffalo. He left behind a heinous manifesto espousing a conspiratorial belief in “white replacement” as a consequence of immigration policies, as well as racist beliefs about Blacks and Jews. In addition, […]
AAPI History Quiz – Continue the Learning
This May, WR Immigration is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. For nearly two centuries, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been important contributors to American society, culture, and the economy. AAPI is an umbrella term that includes cultures and ethnicities from the entire Asian continent (including East, Southeast and South Asia). The diverse achievements of this community touch every sector of our nation, from atomic science, to filmmaking, to civil rights. This May, we are excited to spotlight the unique cultures and stories that comprise this community. We also believe celebrating AAPI history means acknowledging the unique challenges the AAPI community has faced, especially in the context of immigration. In this vein, WR Immigration invites our friends, colleagues, and clients to take our AAPI Immigration Quiz. We created the quiz with the aim of stimulating conversation about what it means to be a “nation of immigrants” and a member of the AAPI community. We hope you learn something new about the history, tenacity, and extraordinary contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States this month, and we hope you continue the learning all year round. We are also excited to learn from you! […]
WR Immigration Shortlisted for Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards
Chambers and Partners has announced its nominations for the North American Diversity & Inclusion Awards and WR Immigration is proud to announce that we have been nominated! Managing Partner Bernie Wolfsdorf is in the running for Pro Bono: Lawyer of the Year while WR Immigration has been nominated for Pro Bono: Outstanding Firm. We are honored to partake in these nominations and share them as a reflection of the effort and compassion that is put into our work on a daily basis. Despite the magnitude of the responsibilities he shoulders daily, Bernie routinely works late into the night and every weekend helping those in need. When the Ukrainian humanitarian crises formed at the outset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Bernie again immediately responded with his trademark compassion. Spearheading the allocation of firm resources, he oversaw the creation of a Ukrainian Resource page for HR professionals and refugees. Inspired by his work, the entire WR Immigration team joins Chambers in recognizing Bernie’s efforts, which are now culminating in a Pro Bono: Lawyer of the Year nomination. WR Immigration cares about the firm’s role in the communities we serve. The firm has a strong history of pro bono work. A perfect example […]
Protecting Migrant Workers – Obtaining Temporary, Seasonal Work Authorization Through the H-2 Visa Program
Want to learn more about the H-2 Visa program? Register for our upcoming H-2 webinar, and keep reading below! What is a migrant worker? There is much confusion over the role that migrant workers play in the United States, and unsurprisingly several conflicting definitions are used for this important labor group. In the context of U.S. immigration, migrant workers come to the United States to provide services on a temporary, seasonal basis. They play an instrumental role in the U.S. economy by curbing labor shortages across diverse industries, including agriculture, food processing, construction, landscaping, housekeeping, restaurant services, packing/production, and more. This month, WR Immigration is educating the public on the role migrant workers play in the agricultural industry, where the majority of laborers are migrants. Over recent decades, there has been considerable growth in the H-2A visa program for temporary, seasonal workers engaged in agricultural labor, herding, and livestock production. The majority of H-2A visa workers are Mexican migrants. In fact, Mexico and the United States have had a longstanding exchange of migrant labor with the first program formalized in 1942. Over the years, Congress has modernized the H-2 program for temporary, seasonal workers by introducing a labor certification process […]
