I interviewed Mr.

David Kennedy, an immigration attorney at Kennedy Holden Law Firm, in order

to learn a great deal more about immigration in general and his profession as an attorney.
1. Why did you decide to become a lawyer who specializes in immigration law? That wasnt a
decision I actually ever made. I speak Spanish and just by virtue of being a lawyer who speaks
Spanish, everybody who came into the office had immigration questions. Little by little I learned
immigration law.
This shows that when certain skills are put together, a job can serve as a perfect fit, such as
when Mr. Kennedy combined his profession as a lawyer and his ability to speak fluent Spanish.
If I combine and improve skills Im strong in, it will be beneficial in the long run.
2. What was your first most significant immigration case, and what did you take away from that
experience? I cant think of any one case thats the most significant. I was a plaintiff in the
lawsuit that blocked all of the immigration bills in Georgia a couple years ago. The law was so
overly broad that it wouldve criminalized me giving one of my clients a ride to the immigration
court.
It was definitely interesting to hear Mr. Kennedy discuss his role in blocking laws that would
make something as simple as driving an undocumented immigrant illegal. Passion can drive a
career.
3. When people think of undocumented immigrants, why is there negative backlash among
many people towards the undocumented immigrants? Ignorance, lack of understanding. A lot of
people have been tricked into believing that undocumented immigrants are somehow bad for
the country. Every wave of immigrants thats come into this country has been hated by the
people who were already here. Its fear, and its stoked up by political demigods who are
motivated about getting political power from the racism of other people.
It is unfortunately true that many people lack an understanding of the law and allow
misunderstanding to prevail. Even politicians feed off of peoples fears, and history shows that
with every wave of immigrants there has been discrimination.
4. From the countrys economic stumbles to even terrorism, how have laws made it more
difficult for your clients to remain in the country? The government really clamped down on
people after 2001. That was the main event thats caused the inability for any decent
immigration laws to be passed. The economy hasnt really affected things a whole lot except
that when there are opportunities to work, its a pull factor that attracts others.
After 9/11, it was important that the U.S. became cautious about immigration. When the
economy is good, its an opportunity as opposed to if it was in poor condition.
5. Often times, Ill hear people say things like I have nothing against immigrants, they just need
to come legally or we cant just let undocumented people remain in the country; it isnt fair to
others doing it legally. How would you respond to comments like this? Theres no way to do it
legally fro the vast majority of people. Telling people to wait in line when there is no line is not a
helpful answer. People risk their lives crossing rivers, mountains and deserts in order to come

here, knowing they are going to be abused because they have no better option. They are
desperate.
A lot of times whenever I read an article about immigration, I like to read the comments section,
and there are usually negative comments it saddens me. People cant even begin to
comprehend the plight that these undocumented immigrants have endured.
6. What do you think are the most common misconceptions about undocumented immigrants?
Well first of all, theres the anchor baby thing. Its just not even true. Another misunderstanding
is that immigrants are criminals. No theyre not. Studies have shown that immigrants commit far
fewer crimes than native born Americans.
There are so many misconceptions about immigration, and its hilarious how Mr. Kennedy shot
down the major ones. He is always reading and keeping up to date with the law, so he began
reciting facts and studies he had read about to deny the misconceptions.
7. Do you think there will be any relaxation in the immigration system anytime soon?
Its hard to say. Ive seen a lot of progress since Ive been involved in this, and its not obvious
progress. People are a lot more educated than before [about immigration]. People realize that
their friends and neighbors are undocumented sometimes. Little by little things are improving.
Seeing optimism in the future of immigration is fantastic! People are becoming more aware
about current issues and how they affect friends and other people around them.
8. What is the most difficult part about being an immigration attorney? Watching families get
torn apart. The emotional part of it is very frustrating, to see people caught up in this federal
system, this bureaucratic nightmare that tears families apart.
Ive heard many sad stories about many families torn apart because of problems with their
immigration status. It is a heartbreaking situation.
9. What is the one thing you wish people would understand about immigration? Immigrants are
good for you. If I could choose two things it would be that immigrants are good for you and it is
horribly immoral to treat these people like animals.
People need to realize that undocumented immigrants are human, too, and all of them have a
unique story. If everyone had sympathy, it would create understanding.
10. How can illegal immigration produce disadvantages for the country? There are
disadvantages, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Even purely supply side
economists have said that immigrants benefit the economy. Their net effect is a benefit.
Immigrants do exert a small downward force on the wages by filling up jobs.
While immigration has its disadvantages, its advantages outweigh the disadvantages. A lot of
the jobs these immigrants do have extremely low wages and, and the jobs are difficult not
everyone would be willing to work such enduring jobs. Immigrants help boost sectors of the
economy.