AMNA R. SHIRAZI, JD
LEGAL EXPERT / DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE ADVISOR
Accomplished attorney with 12+ years of experience representing diverse clients in complex immigration matters. Possess in-depth knowledge of democratic governance and reform, particularly in Islamic countries in the Middle East and South Asia. Offer insightful electoral and legal advice in global emerging democracies, successfully promoting strong democratic governance. Successfully support and advise private consulting firms and NGOs. Advocate for immigration reform, fair elections, and human rights. Write well-received articles and op-ed pieces. Participate in panel discussions, teaching seminars, and interviews to educate the community. Successfully represent asylum clients who face political persecution, gender discrimination, and unreasonable detention. Proficient in English, Urdu, Hindi, Spanish, and Punjabi. Pursuing LLM focused on Democratic Governance Issues at Emory University. Possess genuine passion for increasing access to human rights, providing incisive policy advice, advocating for democratic governance and immigration reform. Key areas of focus include:
Immigration Policies • Border Security • Human Rights • Islam and Democracy • South Asian Affairs • Muslim-American Relations • U.S. National Security Policy • Anti-Terrorism Efforts
ACTIVITIES
WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF ATLANTA YOUNG LEADERS, Atlanta, GA
2010-Present
Conference Director and Executive Committee Member
Deliver presentations and moderate panel discussions at public briefings to diplomats, global business leaders, and experts. Collaborate closely with Board of Directors to facilitate private forums, roundtable discussions, cultural exchanges, and foreign policy briefings.
Collaborated with academic institutions to enrich research and dialogue on critical international issues.
Planned conference focused on Democratization and cultivating young leaders.
Chosen to participate on panel discussion focused on issues facing immigrants and refugees.
THE CARTER CENTER, Atlanta, GA
2010
Sudan Presidential Election Monitor
Monitored the first Sudanese Presidential election in 24 years as an international election observer. Inspected voter registration policies, ballots, and election sites in Khartoum Province. Provided tactical support.
SEEDR/L3C, Inc., Atlanta, GA
2009-Present
Immigration and Business Development Advisor
Assist global R&D organization offering governments, NGOs, and individuals with better access to sustainable development. Provide incisive advice on immigration issues and increase outreach in emerging democracies.
Developed and deployed relevant technology-enabled solutions to drive progress.
Collected proposals from aid organizations, identifying funding sources and providing legal advice.
SHAMS, Ramallah, Palestine
2010-Present
U.S. General Counsel
Provide fundraising support for non-profit, NGO Media Center focused on promoting women’s rights. Review project proposals and present to U.S. donors. Sign contracts and protect intellectual property.
DAI PAKISTAN, Atlanta, GA
2010-Present
Legal Expert
Provide legal advice on human rights, anti-corruption, and legislative and election reform in Pakistan as part of private development consulting firm with contracts with the World Bank and USAID. Review UN documents and research data on government corruption. Generated reports on solution and bidding ideas.
AMERICAN IMMIGRATION LAWYER’S ASSOCIATION, Atlanta, GA
2010-Present
Advocacy Committee Member
Lobby and advocate for immigration reform. Advocate for fair enforcement of immigration legislation, including HB87. Educate state legislators on detrimental impacts of harsh immigration legislation on economic interests. Participate in public dialogues on immigration policies.
Appointed to the GSU Dept. of Religious Studies Advisory Board. Guest lecturer at Emory University School of Law.
Volunteer with Project Open Hand, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army. and Emory School of Law pro-bono projects.
Practice areas
Law Firm focusing on complex immigration litigation issues, including all manners of appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals, Federal Courts and U.S. Consulates around the world. Focus on family immigration with waiver issues, naturalization and adjustment cases.
22 years, 5,000 cases
Languages spoken
English, Spanish, Urdu, Hindi
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
GA | Active Member in Good Standing | 2001 | 04/17/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Distinguished Citizen of Georgia | Georgia Secretary of State | 2014 |
Outstanding Asian Muslims | Islamic Speakers Bureau | 2014 |
Rising Stars 40 under 40 | Fulton County Daily Report | 2014 |
40 under 40 Best and Brightest | Georgia Trend Magazine | 2014 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Founder & Principal Member | The Shirazi Law Group, Inc | 2001 - Present |
Adjunct Professor | Emory University | 2013 - 2014 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2014 - Present |
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2014 - Present |
Georgia Hispanic Bar Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
Gwinnett County Bar Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
Lawyers Club of Atlanta | Member | 2012 - Present |
State Bar of Georgia | Member | 2001 - Present |
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Member | 2000 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | More Mexicans requesting asylum | 2012 |
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | Travel journal: Pakistan in conflict | 2011 |
The Post and Courier | Many Muslims are moderates — and loyal Americans | 2011 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Emory University School of Law | LL.M - Master of Laws | 2012 |
Georgia State University College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2000 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Radio Interview | Immigration | 2014 |
Interview on Immigration and Refugees | Immigration | 2014 |
Immigration Law for Paralegals | Immigration | 2014 |
Conference on Refugees | Refugees | 2013 |
Prisoners of Profit | Immigration | 2013 |
Immigration Conference | Immigration Reform | 2013 |
Learn about Immigration | Immigration LaW | 2012 |
World Affairs Council of Atlanta: Democracy, Democratization, Development, 4th Annual Conference. | World Affairs Counsel of Atlanta | 2012 |
Interview with News Agency | Immigration and Asylum | 2012 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Matter Of L... | Win |
Matter of C... | Win |
Matter of R... | Win |
Matter of Tom | Win |
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June 3, 2022
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March 6, 2022
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January 26, 2022
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December 25, 2021
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November 8, 2021
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August 30, 2021
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May 26, 2021
Lorena Saedi, Immigration Attorney on Dec 20, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amazing immigration attorney that provides exceptional legal services to clients. Amna really cares about her clients and fights for them every step of the way.
Elizabeth Garvish, Immigration Attorney on Aug 22, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Outstanding Attorney. Amna is an expert litigator and zealously advocates for her clients. Our firm continuously refers work to her. I highly recommend her!
Lorena Saedi, Immigration Attorney on Dec 20, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amazing immigration attorney that provides exceptional legal services to clients. Amna really cares about her clients and fights for them every step of the way.
Elizabeth Garvish, Immigration Attorney on Aug 22, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Outstanding Attorney. Amna is an expert litigator and zealously advocates for her clients. Our firm continuously refers work to her. I highly recommend her!
Michael Urbina-Pabon, Immigration Attorney on Mar 25, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. Shirazi is a very passionate and hard working attorney. Her skills and tenacity make her an excellent attorney and a great colleague.
Jim Melo, Immigration Attorney on Feb 15, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. She won a hard fought removal case in Stewart Detention for a client that I helped with his criminal matters.
Michael Block, Immigration Attorney on Jan 28, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Moebes, Immigration Attorney on Sep 8, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She's hard working and is a caring advocate for her clients!
Kenneth Hodges, Immigration Attorney on Sep 8, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Amna is a very dedicated and talented immigration attorney. If you have an immigration need, I highly recommend her.
Ross Russell, Immigration Attorney on Jul 8, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
There are few attorneys in practice today with as impressive of a resume as Amna. Her intelligence, drive and passion for the law and her clients is commendable. Additionally her advocacy is unparalleled. For all of those reasons, I endorse this lawyer.
Rebecca Sapp, Immigration Attorney on Oct 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Not only has Amna excelled in her immigration practice, she truly cares about her clients. I highly recommend her to anyone with an immigration issue, including my own clients.
Akintunde Akinyele, Immigration Attorney on Oct 22, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse Amna Shirazi because she is a dedicated immigration lawyer with years of experience dealing with a variety of clients and a variety of issues. We have worked together in matters where immigration law intersects with criminal law. I would greatly recommend her.
Parag Shah, Immigration Attorney on Oct 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amna is a great immigration attorney. She was recognized by the Daily Report as Georgia's top 40 under 40. I highly recommend her.
Erin Elliott, Immigration Attorney on Oct 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amna is an excellent immigration attorney and well known within the immigration legal community. I have often called her for guidance regarding complicated cases. More importantly her heart is in those cases she takes on and with the clients she represents.
Evan Watson, Immigration Attorney on Oct 21, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I trust Attorney Shirazi 100% and send her my own clients needing representation on immigration issues. Amna is well known in the legal community for her success on tough immigration issues.
Sarah Owings, Immigration Attorney on Nov 26, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. Shirazi is a passionate advocate for her clients and has amassed a wealth of experience in the field of immigration law.
Herman Dhade, Unknown Attorney on Oct 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Bob Giannini, Immigration Attorney on Oct 11, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse this lawyer. Amna Shirazi is an excellent lawyer. She has gotten many of my clients out of very difficult immigration situations. She is smart, knowledgeable, and reliable. I depend on Amna frequently and she always comes through. I given the strongest possible endorsement to this outstanding immigration attorney.
Elliot Yi, Unknown Attorney on Sep 28, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Brian Craig, Immigration Attorney on Aug 10, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amna is a fantastic attorney in the area of immigration law. I don't get many calls on immigration issues, but whenever I do I send the clients to Amna and I always get rave reports back. I highly endorse this attorney.
H. Fogle, Immigration Attorney on Aug 3, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Amna is an excellent immigration lawyer and a tireless advocate of her clients' interests before the Immigration Court and USCIS. I have worked with and known her for several years and have watched her develop into a fine attorney. Therefore, I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer.