Amna Riaz Shirazi

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.