Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashkan Emami.
Hi Ashkan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the immigrant experience in this country. I’ve lived it personally and now help others navigate it as well.
When I was four, my family and I fled Iran and settled in the United States as refugees. As every immigrant knows, the experience is both challenging and full of opportunity. Personally, learning how to adapt to a new culture and learn a new language brought out the best in me. About a decade later, after I had adapted to life in the US, I went to an international high school in British Columbia. We had 250 students from 80 different countries. I found myself learning to adapt to a completely new set of rules. I really learned the power of diversity and community and these values became pillars in my life.
After I graduated law school I joined an immigration firm and helped physicians and tech companies with their employment-based visas. I enjoyed the work but felt somewhat disconnected from the personal experiences of my clients. 5 years later I was diagnosed with cancer and this event changed the trajectory of my life and career. I decided to leave the firm and start Path Law Group. My focus was on providing more personalized immigration representation to creatives, professionals and entrepreneurs.
Our firm has grown and we’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing people. We’ve helped companies grow from small startups to venture-funded industry leaders. We’ve assisted designers, poets, actors and models establish their careers here. We’ve watched molecular biologists and entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of permanent residency. The immigrant experience has been full-circle for me and for that I am deeply grateful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not! Any new business has its share of growing pains and we were certainly no exception. Our biggest challenges, though, came during the Trump Administration. What many people may not realize is that curtailing immigration was one of Trump’s highest priorities. We dealt with a slew of regulations that hurt our clients, including the travel bans, regulatory changes and outrageous decisions from USCIS. Of course, this was all exacerbated by COVID and the extended shutdowns of US Embassies and Consulates around the world.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Path Law Group?
Path Law Group is a boutique immigration firm specializing in visas for Creatives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs. We believe in providing legal solutions that are tailored to our client’s individual needs. Also, having personally lived the immigration process, we place an emphasis on being accessible and empathetic. We’ve had the privilege of representing clients from all over the world and across a vast array of industries. We represent models, designers and actors in their O-1 and Green Card filings as well as physicians, scientists and investors with E-2, PERM and EB-5. We’ve helped our clients grow from 2 person startups to large, venture-backed industry leaders. We also commit part of our practice to assisting Asylum seekers.
What matters most to you? Why?
Building community is an important point of emphasis for me, both professionally and personally. At the center of this are my daughters: Iris, 8 and Sol, 3. My goal is to build a community around them that will support them and help reinforce the values and tools they need to navigate life.
My own community supported me and helped me acclimate when I came to the US as a refugee. It’s quite similar for my clients in that support from their friends and family is vital to their success and happiness here. Whether or not you are an immigrant, I believe the quality of your community shapes the quality of your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pathlawgroup.com
- Instagram: @pathimmigration
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aemami/
Image Credits
Dan Dilworth
