Meeting Aisha Nanyanzi was definitely an eye opening experience. Aisha Nanyanzi is the principal attorney at AKN Immigration. She understands the difficulties of navigating the U.S. immigration system as she immigrated to the U.S. in her twenties and was helped by a great immigration attorney. She leverages her experience as an immigrant and paralegal to handle all types of immigration cases, and is dedicated to helping immigrants realize their dream of U.S. citizenship, asylum seeking, and much more. She represents clients with empathy, compassion, and a consistently professional work ethic, alongside her exceptional proficiency and experience in the field of immigration law.
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Read more on Aisha’s story
What inspired you to start your business or pursue this path?
My inspiration for my journey was realized both as an immigrant and as an advocate for immigrants. A few years ago when I entered the U.S., I had to go through the immigration system to attain status. I could not have done any of it without my immigration attorney who later became my mentor, employer and friend. When I decided to go to law school and become an immigration attorney, I wanted to help do for others, what my immigration attorney did for me. I wanted to experience the smile on people’s faces when they reunite with their families, the sigh people make when they learn that they do not have to return to places where they felt unsafe, or the tears of joy a grandchild has when they learn that their grandparent will not be deported from the U.S.
What has been your biggest challenge so far, and how have you overcome it?
My biggest challenge has always been balancing wanting to help everyone, while also ensuring I take care of my own family and business. As an immigrant myself I understand the challenges of arriving and struggling to find your way which makes it difficult for me when I can’t take on a case, either because I don’t have the resources, or because there isn’t a legal avenue or path to success.
How do you stay motivated during tough times?
My faith in myself and my faith in my clients. My religious faith also sustains me during tough times knowing that no matter how difficult things can be, they will pass.
I also have the support of my family and friends. When I have a tough day, they are there to remind me why I embarked on this journey in the first place.
How do you approach risk-taking in your business or path?
Stepping out on my own to start an immigration firm in itself was a risk. But thanks to the support of my family, friends, and community, I was able to do it with confidence. As far as risk-taking within my practice; in truth, my job is to identify a path for immigrants that encompasses the least risk and the highest chance of success and that’s much of what I learned in almost a decade of working in this field.
How do you prioritize your time and focus on what’s most important?
I am learning to draw a thick boundary between work and family time. I am not there yet, but I try to shut down my computer at 5pm and not work on the weekends. When I’m not working, I try to spend quality time with my family.
Can you share a failure or setback you experienced and how you learned from it?
Early on in my career when I worked as a paralegal, I was always hard on myself when we did not get the outcome we desired for a client. As time went by, I learned that the best thing you can do as an advocate is zealously represent your client.
What do you see as the future of your industry, and how do you plan to stay ahead of the curve?
Technology. I believe AI is going to affect the legal industry as much as it is affecting other industries. I am trying to keep up with legal tech. I read a lot about it and when I find something interesting, I try it out. Most applications and software have free trials. Sometimes I sign up for a free trial to learn how different it is from what am using.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own businesses?
I would say to be sure you understand the commitment and resources that it takes. Starting a business is tough. However, with careful planning, resources, a solid plan, a lot of work, and a little luck, you can build something that stands the test of time. This is why it’s so important that people start businesses in things that they’re passionate about; because the time commitment can be immense, but the payoff can be as well.
Has religion played a role in starting your business or pursuing your path? If yes, how so?
Religion has played a role in the person I am as a human being. It has kept me grounded and content.
Where do we find you?
www.aknimmigration.com
Aisha Nanyanzi’s personal experience with the U.S. immigration system has given her a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges faced by those navigating it. As the principal attorney at AKN Immigration, she is well-equipped to provide compassionate and effective legal assistance to clients seeking immigration services. Her willingness to share her journey on People with Passion demonstrates her commitment to helping others and making the immigration process as smooth as possible.
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