Return to
Table of Contents

Margaret Wong '76 releases her first book

UB Law alumna, Dean's Advisory Council member, and immigration attorney Margaret Wong '76 launched her first book, The Immigrant's Way: For All Immigrants, By an Immigrant, Saturday, December 5. The title is published by fellow immigrant Sam Udani and ILW.com, based in New York City.

The Immigrant's Way will be of interest to American readers seeking to become better informed about U.S. immigration law and history, but its primary audience is fellow immigrants. From in-depth immigration histories of different groups to simple tips (e.g., do lawful things, try to read at least two English newspapers a day) to real-life stories and scenarios, foreign-born readers will learn about the immigration process from start to finish. Among other topics, Wong includes information about adoption, asylum, deportation, different visa types and who can apply for them (e.g., students, workers, family members, etc.).

Ms. Wong peppers the guide with stories about her own journey, which began when she and her sister came to the U.S. on scholarships "…and had to work in the school cafeteria as part of the package … somehow, breakfast for the nuns, college kids and staff was always ready at 7 a.m. Even now, 40 years later, I still remember the early morning freezing weather, getting up and putting on clothes, getting ready for school and the day's testing, and that breakfast for 500 people." She recalls "…leaving Hong Kong when I was only 19, a naïve school girl from an all-Catholic school; being fired from waitress jobs during college for not being able to distinguish between a Rob Roy with olive, a Manhattan with cherry and a martini with a double twist…" Ms. Wong persevered to become one of the first non-U.S. citizens licensed to practice law in New York and Ohio. Now an American citizen, she is also licensed to practice in Michigan, Georgia and the District of Columbia. Her firm successfully handles more than 4,000 cases annually, with offices in five U.S. cities. She has represented many universities, corporations and high-profile individuals, including President Obama's aunt. Highly respected in her field, Ms. Wong has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, philanthropy and volunteerism. She lives in Cleveland with her husband and two children.