Immigration Attorney’s Journey: From Iran to Social Media Star

TL;DR: The daughter of Iranian immigrants in East Texas, Saman overcame discrimination and prejudice to become an immigration attorney. Now, she uses her lived experience to help others navigate the US legal system.

The American Dream: It’s a concept that means different things to different people. But it often involves opportunity, hard work, and the pursuit of a better life. What happens, however, when that dream collides with the complexities of immigration law? Today, we explore that intersection with Saman Wisangi Gonzalez, an immigration attorney whose journey is as compelling as the cases she handles.

Heidi De La Cruz, host of the “American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants” podcast, welcomes Saman to share her unique story. This is a story of resilience, cultural identity, and a deep commitment to helping others. Saman’s path, from her childhood experiences as the daughter of Iranian immigrants to her rise as a prominent voice on social media, offers insights into both the challenges and triumphs of the immigrant experience.

Early Life in Texas: Navigating Two Worlds

Saman’s story begins in Texas, where she grew up as the child of Iranian immigrants. Her parents came to the United States in the 1970s. Their initial plan was to pursue education and return to Iran. However, political changes and professional opportunities led them to stay, becoming lawful permanent residents.

Growing up in a small East Texas town, Saman felt a sense of being different. While she didn’t fully grasp her origins, she sensed that she and her family were not quite from there. A trip to the Middle East at age five brought clarity. It was then that she began to understand her parents’ homeland. It was a world distinct from her life in Texas.

This early experience shaped Saman’s awareness of existing in two different universes. She was straddling her American upbringing and her Iranian heritage. This early understanding of cultural differences would become a foundation for her future career.

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Prefer to Listen? Hear How She Became an Immigration Attorney

A Childhood Trip to a War Zone

The trip to the Middle East wasn’t just a cultural awakening. It also exposed Saman to the harsh realities of war. In 1986, she and her family visited Iran during the deadliest year of the Iran-Iraq War. Despite being just a child, Saman vividly recalls the tension and fear. They would hide in bunkers during bombings.

This experience stood in stark contrast to the peacefulness of her East Texas home. The stark differences in dress, language, food, and culture further solidified her understanding. She had an identity rooted in two places. It was a powerful introduction to the complexities of the world.

The Impact of the Iranian Revolution and a Shift in Identity

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 significantly impacted Saman’s family. The revolution transformed Iran into a theocracy, and this shift resonated deeply with her mother. Following her divorce, Saman’s mother sought solace in religion. This led the family to embrace a Muslim American identity, adding another layer to their already complex cultural background.

Saman began wearing the hijab at a young age. What was initially sporadic, became permanent by the time she was nine. While she received support from her mother, her father opposed it. He viewed it as a symbol of the oppressive regime in Iran.

Wearing the hijab made Saman visibly Muslim. She faced discrimination and prejudice. People often assumed she didn’t speak English or had just arrived in the U.S… These experiences with racism and prejudice during her formative years left an indelible mark. It fueled her desire to advocate for others who faced similar challenges.

Facing Discrimination as a Muslim American Woman

Saman’s decision to wear the hijab led to numerous instances of discrimination. People made assumptions about her. They questioned her Americanness and her English skills. The discrimination went beyond verbal abuse. Some people physically harassed her. She recalls people trying to pull off her scarf or throwing things at her.

These experiences highlight the harsh reality of being visibly Muslim in a society plagued by ignorance and prejudice. Saman emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of racism. She distinguishes it from isolated incidents. She describes it as a constant barrage of demeaning and threatening behavior.

An Accelerated Path to Law School

Despite the challenges she faced, Saman remained focused on her goals. After completing her undergraduate studies quickly, she planned to attend law school. To gain experience, she decided to take a year off between undergrad and law school. She applied for law school with the intention of starting in 2001.

Her acceptance into a new spring program at St. Thomas University in Miami changed her plans. Drew, the administrator, offered her a spot in the program. It was a unique opportunity to start law school early. Despite her reservations about moving to a city she had never visited, Saman seized the opportunity.

She packed her car and moved to Miami within weeks. This bold decision reflects her determination to pursue her legal career. It exemplifies her willingness to take risks.

She Got Into Law School Ahead of Schedule and Moved to Miami Alone

Saman’s arrival in Miami marked the beginning of a challenging but rewarding chapter. The spring program was rigorous, with only a small cohort of students. Saman was determined to succeed. She worked tirelessly to keep up with the accelerated pace.

Despite having limited knowledge of Miami, she immersed herself in her studies. She studied the city’s unique culture. This included events such as the Elián González crisis. It exposed her to the complexities of South Florida’s diverse communities.

Her determination paid off. She excelled in the program. She graduated in just two and a half years. This laid the foundation for her career as an immigration attorney.

Working for Free, Working Graveyard Shifts, Whatever It Took

After passing the bar exam, Saman faced another hurdle: finding a job. As a visibly Muslim woman in the post-9/11 era, she encountered prejudice and discrimination. Many employers were hesitant to hire her. She did not let this deter her.

To gain experience, Saman worked as a shadow and contract worker. She worked with other attorneys, often for little or no pay. She also worked as a telemarketer at AT&T to make ends meet. This demanding schedule required her to work graveyard shifts. It allowed her to pursue her legal career during the day.

During an interview, she explained her situation. She told the interviewer that she was a licensed attorney who could not find a job. Her perseverance and dedication eventually led to opportunities. She gained the experience she needed to establish herself in the field.

The Drive to Help: A Personal Connection to Immigration Law

Saman’s passion for immigration law stems from her own family’s experiences. She recalls her mother’s struggles navigating the immigration system. She had to wake up at three in the morning to wait in line to speak with someone. These firsthand experiences fueled her desire to help others.

She wanted to provide them with competent and compassionate legal representation. This commitment drove her to overcome obstacles and pursue her dream of becoming an immigration attorney. She knew that she wanted to help people. She also wanted to help them navigate the complexities of the immigration system.

Starting Her Own Firm: A Path to Independence and Impact

After gaining experience, Saman decided to start her own firm. Her initial firm allowed her to take on contract work. It also gave her the flexibility she needed to balance her various commitments. She volunteered at Catholic Charities to gain experience in court.

She also worked with nonprofits like Steps in the Right Direction. They provided grants to immigrants. She made connections and gained valuable experience. She reached a point where she needed more structured learning. So, she returned to her former law firm as an attorney.

After gaining significant experience and insight, she started her second law firm in 2009. This time, she approached it differently. She wanted it to be about more than just herself. She named it Florida Immigration Law Council. It focused on serving clients in Florida. Later, she expanded her reach nationwide by rebranding as U.S. Immigration Law Council.

From Local to National: Expanding Reach Through Technology

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected changes to the legal landscape. Immigration courts and USCIS began allowing telephonic and virtual appearances. Saman seized this opportunity to expand her practice nationwide.

She rebranded her firm as U.S. Immigration Law Council and trademarked the name. This allowed her to represent clients across the country without the burden of travel. She now attends court hearings and USCIS interviews via WebEx. It also gave her the ability to streamline her work.

Despite the convenience of virtual appearances, Saman acknowledges the ongoing backlog in immigration cases. While technology has improved efficiency, the sheer volume of cases remains a significant challenge.

Saman is well-known for her active social media presence. She shares her knowledge and experiences with a wide audience. Her husband encouraged her to share her daily activities and insights on social media. She initially felt self-conscious. Saman soon realized that her unique perspective and humor resonated with people.

Saman uses social media to educate and inform. She also shares client success stories. She also tackles common misconceptions about immigration law. Her engaging style and willingness to address tough issues have earned her a large following. She now has a large and engaged audience.

Saman’s social media skits draw from real-life experiences. She uses humor to address serious topics and challenge stereotypes. She handles client interactions. It shows her commitment to ethical and professional conduct.

Balancing Humor and Information: A Unique Approach

What sets Saman apart is her ability to balance humor with informative content. She uses skits and jokes to engage her audience. She also provides valuable insights into the complexities of immigration law. This approach makes complex topics more accessible. It also helps to break down barriers and foster understanding.

Saman emphasizes that all her skits are based on true stories. These are situations that she has encountered in her practice. She also shares her approvals because she likes to spread hope and positivity.

How She Handles Hate Comments as a Muslim Immigration Attorney

As with any public figure, Saman faces negativity and criticism on social media. Saman handles it with a pragmatic approach. Saman blocks and deletes abusive comments. She engages with those who genuinely seek understanding. She clarifies misconceptions and defends her work.

Saman emphasizes that she is an advocate for the law. She also explains that she will defend her clients. Saman does this within the bounds of the law. She says, “If you don’t like it, go change the law.”

Common Misconceptions About Immigration

Saman addresses a common misconception about immigration. She says that people believe that filling out forms is a simple task. However, she explains that these forms are legal documents. They can be used against them. She says that it is important to present the case to the officer.

She says that the process is a legal process. The legal process should benefit you. You aren’t just filling things out. She wants to remind people about this, because people diminish the value of it. People think that anyone can do it. She wants people to know that these things stay on your record.

About the Author & Podcast Host

Heidy De La Cruz is a podcast coach who helps Latinas start podcasts without feeling overwhelmed.

After launching her first podcast in 2022, she saw how many women had powerful stories, experiences, and business ideas but felt stuck by the planning, tech, and moving parts of podcasting.

Now she helps women go from idea to published show with simple, clear support that makes launching feel doable.

Whether you need a roadmap, hands-on help, or ongoing support, explore her services, including 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course, and Podcast Editing and Production Services.

Your voice deserves to be heard, and Heidy is here to help you bring it to life.

The American Dream: Opportunity and Contribution

For Saman, the American Dream is about helping her clients achieve success in their unique situations. Whether it’s reuniting families or providing opportunities to work and contribute to society, she is committed to helping immigrants achieve their goals.

She asks her clients why they came to this country. She says that they want to contribute and share the values of this country. This is why she wants to help them. Her commitment to these values drives her work. It shapes her vision of the American Dream.

Key Takeaways From Saman’s Story

Being between two cultures became her greatest strength, not her weakness.
Every experience of discrimination fueled her purpose.
She worked for free, worked graveyard shifts, and figured it out anyway.
Humor and honesty are how she makes immigration law accessible to everyone.
Her American Dream is making sure others don’t have to navigate the system alone.

Your Story Deserves to Be Heard

Saman didn’t wait until conditions were perfect. She showed up, did the work, and used her story to help others.

If you’ve been sitting on a story, a mission, or an expertise, your podcast is how you share it.

The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course will take you from idea to launch, without the overwhelm.

Your voice matters. Let’s get it out there.