Philip Berns, a prominent attorney who practices in Stamford, discussed this topic with the Greenwich RMA in September 2010; now he offers his update. He takes common stereotypes and myths and refutes them one by one in an entertaining manner that frequently leaves audiences surprised at how much they have misunderstood the people and the system and better informed about the systemic problems that have led 11 million undocumented people living in the United States, most of whom have no way to ever legalize their status. He also presents simple and fair steps Congress needs to take to fix the system.

Mr. Berns earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell and then his law degree from Pace University. Prior to Law School he was a Peace Corps volunteer for one year in Ecuador and Haiti, where he provided subsistence formers the opportunity to learn aquaculture, and to build fishponds. There he became fluent in Spanish and Haitian Creole, the second and third languages of Fairfield County.

When he opened his office in Stamford he got one call after another from Haitians for immigration services and found himself drawn inexorably into that practice. He limits his practice almost exclusively to getting legal permanent residency cards (green cards) for people based on family relationships. He also practices in personal injury law. He dedicates many hours each week to educating the immigrant community to the rights and obligations of immigrants and teaches immigrants to advocate for themselves at national, state, and local levels for comprehensive immigration reform, in-state tuition, driver’s licenses and fair treatment by local law enforcement.