Joan Mathieu has started an immigration law practice in Providence. She brings more than 15 years experience in the practice of immigration, family and employment law. Mathieu is a longstanding member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association Florida Central chapter.
PBN: What is the biggest problem in immigration law today?
MATHIEU: Our immigration system is broken. Laws are being passed in an atmosphere of fear of terrorism and of illegal immigration. Virtually no data is studied or policy analysis done. For example, under E-Verify, all employers in the U.S. would have to “register” their workers. But there has been no comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to determine if error rates, identify fraud, risk of discrimination suits plus more make the program an unjustifiable risk for employers.
PBN: How can business participation improve the immigration system?
MATHIEU: For the business owner, make sure lawmakers actually use responsible data and policy. Request a cost-benefit analysis measuring burdens to your business sector. Ask for a copy of the results. Demand financial and social accountability for the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Every time there is a raid of a U.S. business … we are told how well the system is working. But for the billions of dollars spent on immigration, the return on investment is grossly over exaggerated.
PBN: How do today’s immigration problems affect the ways attorneys do business?
MATHIEU: Having practiced solely immigration law for more than 15 years, I am fortunate to have historical knowledge and skill to solve complex immigration cases. However, attorneys are spending much more time today defending clients, including U.S. citizens, than they have in the past. Attorneys are working on difficult cases about immigration issues, wrong decision without cause and abuse. •
