Meet Natalia Polukhtin of Global Practice in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Polukhtin.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Natalia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I first came to the U.S. about twenty years ago, I had absolutely no aspiration for the legal profession. Back in Russia, I was a journalist and also an educator. I have a Ph.D. from the Moscow State University in Journalism and Mass Communication, and my first years in the United States evolved around academic interests and research on intercultural communication.

At some point, I had to decide whether I should continue renewing my non-immigrant status or apply for the permanent residency in the U.S. I guess, at that point I did not fully comprehend complexity of the U.S. immigration system, so I just read the instructions to the necessary forms, collected supporting documents, and submitted my application. Few months later, I received a letter in the mail. It was a denial with a possibility of appeal within 30 days. Looking back, I think I should have taken it as a warning that every person should do what he is trained to do.

However, I had an academic background and I knew how to do a really good quality research. I immediately went to the library of a local law school, searched the catalogue for “immigration law,” and started my journey into law. The first thing I figured out was the intricacy of the common law system. At that time, I had no idea on how to read the judicial precedents or apply statutory provisions. Being a non-native speaker of English did not help either.

But three weeks later, I came up with the new structure and new arguments for my case, revised my application based on what I learned, and submitted my appeal. On appeal, my immigrant petition has been granted. To my surprise, when I received my green card, I felt more disappointed than satisfied. I suddenly realized that I was missing the spirit of the law library, language of court decisions, opportunity to look for a missing piece of the puzzle in a bigger legal picture. And I applied to law school knowing that the only area I want to practice in is immigration law.

My family moved to Arizona seven years ago and I immediately opened my own office. I find being an immigration lawyer the most rewarding and satisfying profession, especially in modern globalizing society.

Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing that relates to immigration can be described as a “smooth road,” regardless of whether you are trying to immigrate or run an immigration practice helping others. I would say, my major struggle with establishing my practice was a public perception of immigration lawyers. Despite this issue being on news almost every day, the general public remains largely uneducated about how the process functions and what is the role of the immigration attorney in this process.

Preventing deportation and legalizing the status of undocumented aliens is only one aspect of immigration practice. Significant number of practitioners serves U.S. businesses or assist people who want to bring to the U.S. their professional skills, knowledge, or investment resources. This is the main focus of my practice.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Global Practice – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
In essence, my business facilitates bringing best and brightest individuals from abroad to the United States. In my career, I helped dozens of foreign investors who financed existing enterprises here, entrepreneurs who established new businesses, researchers that contribute to the competitive edge of American academia, and multiple innovative technological start-ups. I usually consult with prospective clients at the stage when they first get an idea for venturing into the U.S. market and guide them through the business plan to legal status that allows them to work and grow with their business on American soil.

My unique perspective rests on my cultural and educational background. Being an immigrant myself, I appreciate challenges and difficulties presented to the people who try to establish their businesses in the U.S., bring qualified workers from abroad, or invest into an economy that may be completely foreign to them. At the same time, being trained in journalism and intercultural communication, I treat every case as a story to be told to a very particular audience – immigration services that will have an ultimate saying in whether this business or professional is actually going to benefit the American economy.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
To me, Phoenix is a quintessential American city. It is diverse and dynamic, yet provides the manageable and livable environment. I enjoy every aspect of being in the Valley, from hiking opportunities to the robust cultural scene, to the culinary experience.

I know that many people complaint about Arizona summer – but come on! – if you cannot survive our summer, you do not deserve our winter.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8341 E Gelding Dr. Suite 103 Scottsdale AZ 85260
• Website: www.globalpracticegroup.com
• Phone: (602) 710 1328
• Email: consult@globalpracticegroup.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalpractice/

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.