Meet Danja Higuera | Immigration lawyer & advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danja Higuera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danja, how does your business help the community?
Through legal immigration we have the ability to drive business creation, fuel innovation, fill essential workforce needs and promote family unity and cultural diversity. Many of our country’s most successful companies were founded by immigrants or children of immigrants. Almost half of US Nobel prize winners each year are immigrants. Moreover, immigrants fill jobs that are difficult to fill with US-born workers, helping to sustain many industries, from agriculture, to healthcare, to hospitality. Finally, immigration provides cultural enrichment through diverse languages, cuisine, traditions and values. On a personal level, I think working with immigrants has made me much more tolerant and understanding of other perspectives, and helped me approach every new venture with openness and curiosity. It has also helped me become more empathetic and connect better with others. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to help facilitate the legal process for employment, business and family immigrants, as I truly believe immigrants make our society better.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am originally from Albania and moved to the United States at the age of 16. My husband is from Colombia and moved here in his 20s. Together, we embarked on this journey filled with obstacles, but also with limitless possibilities and growth as we made our home and are raising our children in South Florida. Over the years we have worked very hard, at times struggled and other times succeeded, just like countless others like us, who have left the familiar comforts of their home to pursue a better future for their families in the United States. As all immigrants know, whether they’re entrepreneurs or working for someone else, the many challenges we face are only matched by the opportunities that this country can offer. Opportunities that are never taken for granted, but rather embraced with courage, dedication and resourcefulness. One of the many challenges faced by most immigrants right from the start, is navigating the complex immigration system. As an immigrant, I have experienced and understand this challenge. As an attorney, I have made it my life’s work to help foreign nationals throughout this daunting process. I truly believe the United States is still the land of opportunity and I am privileged to help immigrants legally get through this first hurdle. The rest is up to them, and in so many occasions I have been blown away by what my clients have achieved and true contributions they have made to our community and our country.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have two young children, ages 7 and 9, so most of my activities outside of work revolve around them. When my friends visit, usually also with their kids, we make sure to check out Zoo Miami and the Frost Museum of Science. You can easily spend a whole day in each one. Of course, we would spend at least a day at the beach and then maybe end with an ice cream at Azucar to experience both their delicious unique flavors, and the lively Little Havana neighborhood. I also love Miami’s vibrant art scene, from PAMM in Biscayne Bay to Wynwood, there is so much to experience for art lovers of all ages. For some grown-up time, I’d catch a show at the Miami City Ballet, or have dinner at Los Fuegos By Francis Mallmann and then stay for a show at Faena Theater. I would also like to point out that South Florida has many other vibrant communities just outside of Miami, each with its own unique and equally fascinating characteristics. I am partial to Weston, which is where I live. With its beautifully manicured streets and green areas, it is the perfect getaway from the city noise and traffic. Most of our weekends are spent outdoors, playing at a park or riding bikes with our kids. Our favorite places to eat in Weston include Caminito (Argentinian), Kokai (sushi), Wings (a landmark in Weston) and the newly opened Bonaventure19 for brunch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Immigration to the United States can be a challenging and stressful experience, often accompanied by feelings of isolation and uncertainty. Community centers that serve as a first stop for newcomers play a vital role in supporting immigrants as they integrate into their new communities. One organization that is close to my heart is Americas Community Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit of more than 20 years. They support Hispanic and other immigrants with various resources, such as business and social networking, cultural preservation and celebration, education and empowerment, legal support and much more. As a fellow with this organization, I have had the opportunity to volunteer on various occasions, organizing or participating in free immigration clinics, events empowering businesswomen, planned giving, toy drives and other community service projects, and fun events celebrating Latin American culture. Because of the inclusive nature of this organization, I even have my kids participate and volunteer whenever possible so that I can foster a culture of service and fellowship in them. So my Shoutout is to Americas Community Center for the wonderful and meaningful work that they do!

Website: www.higueraimm.com

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