October 7, 2024
Introducing Serena Prammanasudh! Serena joined Klasko Immigration Law Partners in January as part of the new office in Washington D.C. While new to the firm, Serena is a seasoned immigration professional with 10 years of experience and is a child (and grandchild) of immigrants from Thailand and China. She has a passion for her work and is quick to jump in with a helping hand helping to guide the up-and-coming paralegal staff through the KILP mentor program. Read below to learn more about Serena!
- How long have you been at the firm?
I joined the DC team with Klasko only in January of this year, and there’s no day that I’m not grateful to work and learn from the best minds in immigration. - How long have you been working in immigration? How long have you been working in immigration?
I have 10 years of experience in the realm of immigration, ranging from nonprofit advocacy, in-house counsel, to business immigration. My journey working in immigration began in 2014 with the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, where I coordinated job placements of recently arrived immigrants with local employers. I trained both employees and employers on the hiring process of refugees, parolees, and special immigrant visa-holders. I then worked at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), managing the J-1 visa program and learning to file EB-1As, H-1Bs, and PERMs for physicians, professors, and medical residents. During my time at OUHSC, I volunteered with a nonprofit group that empowered queer and LGBTQIA+ immigrant youth— Dream Action Oklahoma—where I later became the Executive Director. After this, I decided to fully shift into the nonprofit immigration advocacy space as a Field Leadership and Power Building Manager with United We Dream. I then returned to the paralegal grind, relocating to Washington, D.C., to work with Tim and Ryan! - What is your current role?
My role as a senior paralegal involves daily drafting of mostly L-1, EB-1C, AOS, TPS, Humanitarian Parole, H-1B, and TNs petitions. I also support global mobility matters, client management, client administrative functions, and occasionally assist with I-9 audits and asylum cases. I’m also honored to participate in the KILP mentorship program. - How has your job changed over the years?
In terms of technology, the transition to online filing has brought overall positive change that benefits both employers and foreign nationals, providing some flexibility in filing strategy that did not exist when I began my tenure working in immigration. Online systems are far from perfect, but technological advancements have greatly enhanced the way we can provide exemplary service to clients. Second, electronic record-keeping was a transition for me, as I was accustomed to printing forms, obtaining all wet signatures, and maintaining physical file copies. Lastly, I remember when refugee admissions were above 100,000 annually and then dipped to the record low ceiling of 15,000 in 2017. While immigration policy changes resulting from political transitions are expected, I’d be remiss not to highlight that political and geopolitical affairs during the last decade have notably changed the way we must anticipate and react to provide holistic immigration services. - How did you get started and what attracted you to working in immigration?
My father (from Thailand) and maternal grandmother (from China) were both immigrants, and I grew up intending to work in the international sphere. As a 1.5-generation immigrant, I have an innate passion for empowering individuals and families to live their most genuine lives—including exercising their rights to free movement and gainful, meaningful employment. Immigration continues to feel like the field where I can make my best contributions. - What do you value most about working at KILP?
At KILP, I’ve found there’s a distinct culture of support that sets it apart from any other workplace. It’s very clear that my team members and the KILP family understand that everyone’s individual success results in a successful firm that makes a tangible difference in the lives of foreign nationals and employers/our economy. - What has been one of the more challenging times?
The most challenging times I’ve faced during my career involved deportation defense work. For example, one family I supported had fought their father’s deportation twice; however, ultimately, the father was deported. Later, the mother self-deported. I’m still in touch with the family’s children and extended family, and they even call me from abroad to ask how I’m doing. You never forget the trust bestowed on you when you work with immigrant families. Although taxing, this experience reinforced my belief that immigration work is so much more than a job—it’s about peoples’ livelihoods and improving futures. - Anything else you want to share?
Thank you for reaching out to me for this opportunity!
Stay tuned to our 20th Anniversary page for more updates and staff features!
