There's no denying that the line between racism and patriotism has blurred in the debate over immigration. A growing number of Americans think "Send the Aliens Home" is a viable national policy, and they're happy to stand on a street corner — or monitor a construction site — to make their point. Mira Mdivani is the type of lawyer whose fiery passion and depth of knowledge would knock the wind out of any Minuteman or state lawmaker. The Russian-born lawyer went to law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; since she started her own firm in Overland Park, she's been recognized over and over for her toughness and expertise in business and family immigration law. But outside the boardroom, Mdivani is also a tireless advocate for victims of domestic violence, helping immigrant women who are often bound to abusive marriages by their illegal status. That pro bono work has earned Mdivani nods from the likes of the Kansas Bar Association. More important than winning cases or earning awards, though, Mdivani wants to repair the disconnect between immigrants and Americans. She even published a glossy cookbook last year, showcasing the international recipes of some of her clients. What better way to dispel negative perceptions of newcomers than by showcasing cuisine that even an anti-immigration picketer couldn't turn down.
