A Look Back: Leon Wildes Pens Letter to The Editor of the New York Times Regarding Workings of The Immigration Law and Receives Response from District Director Sol Marks, circa 1972.
Leon Wildes, Founding and Senior Partner of Wildes & Weinberg, P.C., began his intense study and practice of immigration law in 1960 as a migrations specialist at the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) and has practiced immigration law ever since.
In 1970 he was National President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and has served as a member of its board of governors ever since. AILA conferred upon him its Edith Lowenstein Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Immigration Practice and he was also awarded the Elmer Fried Prize for Excellence in Teaching Immigration Law. Best known for his successful representation of former Beatle John Lennon and his artist wife Yoko Ono in deportation proceedings, he has published 5 law review articles on issues of law raised in the extraordinary litigation connected with that case.
A magna cum laude graduate of Yeshiva College in 1954, Leon Wildes completed his law school education at the New York University School of Law in 1957 when he was granted a Jurist Doctor Degree. In 1959 he obtained a Master of Laws Degree at the same school.
Wildes was also an Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law for over 32 years. In addition, he supervised the immigration externship program.
Moreover, Mr. Wildes has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to immigration law by publications such as Super Lawyers, Who’s Who in America Law, Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in the World, as well as The Best Lawyers in America; such amazing accomplishments.
Leon Wildes remains committed to serving his clients and country with the utmost respect and professionalism. What was true in 1972 and so eloquently referred to by Sol Marks at that time remains true today: “You have never hesitated to challenge any of my actions nor do you hesitate to stand up and be counted in support of dedicated public servants.”
Wildes & Weinberg, was founded in 1960 by Leon Wildes, who is best known for his successful representation of former Beatle John Lennon in his deportation proceedings, the circumstances of which inspired legislation, documentaries, and books. As a niche firm, the multi-lingual staff of Wildes & Weinberg, has experience in all areas of U.S. Immigration law including: employment and investment-based immigration, work permits, permanent residence for qualified individuals, family-based immigration, asylum applications, all temporary and permanent type visas, naturalization, and Form I-9 compliance. With Mr. Wildes still at the helm, Wildes & Weinberg continues to service the immigration needs of prominent American and International corporations, banks, industrial, financial and manufacturing concerns, as well as law firms in connection with the personnel requirements of their foreign national employees. Despite difficulties currently being encountered in dealing with U.S. immigration authorities, the firm has maintained an extraordinary track record for success in its cases.
To learn more about Leon Wildes, the Lennon case, or Wildes & Weinberg, contact Managing Partner Michael Wildes at michael@wildeslaw.com to schedule a consultation or for media inquiries.