Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Jean.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a boat girl! I came to the US as a young child by boat from the Bahamas. My parents are Haitian-American and my mother wanted a better life for her children so she risked our lives in search of a better life. In her sacrifice for us, my mother instilled the importance of education as the great equalizer. So, while we may not have had much materially, we understood that education can help us realize our dreams. So after graduating high school in Deerfield Beach and attending the University of South Florida, I went on to law school and graduated from St. Thomas University with honors. I passed the bar in 2006 and have been a lawyer since then. My legal experience began with Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation. However, I am now practicing Immigration Law, which I have a great passion for because of my own background. I have come full circle. I now help others who are in the shoes that I once was. I understand and value each person that I am privileged to help and know that their story helps to shape the fabric that is America. It is a privilege to serve the immigrant community in South Florida and elsewhere.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth ride. Of course, being undocumented meant living in the shadows for most of my childhood life. Feeling invisible, less-than, being made fun of…all of these were part of my life growing up. Dealing with the struggles of my parents not having much and understanding the sacrifices they made so that I would have the opportunity to better my own future and the future of my offspring. Until now, being a Black woman in a field where we make up only 2%, is a challenge. My life has been about overcoming challenges. I view obstacles as learning tools and opportunities to better myself. Obstacles have taught me the importance of having a voice and I face every obstacle head-on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jean Law Group?
Jean Law Group is an immigration law firm. We help immigrants live and work in the United States lawfully. We pride ourselves in providing service to clients with integrity and exceptional results. We handle cases involving deportation defense, naturalization, family petitions, visas for victims of crime, Petitions for victims of abuse, and more. We set ourselves apart from the rest because the owner, Ruth Jean, knows and understands the struggles of being undocumented personally. Ruth delivers service with a sense of hope for the future for immigrants wanting to live out the American Dream. I wrote a book about my journey as an undocumented boat girl to now being an Immigration Attorney. The book is titled: Boat Girl: A Dreamer’s Experience. It was written to inspire those who may feel hopeless or feel as if their voice is obsolete.
What were you like growing up?
I was definitely and still am an introvert. I was shy but was sensitive to the needs of others. Often, I found myself befriending or helping those who I felt may have had no voice. I have always loved music. Music was my therapy. Since I grew up before playlists, the radio in my room was always tuned into to anyone of my favorite R&B stations. Music still plays a big role in my life. I use music to ease my mood and to hype me up when I need a little boost. I was also a tomboy growing up. I enjoyed sports and playing sports with the neighborhood kids, although I was too shy to step up and tryout for any school sports.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeanlawgroup.com
- Instagram: @jeanlawgroup
- Facebook: @jeanlawgroup
- Youtube: @jeanlawgrouptv1344
- Other: TikTok: jlg.official
