Michael Wildes can justifiably claim that immigration law is in his blood – his father Leon attained international fame defending John Lennon from deportation during the 1970s. Inspired to join his father after a career as a federal prosecutor, Michael rose to managing partner of the law firm of Wildes & Weinberg. During his time there, he has participated in a string of immigration cases that required a Kevlar vest under his business suit and would seem more at home in the pages of an espionage thriller.

In “Safe Haven In America: Battles to Open the Golden Door,” Michael describes representing defecting KGB agents, whistle blowers, disillusioned Saudi diplomats, accused terrorists, professionals and celebrities, such as First Lady Melania Trump and soccer legend Pele. But the book also recounts his efforts help the victims of international child kidnapping cases, families that were all but destroyed by the attack on the World Trade Center and a DACA recipient who endured a hate crime.

In this installment of “Leonard Lopate at Large,” Michael discusses the book and reflects on a career spent fighting to keep good people in the country.