Kansas City, MO — May 16, 2024 — Rekha Sharma-Crawford, the esteemed founder and co-partner at Sharma Crawford Attorneys at Law, and the president of the board for the clinic at Sharma Crawford, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the community and her relentless advocacy for justice in immigration law. The Asian Chamber of Commerce in Kansas City proudly bestows upon her the “Professional Leader of the Year Award” in recognition of her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

In her acceptance speech, Rekha Sharma-Crawford shared her journey into immigration practice, driven by a profound sense of outrage at the injustices she witnessed. “The way I ended up in immigration practice is because I was outraged at what I was watching and seeing, so that’s how I ended up here,” she remarked. Her dedication to addressing the lack of due process and the systemic flaws within the immigration system has been the cornerstone of her career.

Mary Sanchez, senior reporter at Kansas City PBS, commended Rekha’s ability to demystify the complexities of immigration law with compassion and clarity. “She’s really able to explain really complicated nuances of immigration law, but in a way that is compassionate to a listener who perhaps, you know, doesn’t really have any background in that law,” Sanchez noted.

Rekha Sharma-Crawford’s impact extends beyond her legal practice, as she recognized the need to fill the gap in nonprofit removal defense services in Kansas City. Through the clinic at Sharma Crawford, she provides crucial support to individuals facing deportation, offering them the representation they deserve in immigration court. “The clinic provides nonprofit removal defense because there’s no right to a lawyer in immigration court,” Rekha explained.

Kelly Stump, president-elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, emphasized the significance of Rekha’s work in a challenging field. “Rekha’s work is so important because we’re losing immigration attorneys in our nation. The removal defense work is… tough,” Stump acknowledged. Despite the difficulties, Rekha Sharma-Crawford remains undeterred, dedicated to training new attorneys and advocating for the defenseless.

Rekha Sharma-Crawford’s unwavering commitment to justice and her relentless pursuit of a fairer immigration system have left an indelible mark on the Kansas City community and beyond. As she continues to fight for the rights of the vulnerable and strive for greater understanding and fairness, her legacy as a true professional leader shines brightly.

About Rekha Sharma-Crawford:

Rekha Sharma-Crawford is the founder and co-partner at Sharma Crawford Attorneys at Law, where she specializes in immigration law. As the president of the board for the clinic at Sharma Crawford, she provides vital support to individuals facing deportation. Rekha is renowned for her dedication to justice and her advocacy for immigrant rights.

About the Asian Chamber of Commerce in Kansas City:

The Asian Chamber of Commerce in Kansas City is dedicated to promoting economic growth, cultural diversity, and collaboration within the Asian community and beyond. Through networking opportunities, advocacy initiatives, and community engagement, the chamber supports businesses and professionals in achieving their goals and fostering a thriving business environment.