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September 2015
Barry Law School Professor Wins Award for Critical Analysis of Immigration Laws
Orlando, FL (September 17, 2015) – Professor Leonard Birdsong of Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is the recipient of a Silver Medal award from the Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA) for his e-book, “Immigration: Obama must act now!” The book takes a critical look at U.S. immigration laws, how they are enforced, and what should be done to resolve problems.
“I was really surprised that FAPA chose it as one the three best e-books published in 2014,” Birdsong said. “I was quite humbled by the award.”
Barry Law School Dean Leticia M. Diaz congratulated Professor Birdsong for earning this award. “Professor Birdsong’s book shares important insights into the immigration issues facing our nation today,” she said. “It is time for immigration reform as the issue continues to be at the forefront of American policy considerations.”
Birdsong’s book consists of 12 essays he wrote between 2008 and 2014, and they are all based on his own experiences and observations. Birdsong has a unique perspective and extensive experience concerning immigration. His credentials include various postings as a U.S. State Department Foreign Service officer and his work as an immigration lawyer in private practice. Professor Birdsong said, “My essays were written to enlighten practitioners and law students concerning refugee matters.” To that end, Birdsong is currently using his book at Barry Law for his seminar on refugees.
Professor Birdsong received his J.D. from the Harvard Law School and his B.A. from Howard University. Immediately after graduating from law school, Professor Birdsong was in private law practice and then entered into a varied and distinguished career in government service. He served as a diplomat with the State Department with postings in Nigeria, Germany, and the Bahamas. Professor Birdsong also worked as a federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. After leaving government service, Professor Birdsong moved into private practice in Washington, D.C. where he specialized in areas ranging from criminal defense to political asylum. Professor Birdsong has provided commentary for on-air radio as well as legal analysis for Fox News, CNN, Court TV and BET TV News. Professor Birdsong occasionally appears as a legal commentator on Fox Radio News, CBS Radio and MSNBC.
August 8, 2015
Press Release
On Saturday August 8, 2015, the Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA) gave out its prestigious annual President’s Awards for the best books of 2014 and the first half of 2015 by authors and publishers in Florida and throughout the United States. The event which took place at the Hilton Orlando/Lake Buena Vista Resort recognized outstanding books by awarding gold and silver medals in categories ranging from children’s books to adult fiction, from memoir’s to self-help, from business books to e-books.
Our own Professor Leonard Birdsong was awarded a silver medal for his e-book, Immigration: Obama must act now!” A book of twelve immigration and refugee essays written by Professor Birdsong between 2008 and 2014. The book was published by Winghurst Publications just days before President Obama announced his November 2014 Executive Order on immigration.
February 22, 2015
Read Professor Birdsong’s recent articles on Ezine.com. Just click the link & learn more about the world.
These Strange Criminal Law Stories From Florida
Three Strange But True Criminal Law Stories From Abroad
A 2013 Execution Free English-Speakng Caribbean
Ms. Ramjattan Beats the Gallows in Trinidad
The Latest on Hangings in the Caribbean – Not Many! But Too Many!
Three true Strange Short Stories Concerning a Sentencing, a Plea Deal and, an Execution
Hooray for the Federal Rules of Evidence
Voting Rights and Disenfranchisement
Everything You Wanted to Know About Tasers But Were Afraid to Ask
A Brief History of the America Felony Murder Rule
All You Need to Know About the Development of the English Felony Murder Rule
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rik Feeney / usabookcoach@gmail.com
Phone: 407-529-8539
[Leonard Birdsong: 407-719-5707]
Obama must keep his promise to provide immigration relief!
U.S. immigration law: 12 timely and topical essays.
(Approximately 370 words)
[Orlando, FL] Barry University law professor Leonard Birdsong, a Harvard graduate, says to President Obama, “Yes, you must proceed with your promise to provide immigration relief to undocumented non-citizens. Immigration reform will be good for the nation as a positive net economic benefit revenue source for the country, and good for the lives of many of the estimated five million undocumented non-citizens who must live in the shadows because the majority party in Congress will not move on needed immigration reform for various political, racial, and perceived economic reasons.”
In his new book, IMMIGRATION: Obama must act now! Birdsong presents twelve immigration law essays. The first essay advises why President Obama must proceed with his promise to provide immigration relief to many of the five million undocumented non-citizens in our country by deferring deportations by executive order. Following essays describe the progress the President’s 2012 initiative to defer deportation of up to 800 thousand non-citizens brought to the U.S. by their parents before their sixteenth birthday, and allowing them work permits for up to two years, created. Additional essays explain the concept of asylum for non-citizens fleeing persecution in their home countries; essays exploring what is meant by certain asylum terms and an essay that provides recent statistic on asylum.
Birdsong’s final essays provide observations on the working of our U.S immigration courts and how their functioning may be improved. These essays comprise his own beliefs and observations concerning immigration law based on his work as a former U.S. State Department Foreign Service officer, his career as a former immigration law practitioner and his current work as a law school professor who writes and teaches in the area of immigration and refugee law.
Leonard Birdsong is a 4-time professor-of-the-year at Barry University School of Law and former U.S. State Department diplomat with assignments in Nigeria, Germany, and the Bahamas. He worked as a federal prosecutor and in private practice in Washington, D.C. specializing in trial work in criminal matters and asylum cases. He received his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School.Professor Birdsong has also provided legal commentary on Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. He also appears as a legal commentator on CBS radio and Fox radio news.
Note: Media may send an email address to lbirdsong@barry.edu for a complimentary PDF version of the book IMMIGRATION: Obama must act now! Please note in the email the media outlet you represent. [Leonard Birdsong: 407-719-5707]
August 9, 2014
Professor Leonard Birdsong was awarded a Florida Authors & Publisher’s Association 2014 President’s Award.The award was for one of the best E-books of the year. The book is: Professor Birdsong’s 365 Weird Criminal Law Stories for Every Day of the Year. The Florida Authors & Publishers Association Award recognizes book publishing excellence and creativity in design, content and production for North American authors and publishers.The awards were announced at the Association’s Annual Banquet in Pompano Beach, Florida.
February 10, 2014
Professor Birdsong appears on panel at Duquesne Law School discussing the Trayvon Martin Case. Read Article
February 9, 2014
Professor Birdsong featured in article:
Dunn trial: Jacksonville case follows Anthony, Zimmerman in limiting public access. Read Article
January 10-11, 2014
Birdsong at Bradenton book festival.
