MICHAEL J. WILDES Managing Partner, Wildes and Weinberg, P.C

MICHAEL J. WILDES
Managing Partner, Wildes and Weinberg, P.C
Michael Wildes is a Managing Partner with the leading immigration law firm of Wildes and Weinberg PC in
New York City and New Jersey. He serves as Counsel to Lincoln Center, the New York Cosmos and two
international/corporate law firms. A former Federal Prosecutor with the United States Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn
(1989-1993), he has testified on Capitol Hill in connection with anti-terrorism legislation and is internationally
renowned for his successful representation of distinguished individuals and corporate clients. Having represented the
United States government in immigration proceedings, Michael Wildes is a frequent participant on professional panels
and commentator on network television and radio with regard to corporate immigration law, employer sanction work
and compliance.
His boutique law firm specializes exclusively in the practice of U.S. immigration and nationality law. It was
established in 1960 by his father Leon Wildes whose best-known accomplishment was his successful representation
of John Lennon in his widely publicized deportation proceedings, the circumstances of which have inspired several
films and documentaries. More than fifty years since its inception, the firm which now has offices in New York City
and Englewood, New Jersey, continues to serve a distinguished domestic and international clientele and covers 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 and all temporary and permanenttype visas.
Michael represents many performing artists, directors, writers, models, actors/actresses, athletes, race car
drivers, fine artists, art dealers, curators, and literary agents. Some of his recent clients include famed artist Sarah
Brightman, Miss Universe 2008, 2009, and 2010 as well as soccer icon Pele and the staff and players of the newly
resurrected New York Cosmos.
Mr. Wildes also served two terms as the Mayor of Englewood, New Jersey and was a member of the New
Jersey Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Immigration.
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MICHAEL J. WILDES
250 Allison Court
Englewood, NJ 07631
CURRICULUM VITAE
NY Office:
NY Fax:
NY Private Line:
Cellular:
(212) 753-3468
(212) 753-3866
(212) 753-6085
(347) 203-6355
Main Office: 515 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Offices in Englewood and Newark, NJ
NJ Office:
NJ Home:
(201) 569-7891
(201) 227-9144
Email: mwildes@wildeslaw.com
Web: www.wildeslaw.com
www.michaelwildes.com
Bio Summary
Federal Prosecutor, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Brooklyn, NY (1989-1993)
Partner, Wildes and Weinberg PC, New York , NY (U.S. Immigration Law Firm,1993-Date – Managing
Partner 2010-Date)
Of Counsel (Immigration), Pavia & Harcourt, 590 Madison Avenue, New York, NY (2006-Date)
Of Counsel (Immigration), Saiber, One Gateway Center, Newark, New Jersey (2008-Date)
Mayor, Englewood , New Jersey (Democrat, Elected November 2003 and November 2006)
Appointed Member, Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Immigrant Policy, (New Jersey, 2007-2011)
Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University (2011-Date)
Taught Criminal Law at Bergen Community College (Fall 2007)
Narrative Profile
After winning two terms on the City Council, Michael Wildes was elected Englewood, New Jersey's Mayor in
November of 2003 and again to a second term in November 2006. Michael has become nationally recognized in the
Democratic Party as a leading fundraiser for Congressional and Senate candidates throughout the United States--including Senators Hillary Clinton, Edward Kennedy, Joseph Lieberman, and many others. Senator Kennedy most
recently said he has "high expectations" that Michael Wildes will be joining them in the United States Congress in the
future. The Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) voted him one of their “100 National Up and Coming Leaders to
Watch.”
Professionally, he is a partner with the leading immigration law firm of Wildes & Weinberg and serves as Immigration
Counsel to two additional nationally acclaimed law firms and their distinguished clients. A former Federal Prosecutor
with the United States Attorney's Office in Brooklyn (1989-1993), Mr. Wildes has testified on Capitol Hill in connection
with anti-terrorism legislation and is internationally renowned for his successful representation of several defectors
who have provided difficult to obtain national security information to the United States and is frequently a legal
commentator/analyst for network television in connection with the terrorist threats facing the United States. Mr. Wildes
was also appointed by the President of the United States to the District Appeals Board of the Selective Service
System for the State of New Jersey. He is of Counsel to the International Law Firm of Pavia and Harcourt; the
National Police Defense Foundation; and the New Jersey State Law Enforcement Asian-American Advisory
Committee. Mr. Wildes taught Criminal Law at Bergen Community College during the fall semester of 2007 and has
been an Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law at The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University, since
2011. He is often a guest lecturer/panelist at many distinguished forums and institutions including, Yale University,
New York University, The Benjamin N. Cardozo, and Brooklyn Schools of Law. Mr. Wildes has served as Chair on
countless immigration and anti-terrorist policy forums including the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics Forum on
Immigration and Democracy. Mr. Wildes is also a member of the acclaimed Committee on Present Danger (where he
serves with former CIA Director, James Woolsey and Senator Joseph Lieberman); he is frequently a judge in law
school moot court and oratory competitions; he is Chair of the American Jewish Congress’ Committee on
International Terrorism; he is Vice Chairman of Boys Town of Jerusalem; a member of the Advisory Board for the
Urban League of Bergen County and a member of the B’nai Zion Board of Directors. He is a certified EMT; a member
of the Hatzoloh Volunteer Ambulance Corps in New York; the Englewood Volunteer Ambulance Corp (EVAC), and
served over 10 years (1982-1992) with the NYPD as an Auxiliary Police Officer. Mr. Wildes and his wife Amy are the
proud parents of four children.
LEGAL EDUCATON
BENJAMIN N. CARDOZO SCHOOL OF LAW, New York, New York
J.D. degree, June 1989
State Bar Admissions: New York, New Jersey and District of Colombia
Federal Court Admissions: U.S. District Court New York (Eastern and Southern); U.S. District Court New
nd
Jersey; U.S. Court of Appeals (2 Cir.)
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
QUEENS COLLEGE OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, New York, New York
Honors: B.A. Magna Cum Laude, January 1986; Major: Political Science - - Awarded Honors in Political
Science from Division of Social Sciences; Dean’s List; Elected to Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political
Science Honor Society).
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
WILDES & WEINBERG, 515 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Partner, 1993 to Present (Managing Partner 2010 to Present)
Partner in major Immigration and Nationality law firm. Firm concentrates its practice in the field of
U.S. Immigration and Nationality law for over three decades, servicing many law firms and their
distinguished clients. Receive referrals from noted American law firms: Sullivan & Cromwell, Milbank
Tweed, Skadden Arps, etc., and such distinguished British firms including Freshfields, etc. Further
represent many important international firms, banks, and individuals in connection with their
immigration and personnel matters, including Citibank, J.P. MorganChase, Bear Stearns, PIMCO
Funds, Oppenheimer Capital, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Bank of Montreal, Alstom, Samsung, ADP,
Lucas, Adrienne Vittadini, The Limited, IMG Artists, etc. Directed representation of clients in
numerous high profile cases, including major newspaper coverage, numerous network television
appearances, special cases featured on major news magazine shows (“20/20”; CNN; MSNBC; Fox
News Channel, etc.) and hosted international/national press conferences and meetings with
Congressional leaders.
PAVIA & HARCOURT, 600 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Of Counsel (Immigration), 2006 to Present
SAIBER, One Gateway Center, Newark, New Jersey
Of Counsel (Immigration), 2008 to Present
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
Federal Prosecutor - Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, 1989 to 1993
Representation of the United States Government and its various agencies, including: Immigration and
Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of
Investigation (F.B.I.), U.S. Army, Farmers Home Administration, Veterans Administration, Small
Business Administration, U.S. Customs Service, and H.U.D. in Federal, Bankruptcy and State Courts.
Matters Prosecuted included: obscenity matters, forfeiture actions, obtaining judicial warrants,
executions of judgments, surplus money proceedings, enforcement of tax liens, Federal mortgage
foreclosures, bankruptcy proceedings, etc. Duties include: researching statutory, regulatory and
caselaw materials, drafting legal memoranda, complaints, stipulations, motions and pleadings for use
in federal and state court litigation, pretrial and trial proceedings, restraining notices, interrogatories,
information subpoenas, requests for admissions, letters rogatory, affidavits, judgments, proposed
orders, and similar legal pleadings and documents. Duties also included corresponding and dealing
with Special Agents and members of various federal agencies, Federal Magistrates, Federal Judges
and opposing Counsel; obtaining the necessary factual allegations and evidence, preparing
witnesses for trial and deposition; preparing cases for litigation and trying cases in Federal Court; and
preparing cases for appeal to Federal Appellate Courts. Accomplishments include: obtaining
judgments for the United States, satisfaction of tax liens and obtaining entry warrants for Government
agents to seize assets of debtors, securing forfeiture of arrested properties, obtaining judgments and
court orders directing the arrest and payment of monies to the Government.
PUBLIC SERVICE
2004 to 2010
Mayor, City of Englewood (Democrat). Elected to Second Term in 2006.
2007 to 2011
Appointed Member, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine’s Blue Ribbon Panel on
Immigrant Policy
2002 to 2011
District Appeals Board of the Selective Service System for the State of New JerseyAppointed by the President of the United States.
1998 to 2003
Member, Englewood City Council (Democrat). Three Year Term commencing January
1999, elected November, 1998.
1997 to 1999
Member, Englewood Board of Adjustment. Nominated by Mayor and appointed by
Englewood City Council.
1992 to date
Certified Emergency Medical Technician for the State of New York: Member, Hatzoloh
Ambulance Corps, New York.
1985 to 1995
Member of the Selective Service Local Claims and Adjudication Board 158/4, State of
New York. Nominated by Governor Cuomo and appointed by President Reagan to train
and serve as a member of draft board in the event of a national Emergency.
1982 to 1992
Auxiliary Police Officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), volunteering
th
one evening a week in the 112 Precinct as a uniformed Officer, in my then home
community of Queens. Lectured extensively in public and private forums on public safety
and crime prevention.
1986 to 1991
Member, Community Board No. 6. Two term appointment by Queens Borough President
Claire Shulman in Forest Hills, N.Y. Served on the Public Safety Standing Committee as
well as the Permanent Special Committee of Law.
Summer 1984
CONGRESSMAN GARY L. ACKERMAN, DEMOCRAT,
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D.C.
Congressional Intern, Assisted with legislative research; constituent correspondence;
attended Congressional sessions and committee hearings; reported directly to the
Congressman and accompanied Congressman at numerous appearances.
Summer 1984
CONGRESSWOMAN GERALDIN FERRARO, DEMOCRAT,
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D.C.
Congressional Intern, Assisted during the period of her Vice-Presidential candidacy in her
Washington Congressional office.
1983 to 1989
Memberships in two Regular Democratic Clubs in New York. Carried petitions for local,
state and federal Democratic candidates; served on several occasions as Official Poll
Watcher on Election Day; engaged in and organized Voter Registration Drives and Lecture
forums.
Memberships:
Chairman; New Jersey League of Municipalities Immigration Task Force
Vice Chairman, NJ District Appeals Board Selective Service System (2002-Date)
Of Counsel to: The Law Firm of Pavia and Harcourt; The National Police Defense Foundation; and The New
Jersey State Law Enforcement Asian-American Advisory Committee
Chair, American Jewish Congress’ Committee on International Terrorism
Vice Chairman, Boys Town of Jerusalem
Member, Committee on Present Danger
Member, Advisory Board, Urban League of Bergen County
Member, Board of Directors, B’nai Zion
EMT, Member of Hatzolah Emergency Ambulance Corps (1992-Date); EVAC
City Councilman, Englewood , NJ (Democrat,1998-2003)
Englewood Board of Adjustment (1997-1999)
Auxiliary Police Officer, NYC Police Department (1982-1992)
Sample High Profile Cases
Saudi Arabian diplomat (Mohammed Al-Khilewi) who defected after walking off with incriminating evidence of
international terrorism and espionage
Secured the cooperation of accused terrorist (Hani Al-Sayegh) implicated in the Khobar Towers bombing in
Saudi Arabia – an atrocity in which 19 U.S. servicemen lost their lives
Shoebomber Hero (Kwame James) who subdued Richard Reid, saving 197 passengers and crew members
on American Airlines Flight 63
Represented international soccer star Pele and helped him obtain a visa, enabling him to come to the U.S to
partner up with the New York Cosmos
Helped Miss Universe 2009 obtain a visa and permanent residence
Successfully represented Frumet Teitelbaum, whose husband died in the attack on the Mumbai Chabad
House during the Terrorist Attacks in 2008, in helping her obtain lawful permanent residence in the U.S.
Michael Wildes
Michael J. Wildes
Mayor of Englewood, New Jersey
In office
2003–2010
Preceded by
Paul Fader
Succeeded
Frank Huttle III
by
Englewood City Councilman
In office
1998–2001
Personal details
Born
Queens, New York City, New
York
Alma mater
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of
Law
Occupation
Attorney
Religion
Jewish
Website
Wildes and Weinberg PC
Michael J. Wildes is an American immigration lawyer and senior partner of Wildes and Weinberg PC. He is a former
Federal Prosecutor for the Eastern District of New York,[1] and a former Mayor of Englewood, New Jersey.[2] He is
recognized as an authority on Immigration Law, and has been referred to as the “Attorney to the stars,” on issues of
immigration.[3][4]
Early life, education, and law career[edit]
He served with the NYPD as an Auxiliary Police Officer from 1982-1992.
Wildes served with the United States Attorney's Office in Brooklyn from 1989-1993 and testified on Capitol Hill in
connection with anti-terrorism legislation. He has represented several defectors who have provided difficult to obtain
national security information to the United States.[5][6][7][8]
He was appointed by the President of the United States to the District Appeals Board of the Selective Service System
for the State of New Jersey and is a member of the Committee on Present Danger[9] (where he serves with former
CIA Director, James Woolsey and Senator Joseph Lieberman).
Notable clients
• Helped soccer star Pelé obtain a visa to enable him to be a partner with the New York Cosmos soccer team[10]
• Helped Miss Universe 2009 Stefanía Fernández obtain her visa[11][12]
Academic career
Wildes is now an adjunct professor at Yeshiva University's Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.[13]
Political career[edit]
Fundraising [edit]
Michael has become nationally recognized in the Democratic Party as a leading fundraiser for congressional and
senate candidates throughout the United States---including U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy, Joe
Lieberman, etc. Senator Kennedy had said that he had "high expectations" that Michael Wildes will be joining them in
the United States Congress in the future.[18][19] The Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) voted him one of their
“100 National Up and Coming Leaders to Watch.[20]”
Englewood politics [edit]
After serving two terms on the Englewood, NJ, City Council, Wildes was elected Mayor in November 2003 and again
to a second term in November 2006.
2012 congressional election[edit]
Main article: United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey, 2012#District 9
In March 2012, Wildes decided to run in the newly redrawn New Jersey's 9th congressional district, based in Bergen
and Passaic counties. In the Democratic primary, he will face U.S. Congressmen Steve Rothman and Bill Pascrell. It
had been speculated that Wildes' candidacy would have helped Pascrell. Wildes ultimately decided not to run and he
put his support behind Rep. Rothman in the Democratic primary;[21] Rothman lost that election. Wildes has $700,000
on hand.[22]
Philanthropy career[edit]
Wildes served as chair of the American Jewish Congress' Committee on International Terrorism.[23] He is a member
of the Advisory Board for the Urban League of Bergen County,[24] and Member of the Board of Directors of Boys
Town of Jerusalem.[25] He is a certified EMT[26] and a Member of the Hatzoloh Volunteer Ambulance Corps[27] in
New York; the Englewood Volunteer Ambulance Corp (EVAC), and served over 10 years (1982-1992) with the NYPD
as an Auxiliary Police Officer.[28]
References [edit]
1. ^ "Members of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Policy". 12/10/2007. Retrieved 2011-0408.
2. ^ O'Reilly, Bill. "Major Sex Slavery Ring Busted in Minn. Involves illegal immigrants; Angers Activists". Fox News.
Retrieved 8 April 2011.
3. ^ Fabrikant, Mel (October 22, 2010). "Attorney to the Stars, Michael Wildes, Retained By Best-Selling Artist Sarah
Brightman". Retrieved 8 April 2011.
4. ^ Lipowsky, Josh (September 9, 2010). "Former Englewood Mayor Wildes Boosts Jewish Boxer Salita". The
Standard of Bergen County. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
5. ^ "Defector says Pakistan had nuclear first strike plan". CNN News. July 1, 1998. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
6. ^ Jennings, Peter (July 1, 1998). "Attorney Michael Wildes with Pakistani Defector". ABC News. Retrieved 8 April
2011.
7. ^ Sugg, John (February 1999). "Steven Emerson's Crusade". FAIR, the national media watch group. Retrieved 8
April 2011.
8. ^ Wildes, Michael; Angela Khaminwa, Frank Emmert, Richard Horowitz, Esq. Hans Smit (11). "Negotiating With
Terrorists And Non-State Actors: The Journey To World Peace". Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution
(Cardozo Law School) 2 (2).
9. ^ "Our Members". The Committee on the Present Danger. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
10.
^ "Pele gets U.S. visa to join Cosmos staff". Big Apple Soccer. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
11.
^ "Miss Universe 2009 Secures A U.S. Green Card". The Wonk Room. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
12.
^ Myricks, Dan (November 3, 2010). "Immigration Attorney Secures Visa for Miss Universe 2010". Focus
Magazine. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
13.
^ "Michael Wildes to Serve as Adjunct Professsor". Fox 49 Tallahassee. July 13, 2011. Retrieved 25
September 2011.
14.
^ a b Berger, Joseph (August 27, 2009). "Qaddafi’s Visit Upsets N.J. Residents". New York Times. Retrieved
8 April 2011.
15.
^ "Estate at center of Gaddafi protests vandalized". The Associated Press. Thursday, September 24, 2009.
Retrieved 8 April 2011.
16.
^ DeMarco, Jerry (August 28, 2009). "Qadaffi not coming to Englewood". Cliffview Pilot. Retrieved 8 April
2011.
17.
^ Panovka, Rebecca (July 2011). "Exigent Times: Konrad Aderer’s Enemy Alien". The New York Observer.
Retrieved 5 October 2011.
18.
^ Davidovit, Aliza (October 2007). "Leading by Example". Lifestyles Magazine. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
19.
^ "Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes hosts benefit for US Senator Ted Kennedy". JerseyPolitics. Retrieved 8
April 2011.
20.
^ "DLC Spotlights 100 of the Rising New Democrat Stars". About the Democratic Leadership Council.
Retrieved 8 April 2011.
21.
^ Pizarro, Max (March 30, 2012). "Wildes endorses Rothman in CD 9". PolitickerNJ.
22.
^ http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/143438286_Ex-mayor_s_possible_run_could_aid_Pascrell.html
23.
^ Volmer, Jackelyn. "Q&A With Michael Wildes". Yeshiva University Commentator. Yeshiva University.
Retrieved 8 March 2005.
24.
^ "The Urban League for Bergen County Advisory Board". The Urban League for Bergen County. Retrieved 8
April 2011.
25.
26.
27.
^ "Boys Town Jerusalem Foundation of America". National Board of Directors. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
^ Engel, Josh (November 2009). "Mayor Michael Wildes Gives Back". The Resident. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
^ Engel, Josh (November 2009). "Mayor Michael Wildes Gives Back". Resident. 11 22: Pg. 108.
^ "Mayoralty Race in Englewood Echoes Senate Race in Connecticut, but, in NJ, the Orthodox Candidate is
the Democrat and the Left-Wing Is Supporting the Independent". Jewish Post and Opinion.
October 2006. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
Awards and Honors:
Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County: Builder of the Year Award, June 15, 2006, for his constant support of
Habitat providing affordable housing to families in Bergen County.
New Jersey State Law Enforcement Asian-American Advisory Committee: Community Service Award, on
February 22, 2006, in his help to promote an understanding between the Asian-American community and New
Jersey State Law Enforcement Agencies.
Larger Than Life NJ: Recipient of the Community Service Award, May 12, 2005, for his support for improving the
quality of life for Israel children with cancer, regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.
Bergen Family Center: honored for his outstanding community service on November 9, 2004. The New Jersey
State Assembly joined in congratulating the honorees on receiving their awards and paying tribute to their
meritorious record of service.
State of Israel Bonds: Recipient of the Henry Morgenthau, Jr. Distinguished Service Award at the National Dinner
of Tribute on May 6, 2004, honoring prominent leaders in the legal profession. The award is accompanied by a
resolution of the New Jersey General Assembly, joining Israel Bonds in honoring and congratulating him on
receiving the award.
Aleh Foundation: Civil Leadership Award on February 2, 2004. The award is accompanied by resolutions of the
New York and New Jersey State Assemblies and the New Jersey State Senate, joining Aleh Foundation in
applauding Michael Wildes for tireless and selfless service to the community-at-large.
The State of New Jersey: Senate and General Assembly resolutions commending Michael Wildes for his
exemplary record of public service on the occasion of his swearing-in as Mayor of Englewood, on January 5,
2004.
Israel’s Ministry of Tourism: Michael Wildes named Ambassador of Goodwill for Israel by Minister of Tourism
Binyamin Elon. 2004
State of New Jersey: For hosting the Mayor of Jerusalem, Uri Lupolianski to his home in Englewood on
December 1, 2003. The New Jersey State Assembly commended Michael Wildes on his distinguished service
Urban League for Bergen County, Inc.: Outstanding Civic Achievement Award at the Eighty-Fifth Anniversary
Dinner on June 5, 2003. The New Jersey General Assembly and the City of Englewood joins Urban League in
praising his distinguished and meritorious record of service and commitment to his fellow citizens.
Friends of Lubavitch of Bergen County: Community Leadership Award, on December 2, 2001. The New Jersey
State Assembly joined Friends of Lubavitch in honoring Michael and Amy Wildes.
Boys Town Jerusalem: Distinguished Community Service Award, on May 17, 2000 for Michael Wildes’ exemplary
record of devotion to the Jewish community at-large and Boys Town Jerusalem. The New Jersey State Senate
and Assembly issued resolutions joining Boys Town in paying tribute to his meritorious record of service and
leadership.
Yeshiva Ohr HaTalmud: Community Service Award at the Inaugural Dinner on April 25,1999, for his dedicated
service and leadership in behalf of the Englewood community. The New Jersey State Assembly joined Ohr
HaTalmud in applauding Michael Wildes in a resolution.
The City of Englewood: Volunteer Recognition Awards 2006-2008 for hard work and dedication to the community
and its residents.
The Bergen Country Board of Chosen Freeholders: honoring Michael Wildes For Distinguished Community
Service. Date Unknown
Democratic Leadership Council: Mentioned MJW as one of 100 New Democrats to Watch.
Board Memberships:
Community of Friends In Action: Legal Advisor, 2011New Jersey State Committee for Israel @60: Honorary Associate Chair, 2009.
Yeshiva University: appointed Member of the General Counsel’s Council in 2008.
AILA-NY Executive Committee: AILA-NY Advocacy Committee from Jan-June 2008.
New Jersey State League of Municipalities: served as Chair of the Legal Task Force on Immigration and on the
Governor Corzine’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigration Policy, appointed on August 6, 2007.
Bank Of New Jersey: Advisory Board Member, 2006.
Daughters of Miriam Center –The Gallen Institute: Board Member of the Board of Trustees until March 2006.
New Jersey Conference of Mayors: Board of Directors.
Bnai Zion Foundation Inc.: Board Member, Since 2005.
Committee on the Present Danger
New Jersey Philharmonic: Honorary Board Member, December, 2007.
NY & NJ Asian American Law Enforcement Advisory Committee: member of the Legal committee, 2006.
Selective Service System: District Appeal Board Member for the State of NJ. 2002New York State Bar Association.
American Friends of Magen David Adom: The Bruce Mandel Memorial Ambulance Campaign for Israel
Committee.
Office of the Mayor – City of Newark: Economic Development Committee.
Certificates of Participation:
Grieco Elementary School: Certificate of Participation as a reader in Read Across America in Englewood, NJ on
March 6, 2009.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts: Letter of Appreciation from Lesley Friedman Rosenthal for past services
rendered in obtaining visas for performers. Dated February 26, 2009.
Lincoln Elementary School: Certificate of Appreciation for participation in Latino Heritage Month Celebration,
Englewood, NJ, October 20, 2008.
The State of New Jersey Senate and General Assembly: Citation and appreciation for volunteer service in the
Planning Board and dedication to the community of Englewood. September 25, 2008.
st
Bilingual Educators: Recognition for efforts on behalf of NJ’s immigrants, May 21 , 2008.
New Jersey State Committee For Israel @60: Certificate of Appreciation acknowledging Michael Wildes’ support
as Honorary Associate-Chair, May 8, 2008.
New Jersey Conference of Mayors: Certificate of Membership, 2008.
New Jersey Conference of Mayors: Certificate of Membership for 2007.
Englewood Public School District: Certificate of gratitude for participating in the Circles of Color Community
Lecture Series at Dwight Morrow High School 2006-2007. June 2007.
NJ-NY Asian American Law Enforcement Advisory Committee: Membership Certificate, November 2006.
County of Bergen, New Jersey: Commendation for being honored as Builder of the Year by Habitat for Humanity,
June 15, 2006.
Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders: Commendation for being honored as 2006 Builder of the Year by
Habitat for Humanity and commitment to the welfare of the community.
New Jersey Conference of Mayors: Certificate of Membership for 2006.
Circles of Color, LLC: Certificate of Membership for 2005, presented on November 23, 2005.
The Korean-American Association of New Jersey: Certificate of Appreciation on the occasion of the Fourth
Annual Korean Thanksgiving Day Festival, held on September 17-18, 2005.
Englewood Public Schools: Certificate for supporting students and programs of Englewood Public School District,
June 1, 2005.
Cleveland Elementary School: Appreciation for participation as a Reader in Read Across America Celebration,
March 2, 2005.
Bergen Family Center: token of appreciation on the occasion of being honored at “Friends of the Family” Annual
Awards Dinner, presented on November 9,2004.
The Korean-American Association of New Jersey: Certificate of appreciation for support to the Korean
Community on the occasion of the Third Annual Korean Thanksgiving Day Festival, September 25-26, 2004.
Orange County Executive: Certificate of Recognition In appreciation for participation at Kiryas Joel Volunteer
EMS Dinner, February 15, 2004.
County of Bergen, New Jersey: Certificate of Inauguration from Mayor David L. Ganz on the occasion of Michael
Wildes’ inauguration as Mayor of Englewood on January 5, 2004.
The Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders: Certificate of Commendation in recognition of receiving the
Outstanding Civic Achievement Award from the Urban League of Bergen County, June 5, 2003 (2 Copies).
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law of Yeshiva University: Certificate of Excellence For Outstanding Service to
the Cardozo Students through participation in the 2002-2003 Mentor/Mentee Program.
Lincoln School: Certificate of Appreciation for contributing to the educational program and involvement in Read
Across America, March 3, 2003.
State of NJ General Assembly: Citation by citizenry on being elected to the council of Englewood, January 5,
2002.
County of Bergen, State Of NJ: Certificate of Election to serve as Councilman for Full Term Ward 2 in Englewood,
November 13, 2001 (2 Copies).
P.A.R.E.N.T International: Appreciation of participation in the International Abduction Conference held in
Washington D.C., May 11-13, 2000 (3 Copies)
New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition: Certificate in recognition of valuable leadership in working to protect the
health and safety of the residents in metropolitan New York and hard work to close Indian Point.
Bergen Family Center: Certificate of Appreciation for participating in “Read Across America” program.
County of Bergen, New Jersey: Certificate of Commendation on the occasion of being named “Community
Service Awardee by Yeshiva Ohr HaTalmud, proclaiming April 25, 1999 to be “The Honorable Michael J. Wildes
Day” in Bergen County.
Selective Service System: certificate of appreciation for Five Years of Loyal Service on October 22, 1992.
District Court for the District of New Jersey: Certificate of Good Standing Issued by William T. Walsh, clerk of the
United States, on June 7, 1990.
The City Of New York Police Department: Certificate of Accomplishment for having completed primary training
course in volunteer training school of the NYPD. June 9, 1983.
Conferences and Publications:
World Policy Institute: World Policy Around the Table, May 2, 2013, discussing Sustainable Global Cities, smarter
consumption models and adapting to resource shortages.
Langfan Constitutional Oratory Competition: Panelist judge on April 28, 2013.
United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce: participated in the “Work and Visa Permits” presentation and
st
discussion on July 31 , 2012.
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law: Jewish Law Students Association and the Israel Alliance presented Michael
Wildes speaking about “US Immigration and the Jewish Community”, on Israeli Independence Day, April 19,
2010.
Benjamin N. School of Law: Jewish Law Students Association, addressing them about Michael Wildes’ unique
perspective as an orthodox mayor, Gaddafi’s stay in Englewood, April, 2010.
Englewood Academies: Addressed Law and Public Policy Issues class regarding immigration policy on the week
after March 26, 2010.
NYU Law School: Moot Court Competition Judge February 19, 2010.
Crown Heights Community Center: Town Hall Meeting on February 10, 2010 where Michael Wildes discussed
Green cards, citizenship, R-1 and other work visas.
Addressing Security Concerns As We Begin 2010: Michael Wildes joined security professionals, facility managers
and law enforcement officials addressing security concerns, on January 5, 2010.
The Immigration Compliance Book: 2009-2010 edition featuring an article by Michael Wildes titled “A New
Remedy in ICE’s Arsenal: Debarment”, on page 284.
Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors Inc.: Annual Membership Meeting on September 24, 2009. Michael
Wildes was guest speaker.
Pace University Law School: spoke about immigration law on September 8, 2009.
Baruch College: Panelist on “Dream Act: a near reality or just a dream?” on April 30, 2009.
Monmouth Vicinage Municipal Court Advance: “Adaptability” April 24, 2009. Remarks on Immigration. Includes
publication by the NJ Municipalities magazine in June 2009 edition.
Bergen News Bulletin: on March 18, 2009, mentioning Michael Wildes on speaking to a forum on day laborers.
Langfan Family Constitutional Oratory Competition: March 16, 2009. Participated as judge.
Community of Friends in Action: “Immigration Issues and Their Impact On Our Communities Part Two Part Two”.
March 12, 2009.
Stirling Henry Migration Services: New York Seminar – January 21, 2009. “Moving your Workforce between the
U.S & Australia Today”.
COC Community Lecture Series, LLC: “You Are the Author of Your Own Life Story” May 8, 2008/2009. Michael
Wildes spoke.
Let’s Get Real with Reuben Torres: August 5, 2008. Participation in radio interview on Immigration enforcement
and local effects and Employment immigration compliance matters and sanctions.
The Press Journal Community Newspaper: featuring Michael Wildes August 2, 2007, on Immigration issues and
participation in a panel on Immigration law in a post-911 America.
State of New Jersey: Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Policy”, July 31, 2008, Michael Wildes
moderating the call on issues related to immigrant integration at the municipal level.
st
NJ 1 Suburgs: Virtual Brown Bag Lunches: “Immigration in the First Suburbs”, July 24, 2008.
NJTESOL/NJBE: Spring Conference 2008, May 20-21, 2008, panelist on “Learn How Current Education and
Immigration Policies Affect You and Your Students”.
Human Relations Conference: May 7, 2007. Panelist on “The Changing Population of Bergen County: What is the
Impact on Our Communities?” and “Perspective of Law Enforcement Implications and Immigration Issues on a
Changing Population”. Sponsored by Bergen County Department of Human Services.
People’s Organization for Progress: “Immigration Issues and Their Impact on Our Communities”, hosted by
Michael Wildes on May 6, 2008 at Englewood Public Library.
Rutgers University Program on Immigration and Democracy: “Local Government and Immigration Integration:
Challenges and Opportunities”. Panelist, April 29, 2008.
Langfan Family Oratory Competition: March 25, 2008 at Yeshiva Unviersity’s Wilf Campus.
Jewish Standard: January 4, 2008, cited as a newsmaker in 2007 on “Michael Wildes: Taking action on
immigration”.
New Jersey State League of Municipalities: 92nd Annual Conference, November 15, 2007. Panelist on “Arts
Smart Investment: Economic Prosperity through the Arts”.
New Jersey Municipalities: October 2007 edition, “The Rationale Behind Sanctuary Cities” by Michael Wildes.
The New York Times: Metro Section mentions Michael Wildes on March 15, 2007, representing Mamadou
Soumare, an illegal immigrant from Mali.
st
New Jersey League of Municipalities: 91 Annual Conference, November 14-17, 2006. Presiding over league
workshops “Immigration and Migration Trends – Implication for New Jersey’s Local Govt’s” and “Solutions to
Overcrowding”.
Center for Government Services Policy Seminar Series: Panelist and Presiding Official on “Immigration and
Migration Trends: Implications for New Jersey’s Local Governments”, November 14, 2006
June 2006 edition of New Jersey Municipalities; Michael Wildes column titled “Liberty Is for All of Us”.
th
Cardozo School of Law: Immigration workshop on March 6 , 2006.
2006 Langfan Family Constitutional Oratory Competition: February 23, 2006. Served as Final Round Judge.
2006 International Student Interview Program: discussing Employment Regulation for Foreign Attorneys Working
in the United States. January 27, 2006.
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law: Michael Wildes taught Immigration Law Spring 2006.
Northern Valley Suburbanite: November 9, 2005. Michael Wildes featured in an article “Defining Moment has
successful gala”.
Defining Moment Foundation: October, 27, 2005 Michael Wildes guest speaker at the foundation’s dinner. The
Foundation works with at-risk children and seniors to reverse the culture of substance abuse.
The Suburbanite: piece on Michael Wildes from February 23, 2005, used as campaign literature.
Friends of Grace Senior Inc: Gave congratulatory speech on Open House of Korean Community Center’s “Grand
Opening to Healthier Life”, on September 18, 2004.
Presented on Employment Regulations For Foreign Working Attorneys Working in the U.S, on January 25, 2003,
at Georgetown Law School.
Life or Liberty: Participation in an interview for a short documentary about racial profiling in the wake of 9/11,
directed by Konrad Aderer of AfAsia Productions, May 22, 2002.
NJLM Conference: Presiding and Panelist on “Immigration – Language Access on the Local Level”.
Legal Briefs on Immigration Reform: “From the Mayflower to Main Street: United States Immigration Law and Our
Economy” by Michael Wildes. Date unknown.
LifeStyleMagazine: “Michael Wildes Leading by example”. Expose on MJW, by Aliza Davidovit.
Miscellaneous:
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition on completion of Summer Congressional Internship. Dated
8/8/84, signed by Cong. Gary Ackerman.
Pi Sigma Alpha Certification on Initiation into the National Political Science Society on May 15, 1985.
Queens College Diploma: February 3, 1986.
Cover letter for Internship application at Congressman Manton, dated August 1, 1986.
Admission as an Attorney and Counselor at Law to all the courts of NY State by Appellate Division of the
Supreme Court of the State of NY. Dated January 9, 1991.
Letter from William S. Slattery, District Director at DOJ INS New York District upon Michael Wildes’ departure
from government service, dated to December 15, 1992.
Grandparents Shop Inc.: Letter of Appreciation to Michael Wildes for serving as Grand Marshall at “Salute to
National Grandparents Day” in September 8, 2002.
Mayor’s Film Commission in Englewood, NJ, presenting a special tribute in honor of Black History Month, saluting
African-American Filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, February 9, 2005.
Family Teen Center’s Third Annual Talent Showcase, on July 29, 2006, featuring Michael Wildes.
Michael Wildes Speaking Engagements:
2004:
Temple Emanu-El on October 2012 in Closter, NJ, about Michael Wildes’ profile and journey to Mayor.
Clifton Jewish Center on October 17 in Clifton, NJ about the Role of the Mayor in Times of Crisis
St. Paul’s Church (Kol HaNeshamah) on October 22 in Englewood, NJ, about profile and Journey to Mayor.
Home of Stuart and Rhoda Faber on October 24 in Englewood Cliffs, NJ at Hadassah Dinner and Michael Wildes’
visit to Israel and Hadassah Hospital.
Woman’s Club on October 25 in Englewood, NJ, about Women’s Issues and Immigration law post-9/11.
Entertainment and Sports Committee on October 26 in New York, NY about Immigration and Tax Issues.
Jewish Community Center on October 28 in Fort Lee, NJ about Profile and Journey to Mayor.
Congregation Beth Aharon on October 31 in Teaneck, NJ about U.S War on Terrorism’s Impact on Israel and Our
Community.
St. Paul’s Church on October 31 in Englewood, NJ at a Political Forum.
th
NYU School of Law in NY, NY at 9 Annual Career Education Fair.
Freehold Jewish Center on November 11 in Freehold, NJ about the U.S War on Terrorism’s Impact on Israel and
Our Community.
Princeton Club (Rotary Club of NY) on December 7, in NY, NY, about the U.S War on Terrorism’s impact on
Israel and Our community.
2005:
DMHS Auditorium on January 15 in Englewood, NJ as Keynote Speaker remembering Dr. King.
Ft. Lee Wm T. Birch Pk. & Rec. Center on February 9 in Fort Lee, NJ at Mayor’s Conference.
Congregation Ohr Torah on February 9, in Highland Park, NJ about U.S War on Terrorism’s Impact on Israel and
Our Community.
Temple Emanue-El on February 15 in Closter, NJ Introducing Rabbi Shmuley Boteach at his new book
presentation.
Northern Valley Mayors Association on February 24 in Norwood, NJ about trip to Jerusalem and war on terrorism.
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center on April 12 in Englewood, NJ about Terrorism Forum with Christie and
Casperson.
Englewood Library on June 8 in Englewood, NJ about US Immigration in Modern Times.
Rockleigh Country Club on October 27 in Rockleigh, NJ on Celebrating the Goddess in every women, (Defining
Moment Dinner).
2007:
U.S Courthouse on February 22 in NY, NY on Anti-Terrorism and U.S Immigration Policy.
2008:
Yeshiva Wilf Campus on February 12 in NY, NY on Pre-Law Advisement.
Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics on April 29 in New Brunswick, NJ about Local Gov’t and Immigration
Integration: Challenges and Opportunities.
Englewood Public Library on May 6 in Englewood, NJ about Immigration Issues and Their Impact on Our
Communities.
Saiber on July 17 in Newark NJ.
Virtual Brown Bag Panel on July 24.
Governor’s Blue Panel Testimony on July 31.
Radio Station on August 5.
Katten Presentation on September 4.
Temple Shalom on September 11 in River Edge, NJ giving a 9/11 Memorial Briefing.
French-American Chamber of Commerce on September 17 in New York, NY on their Fall Kick-Off.
Solaia Restaurant on September 24 in Englewood, NJ about Immigration I-9 Compliance and How it Will Affect
Your Business.
Bergen Community College on September 25 in Paramus, NJ at Meet the Mayors.
WNBC TV in September, in Caldwell, NJ in Immigration Interview by Hometown News Show.
Atlantic City Convention Center on November 19 in Atlantic City, NJ on Immigration – Language Access on the
Local Level.
2009:
Wildes & Weinberg, P.C on January 21 in New York, NY about Moving Your Workforce Between the U.S and
Australia Today.
Withers Law firm on March 11, in NY, NY about U.S Immigration Law and Policy.
Palisades Park Public Library on March 12 in Palisades Park, NJ on Immigration Issues & Their Impact on Our
Communities Part II.
Yeshiva University on March 16 in New York judging Langfan Oratorial Competition.
Berkeley College on March 20 in New York, NY presenting on US Immigration and Nationality Matters.
Pace University on April 22 in NY presenting on US Immigration and Nationality Matters.
Eatontown Sheraton on April 24 in Eatontown, NJ in Municipal Court Advance.
Baruch College on April 30 in New York presenting about US Immigration and Nationality Matters.
Dwight Morrow High School on May 8 in Englewood, NJ “You Are The Author of Your Own Story”.
Academies at Englewood on May 8 in Englewood, NJ about Immigration Law to class.
Weichert Realty on May 15 in Tenafly, NJ about Immigration Law and Real Estate.
UJA-Federation of NY on June 17 in New York.
Fordham Law School on November 3 in New York.
City Blessing Church on November 8 in New York.
Pan American International High School on November 13 in Queens, NY on Latino Youth for Higher Education
Program.
2010:
Indian Cultural Center at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands on March 1.
Cardozo Law School on April 19 in New York.
Lincoln Center on July 29 in New York.
West Side Presbyterian Church on September 15 in Englewood, NJ.
Pace Law School on October 7 in White Plains, NY.
Unitarian Society of Ridgewood on November 2 in Ridgewood, NJ.
Yeshiva Wilf Campus on November 11 in New York.
Yeshiva Stern Campus on November 15 in New York.
RAJE Englewood Shabbaton on November 20 in Englewood, NJ.
Cardozo Law School Chabbad Graduation Lecturer on November 30 in NY.
American Friends of Magen David Adom on December 8 in Englewood, NJ (Home of Michael Wildes) on AntiTerrorism, hosting Yuval Aviv and Michael Wildes as featured speakers and CEO of MDA.
2011:
UJA P2K: Immigration Lecture to Israeli Prosecutors on January 10 in Paramus, NJ.
Club Colombia on January 30 in Hackensack, NJ on an Immigration Synopsium.
Hadassah Hospital Education Institute on March 28 in Fair Lawn, NJ on Dialogue On Immigration: As people of
the Passport: US/Immigrants.
Yeshiva University on March 7 in New York Lecturing Foreign students on Immigration.
Pace University Law School on April 7 in Westchester Lecturing Students.
Binghamton University on June 9 on YouTube about US Immigration Law: Balancing National Security and Our
Growth as a Nation.
Cardozo Law School: YU Counsel’s Council on July 21 in New York presenting about immigration.
Rebecca Inc. Russian Television on August 28 in Queens, NY, lecturing on Deportations and Detentions.
Adeptus CPAs I-9 Presentation on September 7 in NY on Form I-9 Audits.
National Jewish Students Association on September 27 in NYC.
West Side Sephardic Synagogue on December 8 in New York, NY on Ways to remain in the U.S
2012:
Yeshiva Pre-Law Society on January 31 at YU Campus in New York on Running for Office and Running a Law
Firm: The Good, Bad and Ugly.
Cardozo Law on February 8 in NY lecturing LLM Students on US Visas in Q&A format.
Lecture at Tenafly JCC on February 14 in Tenafly, NJ to retired professionals and executives on “Are We Treating
Our Immigrants Properly: Immigration Policy and Practice”.
Cardozo Law on March 1 in New York to FIRE on Opportunities in Corporate Immigration Law.
Bringable: Jewish Professionals on April 3 in NYC on “Bring to the Table”.
Langfan Oratorial Competition at Yeshiva University on April 22 at Cardozo.
Pace Law School on April 24 at Westchester Campus speaking to Immigration group.
US-Mexican Chamber of Commerce on July 31 at Wildes & Weinberg on Immigration for Professionals.
Yeshiva University’s General Counsel’s Council on July 10, in New York at Pro-Bono Program Reception.
International Culinary Center Workshop on August 23 in NYC.
Seminar for Upwardly Global Job Seekers at Wildes & Weinberg on September 10.
DACA Lecture on October 24 in Bergenfield, NJ.
Cardozo Law Lecture on November 29 on John Lennon Case.
2013:
RAJE Englewood Shabbaton on January 11 in Englewood.
National Action Network: Al Sharpton National Legal Night on January 31 in Harlem on “Immigration at a
Crossroads: A Discussion on what Immigrants and Employers should Expect”.
Yeshiva University Lecture on February 11 at YU campus on What every lawyer should know aobut immigration,
Brooklyn Law School on February 13 serving as a panelist on immigration and entrepreneurship.
Yeshiva University’s mentoring program on February 25 at downtown campus, reviewing students’ question.
Fashion Law symposium at Cardozo on February 28 about International Fashion Modeling.
Our Soldiers Speak on March 10 at Bronfman Center on “Who Owns Jerusalem: Israel or Palestine?”
Queens College Lecture on March 11 on Immigration compliance workshop.
Bridgeport University on March 21 in Connecticut lecturing about visas and related issues and opportunities.
Cardozo Panel on Immigration Reform on March 21.
New School Immigration Seminar on April 4 about the Business world, Michael Wildes’ own career and personal
lessons.
Our Soldiers Speak Event at Michael Wildes’ home on April 9 hosting IDF General Noam Tibbon addressing
Israeli security concerns.
Yeshiva University Kukin Lecture Series n April 19 at Yeshiva’s midtown campus about Entrepreneurial and
Executive issues.
Yeshiva University’s Langfan Oratorial Competition at Wilf Campus on April 28.
International Culinary Center Immigration workshop on May 6 in New York.
East Harlem School on May 7 on Deferred Action and Immigration Reform.
Publications By Michael Wildes:
1. Notable Client Cases
a. All you need is love -- and a good Jewish lawyer (Remembering John Lennon)
by Leon Wildes, New Jersey Jewish Standard, December 10, 2010
b. Leon Wildes' Free Legal Services Help Save Pakistani Child's Life Appearing in the Association
of Immigration and Nationality Lawyers newsletter, August/September 1979
2. Immigration Reform, the Undocumented, and Ethics
a. Immigration Reform
i.
Taking Our Medicine: Pressing Need for Immigration Reform
by Michael Wildes, New Jersey Law Journal, December 6, 2010
st
ii.
Bringing Immigration Into the 21 Century
by Michael Wildes, New Jersey Law Journal, February 15, 2010
iii.
Taking our Medicine: America's Pressing and Unanswered Need for Immigration
Reform
by Leon and Michael Wildes, Posting on Immigration Daily (ILW.COM)
iv.
Opinion: A Needed Return to Immigration Reform
by Michael Wildes, Posting on sphere.com, November 20, 2009
v.
Why Now is the Right Time for Immigration Reform – National Journal quoting Michael
Wildes, January 29, 2013
vi.
Will immigration reform cover LGBTQ couples?MSNBC.com quoting Michael Wildes,
February 8, 2013
vii.
Why Immigration Reform May Happen This Year, CNBC.com quoting Michael Wildes
January 7, 2013
viii.
Will “amnesty” produce more illegal immigration? – CSMonitor.com, quoting Michael
Wildes, February 4, 2013
b. The Dream Act
i. Keep DREAMing: The November Election and What It Means for Comprehensive
Immigration Reform
by Michael Wildes and Leon Wildes, Posting on Immigration Daily (ILW.COM)
c. Border Concerns
i. A Troublesome Fence
by Leon Wildes, Published by Immigration Daily, June 2008
ii. Immigration Reform and U.S. Security
by Michael Wildes, OPEd News, June 29, 2011
d. Issues in Washington
i.
Wildes Addresses D.C. Chapter on Legal Ethics
by Leon Wildes, Appearing in the Association of Immigration and Nationality Lawyers
newsletter, February/March 1979
ii.
Guest Voz: Deafening Silence From our Leaders in Washington Over Immigration
Reform is Incomprehensible
by Michael Wildes, Posting on LatinaLista (LatinaLista.net), May 20, 2011
iii.
Now is the Time for Obama to Take Lead in Push for Immigration Reform
by Michael Wildes, The Hill’s Congress Blog, August 2, 2010
vi. Wildes: Better Immigration Data Needed
by Michael Wildes, posting on rollcall.com, January 18, 2010
ix.
Lawmakers Consider Ending Citizenship for Children of
Illegal Immigrants
Published by FoxNews.com, Michael Wildes quoted, July 29, 2010
x.
Obama Deportation Policy Could Be „Nightmare” for Law Enforcement
By Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, Michael Wildes Quoted, August 19, 2011
vii.
Hispanics Still Wary of Obama Over Deportations
By Hayley Peterson, The Washington Examiner, Michael Wildes Quoted
e. Legalizing the Undocumented
i.
They‟re undocumented, but they are paying their taxes
by Michael Wildes, Posted on NorthJersey.com from The Record, May 12, 2010
ii.
Give Illegal Immigrants Citizenship; It‟s Good for America
by Michael Wildes, Guest Writing for HISPANOSPHERE
iii.
iv.
v.
Guest Voz: NJ Major says it makes sense to grant citizenship to undocumented
immigrants
by Michael Wildes, Posting on LatinaLista (LatinaLista.net), November 12, 2009
As Members of Congress Draft a Bill to Tackle Illegal Immigrants in the U.S. Michael J.
Wildes Maintains that They Should Remain—For Economic, Social, and Historic
Reasons
by Michael Wildes, Posting on Industry Today, January 18, 2010
The Risk of Traveling with An Undocumented Nanny on Pesach
by Michael Wildes, The Jewish Press, March 17, 2010
f. Miscellaneous Immigration Articles & Pictures (Quoted)
i.
Tri-Valley University Probe has foreign Students Fearful of Deportation
By Sophia Kazmi, Posted on mercurynews.com from
Contra Costa Times, Michael Wildes Quoted, February 3, 2011,
ii.
Broken Borders: Will Immigration Reform Be Next?
by Huma Khan and Devin Dwyer, Michael Wildes Quoted, ABC News, March 19, 2010
iii.
New Immigration support has advocates dancing but some say endorsement might be
election-year politics by Victor Manuel Ramos, Orlando Sentinel, Michael Wildes Quoted,
September 20, 2010
iv. Another Claim to Nativo Lopez
by Yolanda Arenales, La Opinión, Michael Wildes Quoted
vi.
Universities or Visa Mills?
By Lisa M. Krieger, San Jose Mercury News, Michael Wildes Quoted, July 17, 2011
North Jersey‟s undocumented immigrants readying to file for
work permits By
Monsy Alvarado, NorthJersey.com, Michael Wildes Quoted, August 14, 2012
How Immigrants Are Changing US Businesses
By Mark Koba, CNBC.com, Michael Wildes Quoted, August 14, 2012
Lawyers Expect Young Immigrants to Flood Small Employers
By Karen E. Klein, BloombergBusinessweek, August 20, 2012
Discussion on deferred action, Suburbanite Newspaper, Michael Wildes, October 2012
3. Immigration, National Security, & Terrorism
a.
Times Square Bomber Shazad
i.
Times Square Bomber Left Trail From Keys to Calls(Update2)
by Patricia Hurtado, Posted on Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg Businessweek, SFGate, Michael
Wildes Quoted
ii.
Inside the Beltway
by Jennifer Harper, Michael Wildes quoted in the Washington
Times, May 5, 2010
iii.
Times Square Bomber Probe: Did Faisal Shahzad act alone?
by Ron Scherer, Yahoo! News, The Christian Science Monitor, Michael Wildes Quoted, May
4, 2010
iv.
‘Bomber‟: I did it by myself
by Emily Ngo, Michael Wildes quoted
b.
New Jersey Terrorism Issues
i.
Newark airport security breach video shows man giving goodbye kiss to girlfriend by
Star-Ledger Staff, The Star Ledger, Michael Wildes quoted, January 07, 2010
ii. New Jersey men arraigned on terrorism charges
by Richard A. Serrano, Los Angeles Times, Michael Wildes quoted, June 8, 2010
iii.
N.J. terror suspects to appear in court for bail hearing
The Star Ledger, Michael Wildes quoted, June 10, 2011
iv.
NJ Terror Arrests & The Oil Spill & Terror Suspects in Court
My9tv, Michael Wildes mentioned and pictures
Why President Hugo Chavez is Bad for Venezuela and Good for Florida‟s Housing
Recovery by Michael Wildes, Huffington Post, February 4, 2013
c. Flight 253 Case & Shoe Bomber
i.
FBI probes account of Michigan couple in Flight 253 case
by Naomi R. Patton and Ben Schmitt, Dallasnews.com, DailyMe,CitizenTimes.com,Freep.com, The Herald, Treehugger.com, NPR.org, Michael Wildes quoted,
December 30, 2009
ii.
Christmas Day Plot Reflects Failure to Connect Warning Signs, Officials Say
FoxNews.com, Michael Wildes quoted, May 1, 2010
iii.
Hero who helped subdue shoe bomber becomes citizen
by Kate Brumback, The Associated Press, Michael Wildes noted, April 12, 2010
d. Fort Hood Shooting
i.
Muslims fight to control Fort Hood attack fallout
by Kathryn Blaze Carlson, National Post, Michael Wildes quoted, November 6, 2009
ii.
Muslims stunned by Fort Hood Shooting
By Julia Duin, The Washington Times, Michael Wildes quoted, November 7, 2009
iii.
The Jim Bohannon Show
Michael Wildes Bio
e. Rebbetzin Teitelbaum
i.
Respecting Rebbetzin Teitelbaum
Hamodia, Michael Wildes quoted, March 26, 2010
ii.
Widow of terror-victim rabbi can stay in US
by John Doyle, New York Post, Michael Wildes quoted, August 5, 2010
iii. Terror-widow „deport‟ fear
by John Doyle, New York Post, Michael Wildes quoted, March 22, 2010
f. Gadhafi
i.
Possible déjà vu for town that protested Gadhafi
by David Porter, from The Associated Press posted on, DailyRecord.com, Asbury Park Press,
Associated Press, 101 Wins, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Newser, Northjersey.com, Michael
Wildes quoted
g. Miscellaneous Quoted Articles
i.
Re-Thinking Anti-Terrorism in the United States
The Hamodia, Michael Wildes Interviewed
ii.
U.S. moves to seize mosques with Iran ties
The Washington Times, Michael Wildes quoted, November 13, 2009
4. Immigration State and Local Matters
a. Local Law Enforcement and Immigration: Community Conflict in the Making
by Michael Wildes, Immigration Law Today, September/October 2008 (Vol. 27 No. 5)
b. Morristown's Misguided Bid to Enforce Immigration Law
by Michael Wildes, This article was first published in the October 27, 2008 issue of the New Jersey
Law Journal and is republished here with permission. c 2008 ALM Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.
c. The Rationale Behind Sanctuary Cities
by Michael Wildes, Published by New Jersey Municipalities Magazine, October 2007
d. Former Mayor Wildes Discusses Immigration Law
By Mike Curley, Article written on Michael Wildes
e. Change in Prison Could Mean Revenue For State
Ebru News, Michael Wildes noted, February 8, 2011
5. Employment
a. Changes in Employment
i.
Employment Changes and H-1Bs: Guiding Principles and Recent Developments
Laurie Grossman, Published by, AILA 1999-2000 Immigration & Nationality Handbook, Vol.
II
b. H1b’s
i.
H-1B Site Visits and Form I-9 Audits: What You Should Know About These Latest
Enforcement Trends
by Michael Wildes, New Jersey Law Journal, April 12, 2010
ii.
Better Opportunities
by Dana Mattioli, The Wall Street Journal, Michael Wildes quoted
c. I-9 Procedure and Compliance
i.
The Truth about I-9 Compliance
by Michael Wildes, Posting on HR.BLR.Com, Law360
ii.
Top 5 Tips for I-9 Compliance
by Michael Wildes, Posting on HR.BLR.Com, Restaurant Hospitality
iii.
What You Need to Know About Form I-9
by Michael Wildes, Human Resources Management, February 3, 2010
iv.
Employers Beware!! Worksite Investigations Continue
by Michael Wildes, The HR Alliance February 2011 Newsletter
v.
A New Remedy in ICE's Arsenal: Debarment
by Michael Wildes, The Immigration Compliance Book, 2009-2010 Edition
vi.
What You Need to Know about Form I-9
by Michael Wildes
vii.
Protecting Your Restaurant From ICE- What You Should Know About Government
Crack Downs on I-9s.
Restaurants.com, RestaurantReport, article by Michael Wildes
viii.
Keeping the ICE Off Your Lines This Winter: What you should know about U.S.
Immigration crack downs on I-9s
by Michael Wildes, IMPO, November/December 2010
ix.
Expert Provides top 5 quick tips for I-9 compliance
by Michael Wildes, Human Resources
x.
Who‟s Working in Your Kitchen?
QSRmagazine.com, Michael Wildes quoted
xi.
ICE investiga a restaurantes
La Opiníon, Michael Wildes noted
xii.
Is Your Domestic Help Authorized to Work For You? (Lessons For Meg Whitman!)
by Michael Wildes, OpEDNews.com
xiii.
U.S. Inspects firms in 17 Sectors for Illegal Workers
By Lisa Baertlein and Jeremy Polofsky, Reuters, Michael Wildes Quoted, June 15, 2011
xiv.
Immigration‟s Changing Landscape: What the New Immigration Laws Mean For
Current Businesses and How to Chill an Audit
By Michael Wildes, BNA Insights, July 28, 2011
d. Worker Migration
i.
Americans Running South: Why We are Flocking to Mexico
for Work
by Michael Wildes, Hispanic trending, Google groups, Facebook, Newsblaze.com,
Newsgrupos.com,Topix
ii.
Viva Mexico! Why Americans are heading south for work.
by Michael Wildes Forbes.com, November 30, 2009
e. Labor Certification and I-140
i.
Mergers & Acquisitions Update
by Karin Wolman, Published by PLI Course Handbook, 35th Annual Immigration &
Naturalization Institute, October 2002
f. PERM
i.
The PERM Book: Regarding Recruitment Reports
by Leon Wildes and David Lazaar, The Perm Book, 2008-2009 Edition, Published by
ILW.com's Law Library
6. Special Renunciation Problems
a. Expatriation: Overview and Special Renunciation Problems
© 1999 Laurie Grossman and Leon Wildes
Published by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, AILA 1999-2000 Immigration &
Nationality Handbook, Vol. II
7. Mandamus
a. Nuts & Bolts of Filing Mandamus Actions Before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and
Southern Districts of New York
co-authored by Thomas Vanasse. Published by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, NY
AILA April 2008, Federal Courts Committee CLE Training
8. Deferred Departure
a. Deferred Departure for Deportable Aliens Appearing in the Association of Immigration and
Nationality Lawyers newsletter, September/October 1980
Article List Binder 2
9. Criminal Offenses and Immigration Consequences
a. Padilla Case
i.
"Padilla" Highlights Immigration Consequences of Criminal Proceedings
by Michael Wildes, New York Law Journal, January 26, 2010
ii.
Providing Immigration Advice to Criminal Defendants after "Padillla"
by Michael Wildes, New York Law Journal, July 2, 2010
b. Crime & Immigration Consequences - A Snapshot
http://wildesweinberg.com/images/stories/document_archive/crimes_snapshot2004.pdf
by Karin Wolman, Published by Immigration's New Age: Discovery, Adaptation, and Survival 7th
Annual New York Chapter Immigration Law Symposium Handbook, December 2004
10. TPS & Asylum
a. Temporary Protected Status for Haitians: not an amnesty card for illegal immigrants
by Michael Wildes
Opinion Column, The Christian Science Monitor, February 3, 2010
b. Haitians in the U.S. illegally get temporary stay from deportation
Quoted Michael Wildes, pg 2, The Record, North Jersey.com
c. Home-schoolers win asylum in U.S.
Quoted Michael Wildes, pg 1-2, The Washington Times
11. Jewelry Industry
a. H-1B and L-1 visas
i.
Due South: Navigating the Alphabet Soup of U.S. Visas
by Michael Wildes, Jewelry Business: Canada's Jewelry Magazine, December 2010 Issue
12. Hotel Industry
a. TN visa
i.
L-1 Visa: Transferring Employees From Overseas for Work in the U.S.
by Michael Wildes, Hotel Business Review, hotelexecutive.com
ii.
How Your Hotel Can Benefit From The Free Trade Agreement
by Michael Wildes, Posting on Hotel Business Review/HotelExecutive.com
http://wildesweinberg.com/images/pdf/esta_article.pdf
iii.
Key Interviewing Tips in Hiring Foreign Workers in Your Hotel
by Michael Wildes, Hotel Business Review, hotelexecutive.com
iv.
Leading Immigration Lawyer Joins Hotel Executive as Contributing Editor to the
Hotel Business Review
About Michael Wildes, Appointments & Promotions, hotelexecutive.com
v.
Holiday Travel to USA may bring pitfalls to the unwary traveler
By Roxanne Levine, In New York, No. 7, 2010
13. Domestic Staff
a. A-1, A-2, G, B-1 visas
i.
The Nonimmigrant Admission of Attendants, Domestics, and Personal Servants
Laurie Grossman, Published by, AILA 2000-2001 Immigration & Nationality Handbook, Vol.
II
14. LGBT Issues
a. Strategies for Helping Same-Sex Partners Enter the U.S. Legally
By Michael Wildes, Baltimore OUTloud
b. A “View from the Trenches” with Englewood‟s Michael Wildes
Interview with Michael Wildes, OutinJersey.net
c. Helping Same-Sex Partners Enter The United States Legally
By Michael Wildes, Focus on the Rainbow
d. Hate crimes legislation: radical social policy or justice at last?
Quoted Michael Wildes pg 3-4, Edge Publications, Entertainment::Culture
e. Strategies for Helping Same-Sex Partners Enter the United States Legally
By Michael Wildes, Echelon
f. Immigration Lawyer Michael Wildes Talks About LGBT Rights and K-1 Visa
Interview with Michael Wildes, Examiner.com
15. Entertainment & Media
a. Sports
i.
Minding Your P‟s and O‟s: Navigating the World of Athlete Visas
By Michael Wildes, Sports Destination Management, May/June 2011
ii.
Sports Franchise Navigates Immigration Law to Bring International Superstar Pelé to
the United States
By Michael Wildes, Sports Litigation Alert
iii.
Former Englewood Mayor Wildes boosts Jewish boxer Salita
Quoted Michael Wildes, New Jersey Jewish Standard
iv.
New Team Concept Allows Fans and Businesses to Power a Sprint Cup Team
Quoting Michael Wildes, Real Clear Sports
v.
Is Tiger Running Away to France?
Quoted Michael Wildes, yeeeah.com
vi.
Tiger Woods „Plans France Move‟
Quoted Michael Wildes, showbizspy.com
vii.
Is Tiger Woods Leaving the USA for France?
Quoted Michael Wildes, popeater.com
viii.
Is Tiger Running Away to France?
Quoted Michael Wildes, fafarazzi.com
ix. Arizona Immigration Law Met by Silence from Major League Baseball
By Bob Nightengale, USA Today, Michael Wildes Quoted, July 11, 2011
x. MLB Doesn‟t Take A Stand on Arizona Law
By Kevin Baxter, LA Times, Michael Wildes Quoted, July 11, 2011
xi. Outrage of Baseball Players at the MLB All-Star Game Seems to Have Diminished
By Any Martino, NY Daily News, Michael Wildes Quoted, April 30, 2010
b. Fashion & Modeling
ix.
Michael Wildes, un abogado que lucha por y para los inmigrantes, El Abogado de las
estrellas se acercaa la comunidad Latina
Interview with Michael Wildes, IMPACTO Latin News, Immigración, Jan. 26- Feb 1, 2011,
with pictures
x.
Sightings
Noting Michael Wildes, New York Post
xi.
We hear…
Noting Michael Wildes, New York Post
xii.
Faking the Big “O”: Popular Visas in the Modeling Industry
By Michael Wildes, SOMW-Secrets of the Modeling World, somwnewyork.com
xiii.
Tired of Waiting for Your U.S. Residency Papers? Try Becoming Miss Universe First
Noting Michael Wildes, chicagonow.com
xiv.
Renowned Immigration Attorney Michael Wildes Secures Green Card Application for
Miss Universe 2008
Quoted Michael Wildes, PR Newswire, prnewswire.com, including picture
xv.
Having Secured the Miss Universe Crown, Jimena Navarrete Goes for the Green
[Card]
Noting Michael Wildes, Lauramartinez.wordpress.com\
xvi.
Immigration Attorney to the Stars Michael Wildes Secures Green Card for Miss
Universe 2009
Press Release
xvii.
Immigration Attorney to the Stars Michael Wildes Secures Green Card for Miss
Universe 2010
Press Release
xviii.
U.S. Visa Secured for Miss Universe 2010 of Mexico
Noting Michael Wildes, Hispanictips.com
xix.
A Second Chance for the Garment Center
By Michael Wildes, Fashion Mannuscript, March 2010
xx.
Bettina May earns “genius” green card—for her unique burlesque, pin-up abilities
Quoted Michael Wildes, The Daily News, September 2012
b. Music
i.
Time to say goodbye: Sarah Brightman leaves Britain to become a U.S. Citizen
Quoted Michael Wildes, Telegraph.co.uk
ii.
Attorney to the Stars, Michael Wildes, Retained by Best-Selling Artist Sarah
Brightman, Wildes Secures Green Card Approval for Brightman
Noting Michael Wildes, PR Newswire, also Press release information and article hits,
including picture
iii.
Noted Immigration Attorney Michael Wildes Secures O Visa Classification for
International Musician Craig David, Wildes & Weinberg P.C. Continues to Meet the
Immigration Needs of International Superstars
Quoted Michael Wildes, PR Newswire
Michael Wildes wins “Permanent Residnecy” for Musician Craig David, ZIMBIO
c.
Movies
i.
Did Russell Brand‟s Arrest Ruin His Green Card Chances?
Quoting Michael Wildes, Celebuzz.com
d. Media
16. Child Abduction
a. Sean Goldman case highlights rising international child abduction
Quoted Michael Wildes pg 3, The Christian Science Monitor
17. Family-Based Petitions
a. Marriage & Marriage Fraud
i.
Vows for Visas, Bogus marriage scheme probed
Quoting Michael Wildes, telegram.com
18. Foreign Media Articles
a) Russian newspaper interview featuring Michael Wildes, Metro News
b) Featured articles in Cambio, a local Spanish newspaper, New Jersey
Lawyer Tackles Toughest Immigration Cases
6/27/13 11:20 AM
SAFE HARBOR MASTER
LAWYER TACKLES TOUGHEST IMMIGRATION CASES
For most lawyers, wearing bulletproof vests is not standard procedure. Nor are travel
arrangements made courtesy of the U.S. Capitol police.
Such measures, though, have become commonplace to attorney Michael Wildes, who has
handled the immigration affairs of a suspected terrorist and a high-profile Saudi defector, and
has negotiated the safe return of children kidnapped to foreign lands.
Wildes, a former special assistant U.S. attorney in New York and an Englewood councilman,
is becoming well-known in the immigration community for handling the toughest, most
complicated, and potentially dangerous cases in immigration law.
Above left, Leon Wildes, left, with “I think we send out a message to
his son and law partner, Michael, people who would want to
in Manhattan. Michael Wildes has undermine the fundamental tenets of
our government when we put
an intense interest in family
history and credits his ancestors ourselves out there and stand up for
what we believe in," said Wildes. "If I
for who he is and what he has.
were to stand down because of
Top left his grandmother's
passport, and below, that of his threats they level, they win.”
great-grandmother. Bottom left, a As an immigration attorney, he has
made headlines by defending the
family portrait taken just after
right to asylum for a suspect in a
1900.
Saudi bombing that killed 19 U.S.
servicemen in 1996. And he
represented a Pakistani who claimed
to have knowledge of a 1998 nuclear
attack on India (it never occurred).
In September, the 34-year-old
lawyer helped Petya Petrov, a
Manhattan doctor, retrieve her three
children from Syria, where they were
allegedly being held unlawfully by
her estranged husband, Viktor
http://michaelwildes.org/LawyerTacklesToughestImmigrationCases.htm
Page 1 of 4
Lawyer Tackles Toughest Immigration Cases
6/27/13 11:20 AM
Petrov.
And a few years ago, he became
involved with a Saudi Arabian
defector, who was being hunted by a
terrorist party from his country.
Wildes, a boisterous, fast-talking
Type-A personality who can seem
pushy and caring at the same time,
seems to be driven by the highpressure cases his clients bring him.
Always found with a phone at his ear (he owns two cellular phones), Wildes claims to sleep
only three hours a night and is in his office at 5:30 a.m. each day.
“I'm impassioned on their behalf to see that justice is served,” said Wildes, a partner since
1996 at the Manhattan law Firm of Wildes & Weinberg, which was founded by his father,
Leon Wildes.
It was this sense of justice that led him to help Petya Petrov, whose three children were
kidnapped to Syria by her husband. Wildes helped her free of charge.
“I was very lucky to get to know Mr. Wildes,” said Petya Petrov. “It was the happiest thing
when they returned.”
Petrov's husband, Viktor, took the children to Syria, leaving a note saying he was going to
Great Adventure.
Viktor Petrov allegedly had his parents hold the children hostage in Syria while he returned to
the United States, making demands that his wife let him manage all her income except $5 per
day. He also insisted that she find him a job as a medical resident, and that she not make
long distance phone calls, use the Internet, or meet friends, she said.
“She realized he was blackmailing her,” Wildes said. “Most people do not come back to the
United States after they kidnap their kids.”
Wildes helped secure the children's return to their mother by negotiating with Syrian officials
to obtain custody and worked to get their father charged in a complaint under the
International Parental Kidnapping Act of 1993, which he helped to pass.
“This sends a very strong message that the government will prosecute these cases,” said
Wildes.
Several years ago, Wildes helped to secure asylum for a former Saudi diplomat to the United
Nations whose life was being threatened.
Mohammed Khilewi, who had been the No. 2 man at the Saudi Arabian Mission, was made
the target of a terror squad that meant to kidnap him and return him to his native land.
Khilewi has made allegations that the Saudi government was planning to assassinate
Washington diplomats and had bugged the offices of the Jewish Defense League.
Under protection of the Capitol Police and wearing flak jackets, Wildes and the former
ambassador went to Washington, where they spoke with congressional leaders about
Khilewi's need for asylum.
Asylum was granted, and more than 14,000 documents, that supported Khilewi's allegations
were turned over to the FBI. His claims are under investigation.
http://michaelwildes.org/LawyerTacklesToughestImmigrationCases.htm
Page 2 of 4
Lawyer Tackles Toughest Immigration Cases
6/27/13 11:20 AM
“I consider him a friend more than just a lawyer,” said Khilewi, who lives in a secure location
and still travels under armed guard.
Although he has received accolades for his work on these and other similar cases, the
notoriety does come with a price: His life has been threatened several times.
In some respects, danger is not new to Wildes new to Wildes, who spent 10 years as an
auxiliary police officer for the New York City Police Department. He is licensed to carry a
firearm in several states.
Wildes, who was born in Manhattan on Nov. 22, 1964, spent most of his life in queens, where
he lived until 1995, before moving to Englewood.
In elementary school, he would go to his father's immigration law office and cut paper for use
as scrap for the lawyers. As a reward, he was given a “big, fat law book” to read.
“I grew up always with immigration on my mind,” said Wildes, who was raised an Orthodox
Jew.
It would have been difficult to think of much else.
Wildes' father, a world-renowned expert on immigration law, started his law practice more
than 30 years ago and made his name by representing a very high profile client, John
Lennon.
Lennon's problem was simple: U.S. law prevented him from becoming a citizen because he
had a drug conviction in Great Britain.
Leon Wildes helped changed the law in the Lennon case, explaining that before Lennon,
anyone with a drug conviction was ineligible to come into the United States and automatically
deportable if discovered here.
Pictures of Leon Wildes and John Lennon on the courthouse steps hang on the firm's office
walls and can be found in the brochures. Now, the younger Wildes represents Lennon's
widow, Yoko Ono.
“It's a source of pride for me that Michael … has followed in the practice in a way that only
Michael could do,” said Leon Wildes. “I've always kept a very quiet profile. Even if I had high
profile clients, I never capitalized on it or promoted myself or the practice. But Michael has
attracted them and done well by them and truly enhanced the practice with his personality.”
Wildes' interests go beyond the immigration. As a member of the Englewood Council for the
past year, he is also involved in local politics, and he volunteers for a Jewish ambulance
squad in New York City- actually leaving clients in his office when is called out on an
emergency.
His desire to help people is fueled by the knowledge of immigrants' struggles, in particular,
those of his own family.
And Wildes' research into the difficulties his family faced when it came to the United States
from Eastern Europe has made his daily work more meaningful.
“I see hundreds of passports come across my desk throughout the course of the year,”
Wildes said. “I have a very heightened sense when I review these passports. I'm reminded
that my grandfather, for all his contributions to business in Germany, was regarded only as a
Jew in the country.”
Wildes has been collecting information about his ancestors and has put together books for
http://michaelwildes.org/LawyerTacklesToughestImmigrationCases.htm
Page 3 of 4
Lawyer Tackles Toughest Immigration Cases
6/27/13 11:20 AM
family members that include photocopies of his ancestors' immigration papers, passports,
correspondences, and even family recipes.
The passports of his grandparents are marked with a “J” to identify them as Jewish. And just
in case the J was removed, all male passports were marked with the name “Abraham” while
female passports had the name “Sara.”
Wildes said he is fascinated to learn all he can about his grandparents and greatgrandparents, whom he never knew.
Back Home
Paid for by Friends of Michael J. Wildes, Claudia Colbert, Treasurer
http://michaelwildes.org/LawyerTacklesToughestImmigrationCases.htm
Page 4 of 4
Photo courtesy of Michael J. Wildes
POLITICS
BY ALIZA DAVIDOVIT
D
emocratic Mayor and high profile immigration
attorney Michael J. Wildes serves in deference to
the woman with the biggest mouth in America.
It’s not Rosie O’Donnell, Hillary Clinton, or even a Jewish
mother-in-law. It’s a woman whose mouth is three-feet
wide and yet has never uttered a single word. For over a
century she has stood as a silent witness to the historic
inflow of America’s greatest treasures—its people and
their burgeoning dreams. She is Lady Liberty and her
symbolic message is loud: “We will not forget that liberty
here made her home.”
But in the depths of her silence is where Michael
Wildes finds his convictions and his voice and makes
them heard. As the grandson of Holocaust survivors who
immigrated through Ellis Island, he recognizes that even
the immutable rights of freedom and liberty need a vocal
advocate. And at personal risk, he has taken on deeply
controversial cases, often pro bono, and has dared to
ring the freedom bell.
Wildes, who is an Orthodox Jew, is now serving his
second term as mayor of Englewood, New Jersey, one of
the Garden State’s most affluent municipalities. He is a
man who has reckoned with both his past and future
and has full appreciation and respect for his traditions
and background as well as for his duty and responsibility
for the next generation of his family, the next generation
of Americans, and the next generation of Jews. The 42year-old father of four says it is very important to him
that his children, more than anyone else, are proud of
him. To maintain that pride he knows he must lead by
example. “In the accumulation of life experiences, it is
not what you say that’s
important,” Wildes emphasizes, “It is about what you do.”
Wildes himself was raised in a home where selfdevelopment was ardently stressed, but selflessness, charitable behavior, and communal outreach were the raison
d’etre. In line with the Judaic teaching of tikkun olam,
fixing the world, his younger brother, Mark, became a
rabbi and he a public official. Trained as both a lawyer
and a rabbi, Mark established Manhattan Jewish
Experience, a trendy outreach organization, in memory of
their mother. MJE has succeeded in bringing thousands of
unaffiliated Jews in their 20s and 30s back to their Jewish
heritage and now has three Manhattan locations.
MICHAEL J. WILDES
leading by example
lifestylesmagazine.com
19
POLITICS
tells Lifestyles. “It was hard to keep up
As for Wildes, he says that being
mayor has made him a better Jew and
with him; we thought maybe he
that being an Orthodox Jew has made
wanted to be in the FBI.”
Wildes, born and raised in Queens,
him a better mayor. Although there are
Wildes quickly realized that opporNew York, started reading voraciously
no sharp political skills needed for ceretunities
have a limited shelf life and
from a very young age. He was
monial ribbon cuttings (only sharp scisthus committed himself from an early
attracted to mysteries, intrigue, and
sors), the sensitivity and sensibilities of
age to achieving his goals and differenproblem solving—never getting
the Jewish traditions provide a trementiating himself from his peers. By 18,
enough of the Hardy Boys or other
dous resource for a mayor who is often
Wildes was already interning on the Hill
mind teasing tales. Very often, after officalled upon to comfort families,
with Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro
cial bedtime, he would read by flashfiremen, congregants, and constituents
and Congressman Gary Ackerman. But
light for hours under his blanket, only
in times of tragedy and loss. Often
by that point he already had a depth of
to be outed in the morning when he
those visits have to be made on a
understanding about life that would
was found fast asleep with an open
put all his future ambitions in true perShabbat, the Jewish day of rest, when
book on his face. He was always curious
spective. Four years prior, at the age of
driving is prohibited. He is thus often
14, he began volunseen walking for miles
teering for a local
and miles to reach the
homes or hearts of conChevra Kadisha, the
stituents who seek his
Jewish burial society
support. Seeing that
responsible for washing
Englewood is 4.92
and preparing the
square miles, Wildes says
bodies of the dead
that in the line of duty,
according to Judaic law.
he has definitely worn
He continues to volunout a pair of Florsheims
teer to this day. When
or two.
Wildes’ own mother,
With a political and
Ruth, died of breast
personal agenda to
cancer in 1995, it was
Englewood’s First Family: (l-r) Joshua Wildes, Lauren Wildes,
change the world, even
Wildes who placed the
Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes with his youngest, Jaclyn Wildes,
if he has to reach that
clay on her ever-shining
Englewood’s First Lady Amy Wildes, and Raquel Wildes.
goal by foot, it is not a
blue eyes prior to her
surprise that Wildes’ favorite movie is
burial.
and questioning.
Thus, today, when this New Jersey
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, a film
As a youngster, Wildes wanted to
mayor
is blamed for wearing his ambithat famously depicts how one indibe a police officer and would fingertion on his sleeve, he is not miffed or
vidual can make a meaningful differprint all his friends and relatives.
deterred. Indeed, he confesses that he
ence. And though D.C. is a far walk
(Officer Mike eventually did work as an
is driven to reach his meaningful goals.
from New Jersey, many feel the ambiauxiliary police officer for the NYPD
With firsthand knowledge he reminds
tious mayor is sprinting full speed
from 1982-92, wearing his yarmulke all
that shrouds have no pockets. “All one
ahead to the nation’s capital. Although
the while.) But then he moved on from
really has is the good he leaves
he did drop his recent challenge to run
fingerprinting to making plaster casts of
behind.”
for state senate at the behest of
footprints. (Today, the footprints he’d
And Wildes himself has a lot of
Governor Corzine, those close to him
like to follow in are that of his mentor
good he still wants to do. “The minute
and in the know have already nickand friend, Joseph Lieberman, the
you stop wanting to do something
named him “Senator.” The Democratic
Connecticut senator who’s been coined
higher, you start going in reverse.” And
Leadership Council has listed him on
the “conscience of the senate.”) It
as if being a father, a husband, a
the “100 to Watch” list which profiles
didn’t take long for Wildes’ reading to
member of many boards, a lawyer and
100 New Democrat leaders around the
mature from children’s books to newsmayor is not enough, Wildes is also a
country who are on the quick rise. Even
papers. He wanted to learn more and
certified emergency medical technician
Senator Ted Kennedy says that he has
more about everything, but especially
and will go out on Hatzolah calls (an
“high expectations” Wildes will soon
government and how it worked. “It
emergency medical service that serves
join him in Washington.
was one thing after another,” his father
Photo courtesy of Michael J. Wildes
R
lifestylesmagazine.com
20
POLITICS
years, working as a federal prosecutor
on cases dealing with immigration and
naturalization, the FBI, the Internal
Revenue Service, and an extensive
range of other legal issues.
`In 1993, Wildes joined his father’s prestigious law firm, Wildes & Weinberg,
perhaps the United States’ premier law
firm concentrating on the immigration
and naturalization field. The firm, which
consists of 14 attorneys and has a staff
of 40, represents both individuals as
well as corporations. The firm partici-
R
Photo courtesy of Michael J. Wildes
young child, Wildes would carry around
a briefcase so he could be just like his
father. He’d then be given a big law
book to read for being a good boy—
and he’d read it. The adoring son, who
is so accomplished in his own right,
says that if he could be anyone else for
a single day, there is no one he would
Working on the Hill, assisting in legislarather be than Leon Wildes. “Spending
tive research and attending congrestime with my father is one of the
sional sessions as a teenager, further
greatest gifts of my life,” Wildes says,
spurred his interest in the political
aching only that his beloved mother is
process and how it shapes the country.
not by his side as well.
“I was fascinated with American history
But when Wildes joined
and how it facilitated
the
team at Wildes &
dreams,” he says. He also
Weinberg, he didn’t platform
felt that it was his duty as
himself as being the boss’s
the grandson of Holocaust
son. He brought with him not
survivors and as a Jew to
only his experience, but the
have a voice at the proverever-burning fire inside to
bial political table. His course
make a difference and to
had been set. Wildes began
make every moment count.
to get involved in local New
He has substantially conYork politics. In 1986, he
tributed to the success of the
graduated magna cum
firm and has brought in very
laude from Queens College,
high-profile cases, continually
receiving honors in political
making headlines in
science. He made the dean’s
defending the rights of
list and was elected to Pi
Mayor Michael Wildes with New Jersey Governor
freedom and liberty. He has
Sigma Alpha, a national
Jon Corzine at Liberty Park in New Jersey.
helped on cases involving the
political science honor
pated
in
efforts
to
liberalize
the
immisurviving
spouses of 9/11 victims, some
society. In 1989, he graduated from
gration laws to permit even broader
of whom lost their status when their
Benjamin Cardozo School of Law,
U.S. immigration and was sought out
partners were killed. Wildes helped
where his father, Leon Wildes, a
by
major
banks
and
industrial
concerns
clients like these win the right to stay in
renowned immigration attorney, was
to represent them in their efforts to
the U.S.
an adjunct professor. He met his eversecure
needed
personnel
from
abroad.
Wildes also made headlines by
gracious and beautiful wife, Amy, who
Wildes’
father,
the
founder
of
the
firm,
securing
the cooperation of an accused
is also a lawyer, in his father’s class.
serves as senior partner and is best
terrorist who was implicated in the
Although Wildes got an “A+” and Amy
known
for
his
successful
representation
Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi
got an “A”, the pluses outweighed the
of former Beatle John Lennon and his
Arabia—an atrocity in which 19 U.S.
minuses and the entire class clapped
wife, Yoko Ono, in deportation proservicemen lost their lives. Under prowhen Professor Wildes announced their
ceedings
spanning
a
five-year
period.
tection of the Capitol Police and
engagement. “It was love at first
wearing a flak jacket, Wildes went to
New York magazine has listed Leon
glance,” Wildes says. And they have
Washington to speak with congresWildes
as
a
“Best
Lawyer
in
America”
in
been together for 17 years. The Elvissional leaders about Saudi Arabian
immigration
law
for
two
years
in
a
row.
loving mayor says, “My wife rocks.”
diplomat Mohammed Al-Khilewi’s need
Wildes has personally listed his dad
After graduation, Wildes began
for asylum after defecting and walking
as
“best
father
in
America”
for
42
years
working as a special assistant U.S.
off with incriminating evidence of interin a row. He has idolized him since
attorney at the United States Attorney’s
national terrorism and espionage. The
childhood and says that working with
Office for the Eastern District of New
diplomat made allegations that the
his
father
is
extremely
meaningful.
As
a
York. He stayed there for nearly four
Jewish neighborhoods) in the middle of
the night. “I love my life,” Wildes says,
“but I am not happy unless I've delivered something to somebody every
day.”
lifestylesmagazine.com
21
POLITICS
forgot to pick up the trousers and left
recognition of his own personal talents
Saudi government was planning to
an ever-chilling Wildes waiting for an
and expertise in U.S. immigration law.
assassinate Washington diplomats and
hour. As he reflects on the incident,
had bugged the offices of the Jewish
Wildes says it’s too bad that there were
Defense League. Wildes prevailed and
no cell phones in those days. (Perhaps
Khilewi was granted asylum. Wildes also
Wildes’ ornate law office on Madison
with just a few more hours to think in
represented Kwame James, who subAvenue gives honest testimony to the
the lavatory, Wildes could have
dued “shoe bomber” Richard Reid,
success he has achieved. There is barely
invented the cell phone while miles
saving 197 passengers and crew mema spare inch on his walls, covered as
away in some other toilet Al Gore was
bers on American Airlines Flight 63 but
they are with distinguished plaques and
inventing the Internet.) But today there
who was nonetheless going to be
honors as well as photos of Wildes with
are mobile phones and the agiledeported because his visa had expired.
extremely high-profile individuals,
tongued Wildes has four of them. Yes,
He also helped a Manhattan doctor
ranging from U.S. presidents, prime
he certainly talks a lot, but that’s
retrieve her three children from Syria,
ministers, rock stars, fashion models, and
because he has much to say
where they were allegedly
and many to say it to. He
being held unlawfully by her
gives voice and hope to the
estranged husband. These
unempowered, he communiare but a few cases among
cates counsel and expertise to
Wildes’ relentless initiatives
his clients, he articulates his
to do good and to be good.
vision to his constituents and
As a result, Wildes has
countrymen, he gives sound
become internationally
to the goals of the
renowned and is frequently
Democratic party, he speaks
called upon by network
wisdom and love to his family
news to offer insight and
and friends, he echoes ancient
expertise on crucial legal
prayers to his God, he
matters affecting the global
defends his Jewish homeland,
community, from terrorism
to the Patriot Act.
Wildes welcomed U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy to his law offices and he protests loudly against
As for his political inter- in Manhattan for a NORPAC-sponsored fundraiser to assist the injustice. Reared in a tribe that
Senator's re-election in 2006.
suffered because of apathetic
ests, Wildes began his
silence, Wildes insists on being heard.
elected career as an Englewood counNobel laureates. And if one is to literally
He’s not worried about his mobile
cilman in 1999. He was re-elected in
read the writing on his wall, then it’s
calling plan, just about his calling.
2002, and was then elected mayor in
obvious that his ambitions are revving.
In his heart resonates the ever-pre2004 and 2006. He was sworn in by
If he had to free up some wall
sent
voice of his departed mother who
New Jersey senator Frank Lautenberg
space for the next meaningful and
taught him that it’s more important to
with one hand raised up in oath to his
important picture, it will likely be one of
be a mensch than to be a mayor, to
office and the other hand resting on his
him being sworn in as a senator—again
grandfather’s chumash, a holy book
have
inner strength instead of pomp
with one hand raised and the other on
and power, to live by example rather
which, unlike six million Jews, survived
his grandfather’s chumash. In fact,
than to preach in default, and to nurNazi persecution.
Wildes already has all it takes to be a
ture the roots rather than to polish the
In addition to his ability to help
senator, for he’s already been caught
fruit. And it is by those guiding princihimself, many leading Democrats,
with his pants down. The only twist is
ples that Wildes leads his life. “One day
including Edward Kennedy, Hillary
that his off-with-the-pants saga is more
I know I’ll be the former something,
Clinton, Joseph Lieberman, Nancy
breezy than hot. Among the most
former mayor, former senator, a former
Pelossi, and John Kerry have recognized
embarrassing moments of his life is
something,” Michael Wildes says realisand appreciated his fundraising
when he split his pants while at work
tically. But with steadfast values he will
prowess. Michael takes pride in being
and sent his associate off to the tailor to
make certain the day never comes
appointed recently by New Jersey
get them fixed while he waited in the
when he’ll be the former Michael
Governor Corzine to a Blue Ribbon
bathroom. Unfortunately, lunch
Wildes. lifestyles
State Panel on Immigration Policy—a
became a priority and his co-worker
Photo courtesy of Michael J. Wildes
R
www.lifestylesmagazine.com
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