Professor Leonard Birdsong 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.