I am the son of a Pakistani-Indian immigrant mother and native New Yorker father. I  was raised in Tempe, Arizona. I love seeing a good film, eating some good food, and of course traveling. I have studied in France and have worked in Thailand and Cambodia. I have traveled several times to Europe, Southeast Asia and South Asia including India and Pakistan.

I believe in the great potential that new immigrants bring to this country and am a strong supporter of immigration reform that will benefit immigrants. As a son of a Pakistani immigrant, I understand the difficulties new immigrants face when trying to gain entry into the United States and to keep families together. I will work hard to reunite families and protect those facing removal. As a human rights advocate, I am aware of the suffering that some immigrants have faced in their home countries. I will fight for those who were persecuted because of their beliefs or social identity, so that they may live life genuinely and free from harm.