Q&A with Audra M. Doyle of Doyle Law LLC
Lauren Elliott: Audra, I’ve seen a few of the piles of documents required for the dancer’s visas, and they are considerable. On average, how many pages of documents make up a visa application for an Atlanta Ballet company dancer?
Audra Doyle: The most common case we file for the ballet is called an O-1 Extraordinary Ability Nonimmigrant Visa. A typical case can have between 250-500 pages of documents that must be mailed to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Lauren Elliott: I know you have a background in the arts. Does that support your work obtaining visas for artists?
Audra Doyle: The arts are an essential form of expression and communication, and our society is healthier for having a vibrant fine arts community. Atlanta Ballet is a cornerstone of our fine arts community in Atlanta. I lived the life of a professional in the arts through college and my first career as a music teacher. With that background I can relate and better understand the lives the dancers are leading, and very much respect their dedication to their craft. In general, our country does not admire the fine arts as other Western countries might, and it is my honor to be an advocate for Atlanta Ballet in reaching more members of our community by bringing the most talented dancers to our city.
Lauren Elliott: What drew you to immigration law?
Audra Doyle: I discovered my love of immigration law as an intern at Jean Padberg & Associates, of whom my own firm is a successor. The field is exciting and dynamic. I particularly enjoy helping immigrants from around the world achieve their dreams, whether the case be based on their work (including ballet dancers!) or their family members.
Lauren Elliott: Thank you so much, Audra, for all your hard work to bring a world-class ballet company to Atlanta.