When Hiroshi Motomura became a U.S. citizen at age 15, his naturalization certificate listed him as “stateless.” Born in Japan, he was 3 years old when his family emigrated. But as he explained on NPR’s All Things Considered, neither parent could transmit citizenship. His father had not lived in the U.S. long enough to transmit his American citizenship. And no mother could, at the time, transmit Japanese citizenship. In time, this family history inspired his scholarship. Now Motomura teaches immigration law ― and not just to law students. His influential books, Americans in Waiting and Immigration Outside the Law, are widely consulted and highly regarded. Inside the classroom, Motomura is known for creative and effective teaching. He was one of 26 professors featured in What the Best Law Teachers Do from Harvard University Press. The book is full of anecdotes from former students. One recounts how Motomura’s teaching helps him successfully represent asylum seekers. “His work has saved lives,” the attorney asserts. No wonder Motomura was awarded a 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship. Once “stateless,” he now serves on the board of directors of the National Immigration Law Center, living proof that the American Dream can be born anywhere.