First-Generation Graduate Overcomes Challenges to Become an Advocate for Immigrant Families

In March 2020, just a day before the pandemic lockdown, I accompanied my mom to her

USCIS Adjustment of Status Interview in Fresno. I was terrified. Although I had just graduated

with a Bachelor's in Political Science and was applying to law school, I had no legal knowledge.

My family navigated this process without an attorney because we couldn't afford one, and my

parents struggled to trust anyone who couldn't communicate with them in Spanish.

As we walked into the building, I could feel my mom's fear, and for the first time in my

life, I had to push myself to be her source of comfort, even though she had always been mine.

The security check was overwhelming. Taking off our shoes and walking through the detector

felt foreign to us because even though this is just like an airport security check, our family had

never flown before. My heart dropped as I realized the immigration officers at the security check

now knew our secret—they knew we were here because one of us was undocumented.

As we waited for my mom to be called, I tried to make small talk, but our nerves kept us

both silent. The interview felt endless, and when we finally walked out of the office, we had no

answers. My mom and I had hoped we would learn right then if she would be granted LPR

status, but we didn’t. On the drive home, I offered to take her out for breakfast, and though she

reluctantly agreed, her plate remained untouched.

Going with my mom to USCIS left me feeling completely powerless. With no legal

knowledge, I felt as though I had let her down by not being better prepared for this process. As

the oldest daughter, a U.S. citizen, and a first-generation graduate, I felt it was my responsibility

to guide my family through the complexities of the immigration system. But in that moment, I

realized I had failed them by attending that interview unprepared. That day, I knew without a

doubt that law school was my path forward.

A few weeks after my mom received her LPR card in the mail, our entire family felt so

happy. A few months later I received my acceptance letter to San Joaquin College of Law and

thus began my journey to becoming a lawyer.

While attending law school, I discovered that our campus had an immigration clinic—the

New American Legal Clinic (NALC)—and I became involved during my third year. Through the

clinic, I was introduced to immigration law, bringing me closer to my goal of helping immigrants

navigate a complex system. I started accompanying clients to USCIS interviews, and each time,

I was reminded of the experience I had with my mom. However, this time, I felt more confident

and at ease, knowing the law and understanding my clients' rights.

Early in 2023, with the help of NALC, I began working on my dad's adjustment of status.

When his case was approved, I was overjoyed and relieved knowing both of my parents would

finally have legal status. The day before my dad's birthday, his LPR card arrived in the mail, and

we wrapped it up as a surprise gift to give him the next day.

My parents' lack of legal status had a profound impact on my childhood. The constant

fear of being separated from them one day is a burden no child should ever endure. Attending

my mom's USCIS interview without any legal knowledge or an attorney to guide us was a heavy

weight I wouldn’t wish on anyone. These experiences drove me to want to help other families

facing similar immigration challenges. I aspire to guide immigrants on their path to citizenship,

but also to ease the fears of their loved ones who watch them struggle through this journey.

Law school was no easy feat. As a first-generation graduate, the journey often felt

isolating, especially since I started law school from home on Zoom during the 2020 pandemic.

While it has been one of the toughest challenges I've faced, I am proud to have earned my Juris

Doctor degree.

The Bar exam was another test of my perseverance, demanding every ounce of

discipline I had. Passing it on my first attempt was one of the happiest moments of my life. I am

thrilled to be ending 2023 as an attorney and I am excited to help my immigrant community

achieve their American dreams by guiding them through the complexities of our immigration

system. SI SE PUDO. Estoy lista para ayudar.