September 2026

My first month as an Equal Justice America Fellow at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) has been nothing short of incredible and insightful. As part of the immigration team in the border town of Laredo, Texas, I have had the opportunity to directly assist clients while learning what it truly means to practice law in service of others. From the beginning, TRLA’s onboarding process has emphasized that professional responsibility is not simply about following rules; it is about respecting the practice of law while advocating for the most vulnerable clients zealously, thoughtfully, and with compassion. This perspective has shaped how I approach each assignment, reminding me that behind every application and legal document is a person whose future depends on our work.

Much of my first month has involved learning the intricacies of immigration law, particularly T-visas and U-visas. I have spent hours reviewing sample applications and using them as guides as I begin developing my own applications. One client I have been working with was granted T-1 nonimmigrant status in 2023 as a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons and is now seeking to adjust his status to that of a lawful permanent resident. Working through his application has been especially meaningful because reading the facts of his life is not simply an academic exercise. His story, like those of many of our clients, carries experiences of hardship, resilience, and hope.

This month has also taught me how quickly the immigration landscape can change. I have followed the release of a new I-485 application with an updated public-charge guidance emphasizing a totality-of-the-circumstances analysis as well as changes that make it more likely that a victim of crime or trafficking eligible for a T or U visa could be ordered removed even while their applications are still pending. At the same time, seeing victories that advocates from other agencies have achieved such as the challenge to the broad nationality-based visa ban affecting 75 countries, has reminded me that advocacy can create systemic reform and meaningful change.

In the Laredo office where I am based, I have also gained a broader appreciation for the diverse issues facing non-citizens who turn to TRLA. Clients may come to the organization because of workers’ compensation matters, veterans’ assistance, or agricultural work, and these experiences often intersect with their immigration needs. I am learning to see immigration not as an isolated area of practice, but as an embedded part of a much larger story about a person’s life.

Perhaps the most important lesson, however, came during TRLA’s New Lawyer Orientation retreat, particularly a session asking me, “What is your why?” For me, that answer is deeply personal. I came to the United States as a refugee, and I remember the compassion and dedication of the lawyers who helped my family abroad navigate an unfamiliar system and begin rebuilding our lives. Their empathy showed me that law can do more than resolve legal problems. It can restore dignity, create hope, and open the door to a promising future. My first month at TRLA has begun teaching me how to carry that same sense of compassion into my own work. Learning to build rapport with clients and create a space where they feel safe sharing their stories has reinforced my belief that effective advocacy begins with listening. I am only one month into this fellowship, but I have learned so much about not only how to practice immigration law, but why it matters.

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