Why I'm an intern with American Gateways

After finishing up my second year at the University of Texas School of Law I knew I wanted an opportunity to build on my knowledge from the semester in which I participated in the UT Immigration Clinic. I immediately became interested in interning at American Gateways because it was a non-profit organization that dealt specifically with immigration matters. In particular, I admired the organization’s dedication to ensure individuals are given equal and competent representation regardless of their immigration or socioeconomic status.

Due largely in part to my ethnicity as a Mexican-American, I have always been greatly interested in immigration. My parents decided to move to the United States from Mexico only a couple of years before I was born. Although my parents had a fairly easy time immigrating and becoming citizens, I have personally witnessed the great difficulty and extreme sacrifices others face in navigating our complicated legal system and gaining legal immigration status.

In college and law school I took several classes that only served to spike my interest in the field. These classes shed light on the grave injustices that immigrants often face. I believe that American Gateways is an organization that attempts to correct many of these injustices by providing assistance to individuals who lack representation and a means to assert many of their basic rights. Additionally, the organization helps immigrants by giving them the knowledge and basic tools to help them become stronger self-advocates.

In addition to all these reasons I believe this summer will help me build on my experiences thus far and allow me to return for my final year of law school more able to understand the practical application of the law that I am learning in my courses.