Support a DACA Recipient's Dream of Legal Advocacy

I have always known I wanted to be a lawyer. Not because I understood the law at a young age or was told I knew “how to argue,” but because I vividly remember the stress my parents went through as they tried to find legal representation when first entering this country.

When my parents and I came to the United States from Albania in 2001, language barriers, financial burdens, and lack of proper legal representation prevented us from successfully applying for asylum and adjusting our immigration status. Although life as an undocumented immigrant has been challenging, I gained a community invested in serving and protecting immigrants. My personal experiences and involvement with immigrant rights and stateless organizations forged my commitment to become a lawyer capable of helping immigrant families with unique insight and empathy. As an undocumented immigrant, DACA recipient, and stateless individual, my ability to personally understand my clients, the obstacles they face, and the severity of their concerns will help me better represent and serve my clients.

The law school process has been extremely difficult and mentally challenging, from applications to organizing my move. Even after scholarships and negotiations with my school, my cost of living and additional educational expenses remain a significant burden. Because my immigration status bars me from taking federal loans and many private loans, I am searching for alternative methods of funding my education. Any amount would help me reach my dreams of becoming one of the few stateless and DACA recipient lawyers in the country.

Thank you.