Our 2020 Summer Interns
Anna Trillo, 2020 NMILC Law Student Intern
Anna Trillo, Law Student Intern and 2020 Othmer Fellowship Recipient
At NMILC this past summer, I had the privilege of working directly with human trafficking survivors on their various immigration processes. I learned and worked on T-Visas meant for victims of human trafficking, U-Visas for victims of crimes, and even a citizenship application. New Mexico Immigrant Law Center and my supervising attorneys trusted me with what I consider incredibly significant work. I attended committee meetings that addressed some of the difficulties of navigating protections for survivors now during the pandemic. By far what I considered the best experience was interacting and working with the clients directly. The people I spoke to are extremely resilient, they have been through some of the worst situations that life can put them in, yet they are surviving and moving forward. Some would share their stories with me, which would only motivate me more to continue my legal education in public interest. My summer position culminated with a collaboration creating a social media campaign ending on July 30th, the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, where I conducted research to better inform the public on Human Trafficking and provide information on how to contribute.
Thalia Fort, 2020 NMILC Development Team Intern
Thalia Fort, Development Team Intern
I am incredibly grateful for my experience this summer as an intern with NMILC. The people I worked with were the most supportive of me and I am very appreciative of everything they have taught me. I learned so much about the civil-legal field and what immigration in New Mexico looks like. I gained an awareness about how our immigration system functions, yet also just how much more work there is to do. I think particularly because my experience was during both a global pandemic and a racial liberation revolution, I was able to witness the deep injustices and disparities that exist in our current immigration system. I am so glad that I was able to have this experience at all and that there are people in the world like those who work at NMILC.
Gabriela Garcia, DACA, SIJS, FOIA Intern
Gabriela Garcia, DACA, SIJS, FOIA Intern
Over the course of my summer experience, I worked on preparing FOIA documentation and client screenings for SIJS and DACA cases. I did this under the guidance of Anna Sheridan, Emma Kahn, and my supervisor Jasmine McGee. Aside from these tasks, I have learned important and empowering lessons in our Social Justice Learning Circle meetings that I will hold close in acknowledging and remembering the roots of our beliefs as advocates of social change. I am now evermore passionate about helping the marginalized and oppressed immigrant community that constitutes the basis of the nation we live in. I hope to be allowed the privilege of returning next summer to intern with NMILC, as I look forward to meeting with everyone in person. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity!
Aitana Villasenor, Citizenship Intern
Aitana Villasenor, Citizenship Intern
I am very thankful for my experience at NMILC. I was able to learn a lot about all the immigration policies in New Mexico as well as having the opportunity to interact with clients and work alongside lawyers and representatives. It was an unforgettable experience. At the beginning of the summer I was terrified to start working because I didn’t feel like I was qualified but everyone at the center was so kind and helpful. They made sure I was comfortable with the task they gave me and provided me with support when needed. I will never forget my time at NMILC.
