An Advocate in U.S. Immigration (with Paulina Vera)
Episode notes
We interview Paulina Vera, a U.S. immigration attorney and professor at George Washington University. Paulina shares about her multicultural background with roots in Peru and England, her family history, and her journey into immigration law. Paulina shares personal anecdotes, including how her parents met and her experiences growing up visiting various family members. The conversation delves into the complexities of immigration law, the challenges faced by clients, and the emotional toll of handling such cases. Paulina also speaks about the importance of empathy and community for those working in immigration law. The discussion touches on her experiences working with immigrant populations from diverse backgrounds, the intricacies of immigration cases, and her role as a professor and supervisor at a law clinic. She also highlights the critical importance of legal representation in immigration proceedings and reflects on a significant case that reached the Supreme Court.
STORY:
0:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome
1:42 Paulina’s Background & Family Story
5:14 Journey into Immigration Law
8:46 Complexities of the Immigration System
21:13 Teaching & Clinical Work at George Washington University
32:11 Challenges & Rewards of Immigration Advocacy
44:06 Community Engagement & Volunteering
48:06 Personal Stories & Systemic Issues
54:10 Reflections & Closing Thoughts
BIOGRAPHY:
Paulina Vera is the Director of the Immigration Clinic at GW Law, where she trains law students and provides legal representation to asylum-seekers and individuals facing deportation in Immigration Court. A double alumna of George Washington University, she earned her J.D. in 2015 after completing her B.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in Latin American Studies. Before returning to GW as a faculty member, she served as the sole Immigration Staff Attorney at CASA, a Maryland-based nonprofit supporting immigrant communities.
Paulina is a Past President of the Hispanic Bar Association of DC and an active leader within the ABA and HNBA, where she has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. She has been recognized nationally for her advocacy and leadership, including the HNBA Top Lawyers Under 40 Award (2021) and being named one of Latino Leaders Magazine’s “Latino Lawyers to Keep on the Watch” (2024).
In addition to her legal work, Paulina manages Hermanas In The Law, an online community uplifting Latinas in all stages of the legal journey. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, she is the proud daughter of two immigrants and is deeply committed to advancing immigrant rights and representation in the law.
LINKS:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-vera-00a89439/
Email: pnvera@law.gwu.edu