WASHINGTON — Sophia Genovese’s stepfather was deported twice under former President Obama’s administration, leaving a huge impact on her and her family.
“My mom was a single mother again, trying to take care of me and my brother all by herself when she had a partner who was carrying half the load,” Genovese said. “Knowing what I know now, I see how he could have gotten status, so it’s frustrating as an immigration lawyer and as an adult that if he had access to representation, maybe he would still be here… it’s kind of a driver to do what I do.”
Genovese worked as an attorney at a nonprofit in New Mexico, specializing in asylum and detention programs and currently serves as a supervising attorney and Clinical Teaching Fellow at the Center for Applied Legal Studies clinic at Georgetown Law School.
CALS represents refugees seeking asylum or protection from the United States because they fear persecution. Georgetown law students are able to represent clients and take on a hearing case before an immigration judge.
Dec. 2, marking the last day of class for the students, Genovese had several meetings and a Zoom call with a client, continuing her work.
9:49 am: After answering emails at her office, Genovese begins the day by meeting with her co-worker and a Georgetown law student, talking about client cases. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
Genovese’s empty office while she was attending her meeting. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
10:27 am: Carrying her drink, journal, phone and sheet of paper, Genovese leaves her meeting. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
10:42 am: Shortly after the meeting, Genovese points to the items on her bulletin board. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
10:38 a.m. Genovese answers emails and looks at her notes before her clinic class with Georgetown Law students. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
12:58 a.m. Genovese joins a Zoom call with a language interpreter, waiting for the client to arrive at 1 pm. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
1:10 p.m. Genovese called the facility twice as the client did not show up to the meeting in time.
1:21 pm – “He has an impossible judge on Friday.”
The client joins and Genovese, though not the client’s lawyer, prepares him in custody of the El Paso ICE field office to navigate an immigration court hearing on Friday, Dec. 5. She prepared him for a situation where he could be denied asylum without a hearing. The client is part of her pro-bono docket. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
1:27 pm Genovese apologizes to him, saying she wishes she had more time to talk to him about his court hearing. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
3:29 pm Genovese has a meeting with the director of the clinic and a couple of the students. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
3:30 pm The door of the room shuts as Genovese speaks to the students and the director about their work. (Riddhimaa L. Kodali/MNS)
