2L Victor Anzaldo Work in UC Law SF Clinic was Cited by a Judge in a Successful Asylum Decision 

Second-year law student Victor Anzaldo.

Second-year law student Victor Anzaldo’s close collaboration with a client on an asylum application at Centro Legal de la Raza made a difference. A judge cited Anzaldo’s work when approving the client’s asylum claim.

2L Victor Anzaldo 

  • Through UC Law SF’s Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, Anzaldo worked directly with clients via the immigration practice of Centro Legal de la Raza, a legal services agency founded in 1969. 
  • A judge cited Anzaldo’s work when granting asylum to a client.  
  • Anzaldo analyzed the intersection of criminal and immigration law, gaining a new understanding of how a criminal record can impact an immigrants’ legal status.

Second-year law student Victor Anzaldo shares how saw the impact of advocacy on clients’ lives through the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. 

My work at Centro Legal de la Raza was impactful because it required close collaboration with clients. Whether it involved helping a client enroll in a court-mandated class, drafting letters in support of their case, or conducting legal research on how specific criminal offenses may affect their immigration status, every action had the potential to change someone’s life.  

The work of the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at UC Law SF is essential because it gives students an opportunity to provide direct legal assistance to these individuals, ensuring that they receive fair and competent representation and due process.  

With Centro Legal de la Raza, I gained firsthand insight into the evolving nature of immigration law, the pace at which cases progress, and how judicial rulings can shift dramatically from one day to the next.  

In the clinic, I drafted a legal memorandum analyzing the intersection of criminal and immigration law, assessing how a client’s criminal record could impact future proceedings, including the likelihood of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention and removal proceedings. I also strengthened clients’ cases by composing character letters to demonstrate rehabilitation and positive contributions to society and tracking and documenting compliance with court-ordered classes and payments. 

I recently learned that a client was granted asylum, with the judge specifically citing my work in their decision. Knowing that my efforts played a role in helping someone secure a safe and stable future is an experience I will never forget. 

I’m from Imperial, Calif.—a rural, agricultural community near the U.S.-Mexico border. Growing up in this environment exposed me to the daily struggles of immigrant workers, including harsh workplace conditions and systemic discrimination. 

My background has fueled my commitment to advocating for immigrant rights. Participating in this clinic reinforced my career aspirations by demonstrating the importance of zealous client advocacy. I maintained continuous communication with clients to ensure they understood their case status and legal obligations, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. 

The clinic provided an unparalleled opportunity to work on real cases, engage with clients, and understand the realities of legal practice. 

The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.